Just over 31% of vehicles fail their MOT every year, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. And the DVSA believe that up to 50% of faults found during MOT tests could have been avoided if the owners had carried out regular maintenance checks.
While the MOT covers a vehicle’s roadworthiness on the day of the test, it is up to the owner to maintain the vehicle between MOTs. And this means there is plenty a driver can do to ensure their car retains its MOT certificate every year.
We look at the most common reasons why some cars fail their test and what you can do to give your own vehicle the best chance of passing its MOT.
The importance of an MOT
The MOT is designed to test for the minimum legal safety and environmental standards and make sure that a vehicle is roadworthy. With just a few exceptions, all vehicles over the age of three years must have an annual MOT test. And it is illegal to drive without a valid MOT – you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and points on your licence if caught.
Organisation is key to a successful MOT. To check when a vehicle’s MOT is due or to find out more details on its MOT history, you can use our convenient online checker services. MOT Reg Check is particularly convenient and is ideal if you are looking to buy a used car or don’t know the full history of a car you already own. You can then schedule its next MOT to ensure it remains safe and on the road.
Top reasons why cars fail an MOT
An MOT test will check a vehicle’s structural integrity and that the vehicle is in safe working order. However, it does not look at the engine, clutch or gearbox. With this in mind, here are the top five reasons why a car is deemed to be an MOT fail.
Lights and indicators
Almost a fifth of cars are thought to fail an MOT due to an issue with their lights. And this can often be due to a simple issue such as a faulty or blown bulb. The condition of a vehicle’s lights is also a common MOT problem, such as cracked and misted covers or the beams being out of line. Indicators too can be a common MOT fail, as they need to be in good working order, front and back.
Suspension
The condition of some of the UK’s roads are wreaking havoc on the wheels of many vehicles and suspension issues are another reason for an MOT fail. According to the RAC, problems with a vehicle’s suspension make up 13% of the total number of MOT failures. Leaky shock absorbers, snapped springs and wheel alignment are just some of the suspension trouble spots.
Brakes
An essential safety device, a car’s braking system can also be prone to an MOT fail. Worn brake pads, damaged brake discs and even issues with the handbrake are all common faults that regularly show up on MOT fail lists.
Tyres
One of the most visible working parts of any vehicle, if not checked regularly, a car’s tyres can be in poor condition come MOT time. And the tyre treads are one of the most common reasons why a vehicle fails. Legally the tread on a tyre must be at least 1.6mm, less than this and your vehicle will fail. And if your tyres are getting close to this limit, you can expect an advisory on your MOT certificate.
Driver’s view of the road
There are numerous aspects of a vehicle which can influence a driver’s ability to view the road and what is around them as they drive. And as a clear view is essential to driver as well as pedestrian and other road users’ safety, it makes a key component of the MOT check list.
Common MOT failures in this area include cracked and chipped windscreen within the driver’s eyeline, a poorly secured bonnet, windscreen wipers that have deteriorated and even empty windscreen washer bottles.
What you can do to help your car pass its next MOT
A failed MOT test is more than just an inconvenience, it can be expensive and means your vehicle is in a potentially dangerous state. So, while getting any failures fixed as soon as possible is essential, taking steps to prevent your car failing its MOT in the first place is a sensible course of action.
With the driver responsible for maintaining a vehicle in good working order between MOTs, a regular programme of ‘health checks’ for your car is vital. And just before you put your vehicle in for its next MOT, there are few extra things you can do to give it the best chance of passing first time round:
Ask someone to stand at the back of your vehicle and confirm that the brake lights come on while you sit in the driver’s seat and press the brake pedal
- Check all the lights – headlights, rear, side, indicators, fog light and hazards – are working properly.
- Is the tread on all four of your tyres within the legal limit? Also check the tyres for an bulges or splits.
- Do the seatbelts work as they should, even when you move your seat forward? Also check the seat belt webbing for any signs of wear and tear. Then tug sharply on the seatbelt to ensure they react and tighten.
- Your number plate needs to be legible and clean so a quick spruce up of both plates is a good idea. Also ensure the font and spacing of the letters comply with the legal requirements
- Make sure your windscreen wiper blades are not split or and can still wipe clean your windscreen without smearing. Don’t forget to top up the screen wash reservoir too
- And finally, does your car have enough fuel and engine oil? Sufficient levels of both are required for the MOT test, as your car will need to be tested with the engine running so the emission levels can be measured.
