Avoid MOT Fails: Essential Car Checks

Is a Malfunctioning Brake Light a Hazard?

Every year, countless vehicles head into the test centre for their annual MOT, a requirement for cars over three years old in the UK. Yet, a substantial number of these vehicles fail their MOT test, resulting in added costs, stress, and even potential dangers on the road. The RAC Drive statistics suggest that many of these MOT failures could have been easily prevented with some proactive checks and maintenance. In this article, we will delve deep into the common MOT fails and guide how to steer clear of them.

Understanding the common reasons for MOT failures can not only save you money but also ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) outlines specific criteria that vehicles must meet to receive an MOT certificate. If your vehicle fails its MOT test, you’re legally obliged to get the issues fixed before you can drive your vehicle again, unless your current MOT certificate is still valid. Let’s look at the areas where most vehicles trip up and how you can avoid being a part of those statistics.

Common MOT Failure Categories and How to Avoid Them

The MOT test is designed to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe. Failing to meet these standards can have serious consequences, not just for your wallet but for the safety of yourself and other road users. Here are the most frequent reasons for MOT failures and practical advice on how to prevent them:

1. Lamps, Reflectors, and Electrical Equipment

One of the most common reasons vehicles fail the MOT test is due to problems with their lighting and electrical systems. This can range from a simple burnt-out bulb in a headlight or taillight to more complex issues with indicator circuits or faulty reflectors. These components are crucial for visibility and for communicating your intentions to other drivers, especially during adverse weather conditions or at night.

How to Avoid:

• Regular Light Checks: Make it a habit to walk around your vehicle and check all lights – headlights (both low and high beam), taillights, brake lights, hazard lights, and indicators. Do this at least once a month.
• Bulb Replacement: Keep a stock of common bulbs for your vehicle. When a bulb blows, replace it immediately. It’s a relatively inexpensive fix that can prevent a fail.
• Electrical Connections: Periodically check the electrical connections for your lights. Ensure they are clean, free from corrosion, and securely fastened. Loose connections can cause intermittent failures.
• Reflector Integrity: Ensure all reflectors are clean, undamaged, and securely fitted. If a reflector is cracked or missing, it needs to be replaced.

2. Suspension Issues

The suspension system is vital for a car’s handling, stability, and comfort. Worn-out shock absorbers, damaged springs, or loose suspension components can significantly impact a vehicle’s safety and performance. Issues here can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor braking, and a loss of control, particularly on uneven road surfaces.

How to Avoid:

• Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any clunking, rattling, or knocking sounds coming from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
• Feel the Drive: Notice any changes in your vehicle’s handling. If you experience excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, a noticeable tilt to one side when cornering, or a general feeling of instability, your suspension might need attention.
• Visual Inspection: If you’re comfortable doing so, or during a routine service, visually inspect the suspension components for signs of wear, damage, or leaks from shock absorbers.
• Professional Servicing: Regular servicing by a qualified mechanic can help identify suspension wear and tear before it becomes a serious problem.

3. Brake Lights – A Critical Safety Component

Brake lights are arguably one of the most critical safety features on any vehicle. They are the primary way you inform drivers behind you that you are decelerating or coming to a complete stop. A malfunctioning brake light is not only a guaranteed MOT fail but also a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in busy traffic or poor visibility.

How to Avoid:

• The 'Two-Person' Check: The easiest way to check your brake lights is to have a friend or family member stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal. Alternatively, park facing a reflective surface, like a wall or shop window, and check the reflections.
• Check All Lights: Remember that most cars have at least two brake lights at the rear, and some also have a high-level brake light (CHMSL - Centre High Mounted Stop Lamp) often located on the boot lid or rear window. Ensure all of them are functioning.
• Address Immediately: If you discover a faulty brake light, replace the bulb as soon as possible. If replacing the bulb doesn't fix the issue, there might be a problem with the wiring, fuse, or brake light switch, which will require professional diagnosis.

4. Brakes – The Ultimate Safety System

The braking system is paramount to vehicle safety. Worn brake pads, low brake fluid levels, damaged brake lines, or malfunctioning brake calipers can all lead to an MOT failure. Inadequate braking performance can significantly increase stopping distances, posing a severe risk to occupants and other road users.

How to Avoid:

• Listen for Sounds: Grinding or squealing noises when applying the brakes are often indicators of worn brake pads or discs.
• Feel the Pedal: A spongy brake pedal, or a pedal that sinks too close to the floor, can indicate air in the brake lines or a problem with the master cylinder. A vibrating brake pedal might suggest warped brake discs.
• Check Fluid Levels: Regularly check your brake fluid level. It should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. Low fluid can indicate a leak or worn pads.
• Professional Inspection: It’s highly recommended to have your brakes inspected as part of your vehicle’s regular servicing. Mechanics can check the condition of pads, discs, fluid, and all related components.

5. Tyre Condition and Tread Depth

Tyres are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, making their condition absolutely vital. Worn tyres, cuts, bulges, or incorrect tyre pressures can all lead to an MOT failure. Insufficient tread depth, specifically below the legal limit of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth, severely compromises grip, especially in wet conditions, leading to dangerous aquaplaning.

