Car Fails MOT: What Next?

Discovering your car has failed its MOT can be a frustrating experience, but it's a common occurrence and crucial for road safety. Understanding the process and your options is key to getting back on the road legally and safely. This guide will walk you through what happens when your vehicle doesn't pass its MOT, what the 'advisory' notes mean, and how to find a trustworthy garage, like those found through Approved Garages, to carry out the necessary repairs.

What Does it Mean if My Car Fails its MOT?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual check to ensure your vehicle meets the required road safety and environmental standards. If your car fails, it means it has one or more 'dangerous' or 'major' defects that must be rectified. You will be given a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' which outlines the reasons for the failure. Crucially, you cannot legally drive your car on public roads if it has failed its MOT, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment for repair or to a pre-booked MOT test appointment. Driving a car without a valid MOT certificate is an offence and can result in fines and penalty points.

Understanding Your MOT Failure Report

The MOT failure report is divided into categories of defects:

• Dangerous Defects: These are faults that pose a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. A vehicle with a dangerous defect must not be driven until it is repaired.
• Major Defects: These are faults that could compromise the safety of the vehicle, put others in danger, or have an adverse effect on the environment. A vehicle with major defects must be repaired immediately.
• Advisory Items: These are items that are not serious enough to cause an MOT failure at the time of the test, but could become more serious in the near future. They are noted on the MOT certificate as 'advisories' and should be monitored and addressed to prevent future failures or safety issues. Think of them as preventative maintenance recommendations.

It's important to review this report carefully. The more detailed the report, the better you can understand what needs fixing. Reputable garages will explain these points clearly.

What Are the Most Common MOT Failures?

While a wide range of issues can cause a failure, some are more common than others. These often relate to:

Tyres

Tyres are critical for safety. Common issues include:

• Insufficient Tread Depth: The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread.
• Damage: Cuts, bulges, or cracks in the tyre sidewall.
• Incorrect Pressure: While not a direct failure point, significantly under or over-inflated tyres can affect handling and safety.
• Incorrect Fitment: Tyres not being the correct size or type for the vehicle.

Brakes

Brake system integrity is paramount. Failures can occur due to:

• Worn Brake Pads or Discs: Insufficient thickness or visible damage.
• Brake Fluid Leaks: Any sign of fluid loss is a serious issue.
• Ineffective Brakes: The braking system must demonstrate adequate stopping power.
• Faulty Handbrake: The handbrake must hold the vehicle on a gradient.

Lights

All lights must be present, correctly positioned, and functioning. Common failures include:

• Broken or Missing Lights: Headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators.
• Incorrect Colour: For example, white rear lights or red front lights.
• Misaligned Headlights: Affecting visibility and potentially dazzling other drivers.

Suspension and Steering

Components that affect a car's handling and stability:

• Worn Shock Absorbers: Leaking or excessively worn.
• Damaged Suspension Springs: Cracked or broken.
• Loose Steering Components: Worn ball joints or track rod ends.

Exhaust Emissions

The exhaust system is checked for leaks and the emissions are tested. Failures can result from:

• Excessive Smoke: Particularly from diesel engines.
• High CO2 or Hydrocarbon Levels: Indicating inefficient combustion.
• Leaking Exhaust System: Can be a safety hazard due to fumes entering the cabin.

What Can You Do If Your Car Fails?

You have a few options when your car fails its MOT:

Option 1: Get it Repaired at the Same Garage

If your car fails, you can leave it at the test centre for repair. If you leave it there, the garage can carry out the necessary work and conduct a partial re-test, which is usually free of charge if completed within 10 working days. This is often the simplest solution, especially if you trust the garage.

Option 2: Take it Elsewhere for Repair

You can choose to take your car to a different garage for repairs. In this case, you will need to arrange for the vehicle to be transported (e.g., by towing) or driven to the new garage legally (only if it has a valid MOT or is en route to a pre-booked repair appointment). Once repaired, you will need to book a full MOT re-test at an authorised testing station. You will have to pay for this full re-test.

Option 3: Drive it to a Pre-booked Repair Appointment

As mentioned, you can drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT to a place of repair, provided you have a pre-booked appointment. This is a legal exception, but it's crucial that the appointment is genuinely booked.

Finding a Trusted Garage

Finding a reliable and trustworthy garage is essential, especially after an MOT failure. This is where services like Approved Garages can be invaluable. Approved Garages partners with a network of highly-rated garages across the UK, including in areas like Darlington.

When searching for a garage, look for:

• Accreditation: Garages approved by recognised associations often adhere to strict standards.
• Customer Reviews: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction.
• Transparency: A good garage will provide clear explanations of the work needed and upfront pricing.
• Qualified Technicians: Ensure the mechanics are properly trained and certified.
• Use of Quality Parts: Garages that use Original Equipment (O.E.) or matched quality parts ensure your vehicle's warranty is protected and the repairs are durable.

Approved Garages allows you to easily locate approved mechanics in your area, view their services, check availability, and even book online. This simplifies the process of finding a reputable repair centre.

Costs Involved

The cost of repairs will vary depending on the nature of the defects. Some common repair costs can include:

Please note: These are approximate costs and can vary significantly based on vehicle make, model, parts used, and garage labour rates. Always get a detailed quote before authorising work.

The Importance of a Valid MOT

A valid MOT certificate is not just a legal requirement; it's a vital component of road safety. It ensures that your vehicle is regularly inspected for potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failure. Maintaining your vehicle and addressing advisory items promptly can help prevent future MOT failures and keep you and other road users safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?

You can only drive your car if it has failed its MOT if you are driving it to a pre-booked appointment for repair or to a pre-booked MOT re-test. Otherwise, it is illegal to drive on public roads.

Q2: How long do I have to get my car repaired after it fails?

There is no legal time limit to get your car repaired after an MOT failure. However, you cannot drive the car on public roads until the necessary repairs are completed and it passes a re-test, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked repair appointment.

Q3: What is the difference between a 'major' defect and an 'advisory'?

A 'major' defect means the car has failed and must be repaired. An 'advisory' item is a note about a potential issue that isn't serious enough to cause an immediate failure but could become a problem in the future. You should address advisories to maintain your vehicle's safety and prevent future failures.

Q4: Do I have to get the repairs done at the same garage that failed my car?

No, you are free to choose any garage to carry out the repairs. If you choose a different garage, you will need to book a full MOT re-test once the work is completed.

Q5: Can I get a refund if my car fails its MOT?

No, MOT fees are for the test itself, not a guarantee of a pass. You will have to pay for any necessary repairs and potentially a re-test fee.

In conclusion, while failing an MOT can seem daunting, it's a necessary part of ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy. By understanding the process, the common reasons for failure, and by choosing a trusted garage like those found through Approved Garages, you can get your car repaired efficiently and safely, keeping you on the road with confidence.

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