Mirror, Mirror, On The Car: Pre-MOT Checks

With the cost of motoring continuing its upward trajectory, it's no surprise that more and more drivers are rolling up their sleeves and tackling vehicle maintenance themselves. While this can be a fantastic way to save money and gain a deeper understanding of your car, it's crucial to ensure you're not overlooking the finer details. One area that might seem minor but can have significant implications, especially when it comes to the dreaded MOT test, is your car's door mirrors. JTAPE, a specialist in automotive tapes and protection films, has issued a timely reminder to motorists to give their wing mirrors a thorough once-over before heading to the testing station. Chris Jevons, Commercial Director at JTAPE, highlights that seemingly small issues with mirrors can indeed lead to advisories or even outright failures.

Why Are Door Mirrors So Important for Your MOT?

The MOT test is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe to drive on public roads. Mirrors are a fundamental component of a vehicle's safety system. They provide the driver with crucial visibility of their surroundings, particularly the areas that cannot be seen directly. This includes:

• Blind Spots: Essential for safe lane changes and navigating traffic.
• Reversing: Aids in manoeuvring the vehicle safely, especially in tight spaces.
• General Awareness: Allowing drivers to monitor traffic approaching from behind and to the sides.

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which conducts MOT tests in the UK, mirrors must be in good condition and correctly positioned. A mirror that is unsecured, broken, or improperly adjusted can significantly impair a driver's ability to see and react to hazards, thus failing to meet the required safety standards.

Common Mirror Mishaps That Can Lead to MOT Failure

Chris Jevons of JTAPE has outlined several common problems that drivers should be aware of. These are the kinds of issues that inspectors will be looking for, and rectifying them beforehand can save you time, money, and the stress of a failed test.

1. Cracked or Damaged Mirror Glass

This is perhaps the most obvious reason for a mirror to be flagged. If the glass in your door mirror is cracked, chipped, or has any significant damage that obstructs your view, it's likely to be a fail. Even a small crack can distort your vision, making it harder to judge distances or identify other road users. The glass needs to be clear and intact. For minor chips, specialist repair kits might be an option, but for anything more substantial, a replacement mirror is usually necessary.

2. Loose or Unsecured Mirrors

Your mirrors need to be firmly attached to the car. If a mirror is loose, wobbly, or appears to be on the verge of falling off, it will be a fail. This is because a loose mirror cannot be relied upon to provide a stable and accurate view of your surroundings. Vibrations from the road can cause it to move, rendering it useless. Ensuring the mirror housing is securely fastened to the door is paramount. This often involves checking the mounting bolts or clips from the inside of the door panel.

3. Improperly Adjusted Mirrors

While the MOT tester won't necessarily adjust your mirrors for you, they will check if they are positioned correctly. Each door mirror should offer a clear view of the road to the side and rear of the vehicle, and importantly, help to minimise blind spots. If a mirror is angled so drastically that it offers little to no useful view, it could be a point of concern. Drivers should ensure their mirrors are adjusted to provide the widest possible field of vision. Many modern cars have electric mirror adjustment, but the fundamental requirement remains: the mirror must be set to be effective.

4. Missing Mirrors

This might seem self-evident, but it's worth stating. If one or both of your door mirrors are missing entirely, your car will not pass its MOT. Legally, cars manufactured after a certain date are required to have mirrors on both sides. Even on older vehicles where only one might have been originally fitted, having both in good working order is always recommended for safety.

5. Obscured Mirrors

This is where the advice from JTAPE becomes particularly relevant. If your mirrors are covered by something that obstructs the view, such as incorrect or damaged protective film, excessive dirt, or even stickers that aren't approved, they can cause a fail. For instance, if a driver has applied a tinted film to the mirror glass to reduce glare, and this film is damaged or too dark, it could lead to an advisory or fail. It's essential that the mirror surface is clear and unobstructed.

Pre-MOT Mirror Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

To help you avoid any last-minute surprises, here’s a straightforward guide to checking your door mirrors before your MOT:

1. Visual Inspection: Walk around your car and look at each door mirror. Check for any cracks, chips, or significant damage to the mirror glass. Also, check the mirror housing for any signs of damage or looseness.
2. Wiggle Test: Gently try to move each mirror. Does it feel solid, or is it loose and wobbly? If it moves excessively, investigate the mounting.
3. Adjustment Check: Sit in the driver's seat and adjust each mirror. Can you achieve a clear view of the road behind and to the side? Ensure there are no major blind spots created by the mirror's position or condition.
4. Cleanliness: Make sure the mirror glass is clean. Remove any dirt, mud, or condensation that might obscure your view.
5. Film/Sticker Check: If you have any protective films or stickers on your mirrors, ensure they are intact, correctly applied, and do not impair visibility. JTAPE specialises in high-quality automotive films, so if you're considering using one, opt for a reputable product designed for automotive mirrors.

Table: Common Mirror Issues and MOT Outcomes

Here's a quick reference guide:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can a small chip in my door mirror cause my car to fail its MOT?

A1: It depends on the severity and location of the chip. If the chip significantly obstructs your view or causes distortion, it's likely to result in an advisory or a fail. If it's a very minor chip in an area that doesn't impede your vision, it might be overlooked, but it's always best to err on the side of caution and check.

Q2: My driver's side mirror is a bit loose, what should I do?

A2: You should tighten the mounting bolts or clips that secure the mirror housing to the door. This might involve removing the interior door card to access them. If you're unsure how to do this, it's best to consult a mechanic or a specialist.

Q3: Is it okay to use a universal stick-on mirror replacement if mine is broken?

A3: As long as the stick-on mirror is securely attached, provides a clear and unobstructed view, and is the correct type for your vehicle (e.g., flat or convex as originally specified), it should be acceptable. However, ensure it doesn't add excessive weight or cause the mirror to become loose.

Q4: What if my car only has one door mirror (e.g., older vehicles)?

A4: For vehicles manufactured before certain dates, the regulations might differ regarding the number of mirrors required. However, for most modern vehicles, both door mirrors are essential. Regardless of the legal minimum for older cars, having both mirrors in good working order significantly enhances safety.

Q5: Can I use a special anti-glare film on my mirrors?

A5: Yes, you can use films designed to reduce glare, provided they are approved for automotive use and do not impair your vision or the mirror's effectiveness. Ensure the film is applied correctly and is not damaged. If in doubt, it's better to stick with clear, standard mirror glass.

Conclusion

As the advice from JTAPE suggests, paying attention to the seemingly small details, like the condition of your door mirrors, can make a significant difference when it comes to passing your MOT. A quick, thorough check before your test can save you from unexpected failures and the associated costs. Remember, clear and secure mirrors are not just a legal requirement; they are vital for your safety and the safety of others on the road. So, before you book that MOT, give your mirrors the attention they deserve!