MOT Failures: Common Mistakes & What You Need to Know

Understanding Your Car's MOT: Common Pitfalls and What Fails It

The annual MOT test is a crucial milestone in a vehicle's life, ensuring it meets essential safety and environmental standards. For many drivers, it can be a source of anxiety, akin to waiting for exam results. However, new research from Halfords reveals that a significant number of motorists are unaware of common, easily rectifiable issues that can lead to an MOT failure. Driving a car with an expired MOT can result in a hefty fine of up to £1,000, making it vital to understand what testers are looking for and to perform a few simple checks at home beforehand. This article delves into the surprising reasons your car might fail its MOT and highlights three common mistakes that many drivers are making, often without realising the risks.

What Exactly is an MOT Test?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles that are three years or older in the UK. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vehicles on the road are safe to drive, environmentally compliant, and meet the minimum legal requirements. The test covers various aspects of your vehicle, including:

• Body and Vehicle Structure: Checks for corrosion, damage, or any modifications that could affect structural integrity.
• Fuel System: Inspection of pipes and connections for leaks.
• Exhaust Emissions: Testing to ensure emissions are within legal limits.
• Exterior Lights: Verification that all lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators) are working and correctly positioned.
• Doors, Mirrors, and Other Associated Parts: Ensuring doors open and close properly, mirrors are secure, and other external fittings are present and safe.
• Seats and Seatbelts: Checking for wear and tear, proper functioning, and correct fitting.
• Brakes: Comprehensive testing of the braking system, including performance and condition.
• Tyres: Examination of tyre condition, tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), and correct inflation.
• Windscreen: Checking for damage or obstructions that could impair the driver's vision.
• Wipers and Washers: Ensuring they function effectively to clear the windscreen.
• Horn: Testing for correct operation.
• Registration Plates: Ensuring they are securely fitted and readable.
• Steering and Suspension: Checking for wear and tear, and proper functioning.
• Visibility: Ensuring the driver has a clear view of the road.

Surprising Reasons for MOT Failure: What Drivers Get Wrong

While most drivers are aware that major issues like bald tyres or broken headlights will cause a failure, many are unaware of the smaller, often easily fixable, problems that can also lead to an MOT fail. Research by Halfords has shed light on some significant knowledge gaps:

1. Screenwash Fluid Level

Perhaps one of the most surprising findings is that 71% of drivers did not know that running out of screenwash fluid could result in an MOT failure. The MOT testers check if the windscreen washer system is working and if there is sufficient fluid to operate it. While it's a simple and inexpensive fix to top up your screenwash, failing to do so means your car will not pass the test. This is directly related to the 'Visibility' section of the MOT, ensuring the driver can maintain a clear view of the road in all conditions.

2. Windscreen Stickers and Obstructions

A significant 60% of drivers were unaware that certain windscreen stickers could cause an MOT failure. The rule states that any sticker that obstructs the driver's view of the road is a fail. This includes items like sat-nav mounts, air fresheners hanging from the mirror, or even certain types of window tinting if they affect visibility. Drivers must ensure that nothing on the windscreen impedes their direct line of sight. While some stickers are permitted, their placement and size are critical.

3. Under-Inflated Tyres

Contrary to what 56% of drivers believed, passing the MOT with under-inflated tyres is not possible. Tyres are a critical safety component, and their condition, including correct inflation, is rigorously checked. Under-inflated tyres can affect handling, braking, and increase the risk of a blowout. It’s essential to check your tyre pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, typically found in your car's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door.

Other Common MOT Mistakes

Beyond these top three, several other less obvious issues can lead to an MOT failure:

• Windows Not Opening: While 33% of drivers thought this was a fail, it is not. As long as the driver's window can be opened manually, it should pass. However, if a window is stuck shut and cannot be opened, it could be considered a failure.
• Damaged Windscreen Wipers: A concerning 31% of drivers didn't realise that damaged windscreen wipers would cause a fail. Wipers are essential for visibility, and if they are torn, degraded, or don't clear the screen effectively, they will result in a fail.
• Registration Plates: A quarter (25%) of drivers incorrectly thought they could pass their MOT without a registration plate. This is fundamentally untrue; a vehicle must have both front and rear registration plates that are securely fitted, clean, and fully readable.
• Missing Wing Mirror: While 24% thought a missing wing mirror might be acceptable, it is indeed a fail. Cars require a minimum of two mirrors, one of which must be the driver's side door mirror.
• Non-Working Radio: Only 3% of drivers thought a broken radio would cause a fail, and they were correct in their understanding that it wouldn't. The functionality of your car radio has no bearing on whether it passes its MOT.

Can You Fix an MOT Fail at Home?

The good news is that many of the common reasons for MOT failure can be easily and cheaply fixed at home. This not only saves you money on potential re-testing fees but also ensures your car is safer to drive.

DIY Checks You Can Do

• Screenwash: Keep your screenwash bottle topped up with a good quality screenwash fluid.
• Tyre Pressure: Check your tyre pressures regularly using a reliable gauge and inflate them to the recommended levels. Don't forget to check the spare tyre if you have one.
• Lights: Walk around your car and check all your lights – headlights (dipped and main beam), taillights, brake lights (get someone to help), indicators, and hazard lights. Replace any bulbs that have blown.
• Windscreen: Ensure there are no chips or cracks in the windscreen within the driver's direct line of sight (an area typically defined as the arc swept by the wipers). Remove any unnecessary stickers that might obstruct your view.
• Wipers: Inspect your wiper blades for any signs of cracking or perishing. If they leave streaks or judder across the screen, it's time to replace them.
• Registration Plates: Ensure your plates are clean, securely attached, and that the characters are clear and legible.

What Happens If Your Car Fails its MOT?

If your vehicle fails its MOT, it is illegal to drive it on the road, except to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a place of repair. If your car fails, the MOT test centre will provide you with a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate' (VT30) which details the reasons for the failure. You will need to get the necessary repairs done and then have the vehicle re-tested.

Re-testing Rules

In most cases, if your car fails its MOT, you can leave it at the test centre for repairs. If you take it away for repairs, certain items can be re-tested free of charge if they are presented within 10 working days of the original failure. These are typically 'limited' or 'advisory' items. However, if the car fails on 'dangerous' defects, it must not be driven until these are rectified and it passes a full MOT test.

Comparison of Common MOT Fails

Here's a quick overview of common MOT fails and the percentage of drivers unaware of them:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
It is illegal to drive a vehicle that has failed its MOT, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT test appointment or to a place where repairs are to be carried out. If you are stopped by the police, you could face a fine and penalty points.

Q2: How long do I have to get repairs done after failing my MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you should get the necessary repairs done as soon as possible. You can have the repairs done at the test centre or elsewhere. If you take the car back to the same test centre within 10 working days, some parts can be re-tested free of charge.

Q3: What if my car fails due to a dangerous defect?
If your car has a dangerous defect, it must not be driven on the road under any circumstances until the defect is fixed and the vehicle passes a new MOT test.

Q4: Does my car need an MOT if it's less than three years old?
No, vehicles generally require their first MOT test when they are three years old. After that, they need an MOT every 12 months.

Q5: Can Halfords do a free safety check?
Yes, according to the information, Halfords Autocentres offer a free safety check, which can help identify potential issues before your MOT test.

Conclusion

The MOT test is a vital part of ensuring road safety. While it can seem daunting, understanding the common reasons for failure, including those that might surprise you, can save drivers time, money, and potential legal trouble. By performing a few simple checks at home – such as topping up screenwash, checking tyre pressures, and ensuring all lights are working – you can significantly increase your car's chances of passing its MOT and keep it safe on the road.

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