How to Avoid:

• Tread Depth Check: Use a tread depth gauge or even a 20p coin. If the outer band of the 20p coin is visible when inserted into the tread groove, the tread is likely below the legal limit and needs replacing.
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your tyres for any cuts, cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. These can weaken the tyre structure and lead to a blowout.
• Correct Tyre Pressure: Ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. Incorrect pressures lead to uneven wear and affect handling.
• Rotation and Alignment: Consider having your tyres rotated periodically to ensure even wear, and check your wheel alignment if you notice uneven wear patterns or if the car pulls to one side.

6. Driver’s View of the Road

A clear and unobstructed view of the road is essential for safe driving. The MOT test scrutinises the condition of the windscreen, mirrors, and wiper blades. Large chips or cracks on the windscreen, particularly in the driver’s direct line of sight, can cause an MOT failure. Similarly, worn-out wiper blades that don't clear the screen effectively, or a lack of screenwash, can also result in a fail.

How to Avoid:

• Windscreen Inspection: Check your windscreen for any damage. Small chips that don't obstruct the driver's view may be repairable, but larger cracks or those in critical areas will likely require a windscreen replacement.
• Wiper Blade Condition: Ensure your wiper blades are not perished, torn, or leaving streaks. Replace them if they are not clearing the screen effectively.
• Screenwash: Keep your screenwash reservoir topped up with a good quality fluid, especially during winter months when dirt and salt can quickly obscure your vision.
• Mirror Check: Ensure all mirrors (door mirrors and interior mirror) are securely fitted, intact, and provide a clear view.

7. Headlamps – Illumination and Alignment

Properly functioning and correctly aligned headlamps are crucial for visibility at night and in poor weather conditions. The MOT test checks that headlamps are present, functioning correctly, and that their beams are aimed appropriately. Misaligned headlamps can dazzle oncoming drivers or fail to illuminate the road sufficiently.

How to Avoid:

• Bulb Functionality: Check both your dipped beam and main beam headlights are working.
• Alignment Check: While you can’t easily adjust headlamp alignment yourself without specific equipment, if you notice that your headlights seem too high, too low, or are causing issues for other drivers, it’s worth having them checked professionally. Many garages can adjust them during a service.
• Cleanliness: Keep your headlamp lenses clean and free from dirt or fogging.

8. Registration Plate (Number Plate) Issues

It might seem trivial, but the condition and presentation of your number plates are subject to MOT regulations. A dirty, damaged, obscured, or incorrectly fitted number plate can lead to a fail. The characters must be legible, and the plates must be securely attached and meet specific size and spacing requirements.

How to Avoid:

• Keep Them Clean: Regularly clean your number plates to ensure they are easily readable.
• Check for Damage: Ensure there are no cracks, fading, or delamination that makes the characters illegible. Replace damaged plates promptly.
• Secure Fitting: Make sure the plates are securely fastened to the vehicle. Loose plates can be a hazard.
• Correct Format: Ensure the plates adhere to the DVSA’s specifications regarding font, size, spacing, and the manufacturer’s mark.

9. Indicators – Signalling Intentions

Indicators are essential for communicating your driving intentions, such as turning or changing lanes. Faulty indicators, whether they are not flashing, flashing too fast (indicating a blown bulb), or not illuminating at all, will cause your vehicle to fail the MOT. The colour of the light emitted is also checked.

How to Avoid:

• Flashing Check: Similar to brake lights, have someone check your indicators from the outside while you operate them. Also, listen for the clicking sound from the cabin – a faster click usually means a bulb has gone.
• Replace Bulbs: Keep spare bulbs handy and replace any faulty indicator bulbs immediately.
• Electrical Faults: If a new bulb doesn’t fix the problem, investigate the wiring and connections.

The Importance of Proactive Maintenance

While the annual MOT might seem like a daunting hurdle, a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of an MOT failure. Many of the common failure points are due to issues that could have been easily detected and rectified with regular checks.

Think of your MOT as a snapshot of your car's condition on a particular day. However, regular maintenance throughout the year ensures your car is consistently roadworthy and safe. By incorporating these simple checks into your routine, you not only increase your chances of passing your MOT with flying colours but also contribute to the overall longevity and reliability of your vehicle.

MOT Checklist Summary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can drive your car if your current MOT certificate is still valid. If your MOT has expired, you can only drive it to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair. Driving without a valid MOT when required is illegal.

Q2: How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum fee for an MOT test is set by the government and varies depending on the type of vehicle. For cars, the maximum fee is currently £54.85. Garages may charge less, but cannot charge more than the maximum fee.

Q3: What happens if my brake light is out? Is it an MOT fail?
Yes, a malfunctioning brake light is a definite MOT fail. It's also a safety hazard as it prevents other drivers from knowing you are braking.

Q4: How often should I check my tyres?
It’s recommended to check your tyre pressure and condition at least once a month and before any long journeys.

Q5: Can a cracked windscreen cause an MOT fail?
Yes, a crack or chip on the windscreen can cause an MOT fail if it is larger than 10mm within the driver’s line of sight, or larger than 40mm in any other swept area of the windscreen.

Conclusion:

By being aware of these common MOT failure points and adopting a routine of regular checks and basic maintenance, you can significantly improve your vehicle’s chances of passing its MOT test. More importantly, you’ll be ensuring your vehicle is safe, reliable, and a responsible presence on the road for everyone’s benefit. Don't wait until your MOT is due; make vehicle care an ongoing practice.

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