As a vehicle owner, you probably understand the importance of an MOT. You’re probably also aware that an MOT is mandatory as long as your car is over three years old. If you’re a new car owner, passing an MOT takes more than just servicing your car to get you from point A to B. Your car can move just fine and still fail its MOT.
If your car doesn’t pass the test, you will be issued a VT30 or a refusal certificate that mandates you to fix all the flagged issues if you want your car to return to the road. That said, if you need some tips to understand if your car will fail its MOT, this article will help. This way, you’ll know what needs fixing before visiting a DVSA-authorised MOT centre. The list isn’t exhaustive, but it does capture the common issues that result in a failed MOT.
Number plate
Your car can fail its MOT if the number plate is damaged, not present at all, or the information is no longer visible. It may be seen as a deliberate attempt to prevent the ANPR cameras from having good access to your car plates. What’s more, if you’re on the hunt for a used car, the plates registered to a car are important to ensure you’re not buying a stolen vehicle. You should check the car’s MOT history and make sure the plates match the car you want to buy. Thieves can sell stolen cars with swapped plates.
Lights and electrical (horn battery and wiring)
When driving, the signaling made to other road users is possible thanks to your car’s lighting system. A very significant percentage of failed MOT has been linked to the lights. Therefore, your vehicle’s lighting must be 10/10, as faulty lighting is an instant fail at the test centre.
From your headlamps to the reverse, brake, fog, and even the plate lights, the tester will look out for the condition of all your lights. Conditions such as flickering, broken lamps, or poor illumination may lead to MOT failure. The colours of your car’s reflectors are also checked for positioning. If you travel mostly during the day, chances are you may not know your lighting isn’t all that great. You’ll do well to get it checked before an impromptu need and, of course, before you visit the MOT centre. Make sure the light that illuminates your plates is functioning.
Electrical equipment that’ll not escape testing includes the car battery, horn, and wiring. Your battery should be well-positioned and tightly secured in its position. The tester will also check the battery terminals to ensure they’re firmly secured and that the battery is devoid of electrolyte leakages. A poorly secured terminal might stop the car during motion if there is a disconnect. This can be dangerous to other drivers, especially if you’re on the highway.
Furthermore, your car’s horn should be loud enough for the vehicle type. The sound must not be breaking, but should be continuous and, at the same time, not deafening. Finally, the wiring should be well secured, without exposing the copper.
Steering and suspensions
Your car’s steering will be tested by turning it in all possible directions. Your car could fail if turning is significantly difficult for the tester. Turning should be smooth, If not, it may be a sign of a faulty steering pump, which can impair your ability to make a proper turning when needed. The suspension test involves raising the vehicle to inspect the springs and shock-absorbers unit. A total collapse or breakage of the springs and severe corrosion may cause your car to fail MOT.
Brakes
Inspection of the brakes includes the brake pads, hand brake functioning, anti-lock braking, braking efficiency, and so on. The first stop is usually your brake pads. The acceptable minimum for brake badges is 1.5 mm. Anything below could cause your car to fail the MOT. If your ABS, i.e, the anti-lock braking system, is also faulty, your car might fail its MOT. Faulty or disabled ABS is easily read on the dashboard.
Tires and wheels
Here is another area that shows up easily. The test center will ensure your tires have visible damage, such as cuts, tears, bulges, or excessive wear. Vehicle tires should not have a tread lower than 1.6mm by law. Anything below this limit will result in a failed MOT. The aspect ratio of tires is also checked as it is an indication of performance.
Seat belts
Seat belts have been saving lives, and it’s one of the major checks during your visit to the MOT centre. Your car seat belt will be checked for its securing integrity, if it’s the appropriate size, etc. There must be no rips, visible signs of severe wear or tear, or patches. Also, your seat belts should firmly secure passengers..
Exhaust/fuel/engine oil
The exhaust and emissions will be checked when the car’s engine runs to ensure it is devoid of any leakages and if the emissions are within limits. A major leak will likely make your car fail, while a major leak may only attract an advisory note.
The fuel system is also checked for leaks. So, you must ensure the tap cap is sealed. Usually, the engine is not checked. However, visible signs of severe engine oil leakages can be flagged, especially if it poses a danger.
Windscreen wipers
The tester will sit in your vehicle and ensure that there are no obstructions in the view of whoever will be driving the car. There can be no significant damage like chips or cracks that may impair the line of vision. Usually, the acceptable damage on a windscreen should not be more than 10mm if the damage is in the driver’s line of vision. If it is elsewhere on the windscreen, the acceptable length of damage can’t be more than 40mm.
