17/07/2011
The annual MOT test is a cornerstone of road safety in the UK, ensuring that vehicles on our roads meet minimum legal standards. However, recent data suggests that a significant number of motorists, including owners of classic cars, are failing to prepare adequately for this crucial inspection. This raises the question: should you be worried about MOT failures in the UK?
Understanding the MOT Test
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles that are three years or older. It's designed to check that your vehicle meets roadworthiness and environmental standards. The test covers various aspects of your vehicle, including:
- Body and Vehicle Structure: Checking for excessive corrosion, damage, or modifications that could affect safety.
- Fuel System: Ensuring there are no leaks and that the system is properly secured.
- Steering and Suspension: Inspecting for wear and tear, proper operation, and security.
- Brakes: A thorough check of the braking system's performance, condition, and efficiency.
- Tyres: Examining tread depth, condition, and correct tyre type for the vehicle.
- Lights: Verifying all lights are present, working correctly, and visible.
- Wipers and Washers: Ensuring they function effectively to clear the windscreen.
- Seatbelts: Checking for condition, operation, and correct fitting.
- Exhaust Emissions: Testing the vehicle's emissions to ensure they meet legal limits.
- Visibility: Ensuring the driver has a clear view of the road, including checking the windscreen.
The Rise in MOT Failures: A Cause for Concern?
Recent data has highlighted a surprising number of MOT failures, even among vehicles that might be perceived as well-maintained. Dean Allsop, director of Clayton Classics, commented on the findings, stating, “These MOT fail results for UK motorists are quite surprising and should act as a warning to all vehicle owners, no matter the age of the car, to consider the test.”
Classic Cars and the MOT
While many might assume that classic cars, often cherished and meticulously maintained by their owners, would sail through their MOTs, the data suggests otherwise. Last year, a significant 48,848 historic vehicles were tested voluntarily. Of these, a staggering 7,831 (16 percent) failed the test. More alarmingly, 3,018 (6.18 percent) of these classic vehicles were found to have at least one "dangerous" defect, meaning they were immediately illegal to drive on the road.
Previous data from 2019 to 2021 revealed that approximately one in five classic cars failed their MOTs. During this period, 121,204 cars aged over 40 underwent voluntary testing, with around 25,000 failing to be deemed roadworthy. This indicates that age alone is not a guarantee of passing an MOT, and diligent maintenance is crucial.
Dean Allsop added, “Classic cars should be used and enjoyed, so having a good network of trusted contacts who can offer appropriate testing and advice really helps to get the best out of the vehicle. Keeping a classic car also comes with a level of responsibility, so an optional MOT that can be tailored to the features of the model is a sensible choice.”
The Debate: Is the MOT Fair for Classics?
However, not everyone agrees that the current MOT system is entirely suitable for classic vehicles. Fuzz Townshend, host of the popular TV show Car SOS, has voiced concerns that many classic cars cannot meet the same safety standards as modern vehicles. He argues that the test, designed with contemporary vehicles in mind, can be unfair to older cars.
Townshend explained his viewpoint to Classic Car Weekly: “If modern equipment is leading to failures because classics can’t meet the same standard as modern cars - a brake testing machine would barely register an Austin Seven, for instance - putting an old car through a test designed for modern cars is increasingly like putting me in a shell suit. It’s not a good look."
This raises a valid point: are the testing methodologies and standards consistently applied to vehicles from vastly different eras? While safety is paramount, the application of modern testing equipment to vehicles with fundamentally different engineering principles can lead to discrepancies.
Common MOT Failure Points
Regardless of the age of your vehicle, certain areas are more prone to MOT failures. Understanding these can help you prepare and potentially avoid a failed test:
Table: Common MOT Failure Categories
| Category | Common Defects | Impact on Safety |
|---|---|---|
| Braking System | Worn discs/pads, low fluid, faulty handbrake, leaks | Reduced stopping power, uneven braking, loss of control |
| Tyres | Insufficient tread depth (below 1.6mm), cuts, bulges, incorrect pressures | Poor grip, increased stopping distances, risk of blow-out |
| Lights | Missing, faulty, or incorrectly aimed lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators) | Reduced visibility for the driver, inability to signal intentions to other road users |
| Suspension | Worn shock absorbers, damaged springs, loose components | Poor handling, instability, increased tyre wear |
| Visibility | Cracked or damaged windscreen, ineffective wipers/washers | Obstructed view, reduced visibility in adverse weather |
| Exhaust Emissions | Excessive pollutants, faulty catalytic converter, exhaust leaks | Environmental pollution, reduced engine performance |
| Body & Structure | Significant corrosion (especially on chassis, suspension mounts, seat belt anchors), sharp edges | Compromised structural integrity, potential for component detachment |
Preparing Your Vehicle for the MOT
Proactive maintenance is key to a successful MOT. Here are some steps you can take:
- Regular Servicing: Adhere to your vehicle's service schedule. This helps catch potential issues before they become serious problems.
- Pre-MOT Checks: Perform your own checks before the test. Look at your tyres, lights, wipers, and check for any obvious damage or corrosion. Many garages offer free or low-cost pre-MOT checks.
- Know Your Testable Items: Familiarise yourself with what the MOT test covers. Resources from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) are readily available online.
- Address Minor Issues: Don't ignore small problems. A bulb that's out or a tyre that's slightly low on pressure can lead to a failure.
- For Classic Cars: Seek out specialist garages that have experience with older vehicles and their specific requirements. They may be able to offer advice tailored to your classic.
The Importance of Voluntary Testing
Even if your vehicle isn't yet due for its MOT, voluntary testing, particularly for classic cars, can be a wise decision. It allows owners to identify and rectify any potential issues before they become critical or result in a failure when the official test is due. It's a way to ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy, preserving its value and your enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I still drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can drive your car to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a place of repair if your current MOT certificate is still valid. If your MOT has expired, you cannot legally drive your car on public roads unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test or to a place of repair. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is illegal at all times.
Q2: What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, the vehicle will be issued with a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate'. The vehicle must then be repaired to meet the minimum standards. You can then have the vehicle re-tested. If the car is left at the test centre for repair, it can usually be re-tested free of charge if done within a certain timeframe (usually 10 working days). If you take the car away for repair, a partial re-test may be charged.
Q3: Are MOT test centres inspected?
Yes, MOT test centres and testers are regularly monitored by the DVSA to ensure they are following the correct procedures and standards.
Q4: Does the MOT test check the engine?
The MOT test does not check the general mechanical condition of the engine, gearbox, or clutch. However, it does check for exhaust emissions and ensures these are within the legal limits. It also checks for oil leaks that could cause a hazard.
Q5: Should I be worried about MOT failures?
While it's understandable to be concerned about a potential failure, being worried is less productive than being prepared. By understanding the test, performing regular maintenance, and addressing minor issues promptly, you significantly increase your chances of passing. The MOT is a vital safety check, and any failure indicates a potential safety risk that needs addressing.
Conclusion
The MOT test remains a critical component of road safety in the UK. While the debate continues regarding the application of modern testing standards to classic vehicles, the fundamental aim of ensuring roadworthiness is undeniable. For all vehicle owners, understanding the test, maintaining your vehicle diligently, and addressing potential issues proactively are the best ways to avoid the stress and inconvenience of an MOT failure. Don't wait for the official test; stay on top of your vehicle's condition, and you'll be better prepared for whatever the MOT throws your way.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT Failures: Are UK Drivers Truly Prepared?, you can visit the Motoring category.