5 reasons you could fail an MOT

An MOT is an annual test that “checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards” says the government website.  

It assesses whether your car is roadworthy and is usually required from the third year of its registration.  

If you’re getting ready to book an MOT online near you and want to find out what could cause your car to fail, take a look at the information below. 

1. Lighting and signalling 

Your vehicle could fail its MOT if the lights aren’t working properly. This includes the headlights, number plate lights, brake lights, fog lights and front and rear indicators. 

It’s worth asking a friend or family member to help you check that all your lights are in good working order before your MOT test. 

Turn the lights on and walk around the car to check that they’re on and flashing as they should. You should also make sure that there are no cracks or blown bulbs.  

1. Tyres 

Another reason a vehicle could fail its MOT is if the tyres aren’t in good enough condition.  

You should regularly check the state of your tyres, including making sure the tread depth is at least 1.6mm.  

A handy trick for this is to get a 20p coin and pop it into the grooves of your tyres. If the outer band of the coin isn’t visible, then your tread depth should be over the legal limit.  

1. Brakes 

If you have issues with your braking system, you could fail your MOT.  

As you’re driving, listen out for strange noises as you brake such as squeaking or screeching. This could mean that your brake pads need to be changed. 

Another sign that your brakes need attention is if your car vibrates or pulls to the left or right when stopping. If this happens, you should get in touch with your garage straight away.   

1. Suspension 

Suspension damage could affect your car passing its MOT. This could be damage such as a broken spring or a faulty shock absorber.  

It can be hard to identify faulty suspension visually, but you can check to see if your car isn’t sitting level at all four corners.  

Other telltale signs include your car veering to one side while driving, the steering and manoeuvring seeming trickier, or you’re feeling more bumps and shakes during your journeys. 

1. Driver’s view of the road 

It’s essential that you can see the road clearly while behind the wheel. So if anything is obstructing your view, you could fail your MOT.  

This includes items blocking the windscreen such as dash cams, air fresheners or satnavs, as well as cracks or chips that affect your line of sight. 

Your bonnet must close securely and your windscreen washers need to be in working order, so it’s worth filling your reservoir before the test.  

There are many other reasons why your car may fail its MOT. If you want more information, speak to an approved test centre or check out the government’s guide that details the car parts that are checked during an MOT test.