MOT Test Fails: Brakes & Tyres Top the List

The annual MOT test is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK, designed to ensure that cars, vans, and other passenger vehicles meet roadworthiness and environmental standards. However, a significant number of vehicles fail this vital inspection each year, leading to unexpected costs for owners and, more importantly, posing risks to road safety. Recent analysis has shed light on the primary reasons behind these failures, with a particular focus on the alarming prevalence of issues related to brakes and tyres. This comes at a time when the government is considering a controversial proposal to delay the first MOT for new vehicles and extend the testing interval thereafter, a move that has raised concerns among automotive experts and safety advocates.

Common Culprits for MOT Failure

While the MOT test covers a wide range of checks, from lighting and emissions to steering and suspension, certain components consistently appear as the leading causes of failure. According to the latest data analysed by the RAC, lighting issues, including faulty lamps, reflectors, and indicators, account for the largest proportion of all MOT failures, making up just over a quarter (25.5%) of the total. Following closely behind are problems with the suspension system, which represent nearly a fifth (18.3%) of all failures. These are followed by issues with brakes (17%) and tyres (12%), with poor visibility, often due to windscreen damage, rounding out the top five at 8.7%.

However, the RAC highlights that while lighting and suspension issues are frequent reasons for a standard MOT failure, it is the dangerous defects related to brakes and tyres that are of greatest concern. These are the faults that automatically result in a vehicle failing the test and being deemed unsafe to drive until repaired. Alarmingly, nearly one in ten (8%) of all MOT tests result in a fail due to at least one dangerous defect being identified.

The Critical Role of Brakes and Tyres

The statistics are stark when it comes to dangerous defects. Brakes and tyres together account for a staggering 88% of all 'dangerous defects' identified during MOT tests. This underscores the critical importance of regular checks and maintenance of these two fundamental safety components. The RAC's analysis indicates that approximately 7.3 million vehicles fail their MOT annually in the UK. Of these, around 2.4 million are cars and vans with dangerous problems, with the vast majority stemming from issues with their braking systems or tyres.

The significance of these components is further amplified by their direct link to road casualties. Department for Transport (DfT) figures reveal that vehicle defects were a contributory factor in numerous road traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities. In 2021, 26 people were killed in crashes where vehicle defects played a role. Faulty brakes were identified as the most common defect type, contributing to 750 casualties and 10 fatalities. Tyres, whether worn, defective, or underinflated, were the second most common defect linked to accidents, contributing to 491 injuries and, tragically, 12 deaths. This data strongly suggests that neglecting brake and tyre maintenance can have life-threatening consequences.

Proposed Changes to MOT Testing

The government is currently consulting on plans to significantly alter the MOT testing schedule. The proposed changes include delaying the first MOT for new cars and vans from the current three-year mark to four years, and then extending the testing interval to every two years thereafter (biennially). Ministers argue that this would save drivers approximately £100 million annually and align the UK with the practices of several other European nations, such as Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, where longer intervals between roadworthiness checks are already in place.

However, these proposals have met with considerable opposition. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has expressed strong reservations, warning that such a change would be detrimental to overall road safety and could particularly impact consumer confidence in electric vehicles (EVs). Their research suggests that EVs, due to their heavier weight, higher torque, and faster acceleration, experience faster tyre wear than comparable petrol or diesel vehicles. While tyre manufacturers dispute this, citing specialised tyre designs for EVs, the IMI points to historical data showing EVs having a higher MOT failure rate, primarily due to tyre issues.

A significant portion of drivers also appear to be against the proposed changes, with an RAC poll indicating that over half (55%) of drivers believe extending the MOT checks is a bad idea. The RAC itself has voiced concerns that relaxing MOT rules could lead to an increase in unroadworthy vehicles on the road, thereby making the roads more dangerous.

What Drivers Can Do: Proactive Maintenance

Given the critical nature of brakes and tyres, and the potential implications of changes to MOT regulations, proactive vehicle maintenance is more important than ever. Drivers are strongly advised to conduct regular checks on their tyres and brakes between official MOT tests.

Tyre Checks at Home

Checking your tyre tread depth is a straightforward process that can be done at home. A simple method involves using a 20 pence coin. Insert the coin into the deepest part of the tyre's tread groove. If the outer band of the 20 pence coin is visible, the tread depth is below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, and the tyre will likely fail an MOT. It's also crucial to check for any cuts, bulges, or damage to the tyre's sidewalls and ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, as indicated in your vehicle's handbook.

Brake System Awareness

While detailed brake inspection requires professional knowledge, drivers can be alert to warning signs. These include a spongy or soft brake pedal, grinding noises when braking, a car pulling to one side when braking, or the brake warning light illuminating on the dashboard. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate professional inspection.

The Importance of Routine Servicing

Regular vehicle servicing, as recommended by the manufacturer, plays a vital role in preventing MOT failures. Servicing typically includes checks on essential components such as brakes, tyres, lights, fluid levels, and suspension. Addressing minor issues identified during routine servicing can prevent them from escalating into major defects that could cause a vehicle to fail its MOT, and potentially lead to more costly repairs down the line.

Understanding MOT Failure Categories

Since a major overhaul in May 2018, MOT tests categorise failures into five types: 'Pass', 'Pass with minor defects', 'Pass with advisories', 'Fail - dangerous', and 'Fail - major'. Minor defects are those that are not dangerous but should be repaired soon. Advisories are recommendations for future maintenance. Dangerous defects are those that render the vehicle unsafe to drive, requiring immediate repair. Major defects are serious issues that also need to be addressed promptly but may not immediately deem the vehicle unroadworthy.

The Cost of an MOT and Fines

The maximum fee for an MOT test in the UK is currently capped at £54.85. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate can lead to significant penalties, including a fine of up to £1,000. This highlights the legal necessity of keeping your vehicle's MOT up-to-date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the most common reasons for an MOT failure?
The most frequent reasons for MOT failures are issues with lighting, followed by suspension problems, brakes, and tyres. However, dangerous defects are most commonly found in the braking system and tyres.

Q2: How often should I check my car's tyres?
It is recommended to check your tyre tread depth and pressure at least once a month, and before any long journeys. A simple check can be done using a 20 pence coin.

Q3: What are the proposed changes to the MOT test schedule?
The government is considering delaying the first MOT for new vehicles to four years after registration, and then conducting tests every two years thereafter.

Q4: Are electric vehicles more likely to fail their MOT?
Some research suggests that electric vehicles may have a higher MOT failure rate, particularly due to tyre wear, although tyre manufacturers dispute this. Data indicates that tyre issues are a significant factor in EV MOT failures.

Q5: What should I do if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, it must be repaired to meet the required standards. You can either have the repairs done by the test centre or take it elsewhere. The vehicle can only be driven if the defect is repaired or if it is being driven to a pre-arranged MOT test appointment.

In conclusion, while the MOT test serves as a vital safety net, the prevalence of failures, particularly those related to critical components like brakes and tyres, is a cause for concern. Proactive driver awareness and regular maintenance are essential to ensure vehicle safety and compliance, especially as discussions around the future of MOT testing continue.