13/04/2017
It's a familiar, and often dreaded, ritual for car owners across the UK: the annual MOT test. While the intention is to ensure road safety and environmental responsibility, a failed MOT can be a stressful and costly experience. Understanding the common pitfalls is the first step towards a successful test. This article delves into the most frequent reasons for MOT failures, offering insights and advice to help you navigate the process smoothly. Whether you're a seasoned driver or new to the road, being informed is key to keeping your vehicle roadworthy and compliant.
The Importance of the MOT Test
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a mandatory annual inspection for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vehicles meet the minimum safety and environmental standards required for use on public roads. A successful MOT certificate indicates that your vehicle is deemed safe and roadworthy at the time of inspection, covering critical areas such as braking systems, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, and emissions. Regular maintenance is crucial, as many common failure points can be identified and rectified during routine servicing before they become MOT issues. Ignoring these aspects can not only lead to a failed test but also compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
While the MOT test covers a wide range of checks, certain areas consistently contribute to vehicles failing. Understanding these can help you proactively address potential problems.
1. Lighting and Signalling
This is consistently one of the most common reasons for MOT failures. Issues with lights can range from a simple blown bulb to more complex problems with wiring or light units themselves.
- Headlights: Incorrect aim (too high or too low), dim or flickering headlights, or non-functioning bulbs. Headlights must also be the correct colour (white or yellow for main headlights).
- Taillights: Broken or missing lenses, non-functioning bulbs, or incorrect colour (red).
- Brake Lights: One or more brake lights not illuminating when the brake pedal is pressed. This is a critical safety feature.
- Indicators: Non-functioning indicators, flashing too fast or too slow, or incorrect colour (amber).
- Number Plate Lights: The rear number plate must be clearly illuminated by a white light.
2. Tyres
Tyre condition is paramount for safety and is a significant factor in MOT success. The legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth.
- Tread Depth: Tyres worn below the legal limit will cause an automatic fail.
- Damage: Cuts, cracks, bulges, or any visible damage to the tyre sidewalls or tread.
- Incorrect Fitment: Tyres of different sizes or types fitted on the same axle (unless they are a matching pair for specific 4x4 vehicles).
- Inflation: While not a direct fail, under-inflated tyres can be flagged for safety concerns.
3. Brakes
The braking system is a critical safety component, and any issues here will result in a failure. Testers check for the effectiveness and condition of the braking system.
- Brake Fluid: Low brake fluid levels or contamination can indicate leaks or other issues.
- Brake Pad and Disc Wear: Severely worn brake pads or discs are a common failure point.
- Brake Performance: The vehicle must demonstrate adequate braking force on all wheels during the rolling road test.
- Handbrake: The handbrake must be able to hold the vehicle stationary on a gradient.
4. Steering and Suspension
These components are vital for a car's handling and stability.
- Worn Suspension Components: Damaged or excessively worn shock absorbers, springs, or other suspension parts.
- Loose Steering Components: Excessive play in steering racks, ball joints, or tie rods.
- Power Steering: Leaks or malfunctions in the power steering system.
5. Exhaust Emissions
For diesel vehicles manufactured after 2006 and petrol vehicles manufactured after 2001, a check of the exhaust emissions is carried out. This ensures the vehicle is meeting environmental standards.
- Excessive Smoke: Particularly for diesel vehicles, visible smoke from the exhaust can indicate combustion problems.
- Incorrect Emissions Readings: The vehicle's emissions must fall within the prescribed limits for its age and fuel type.
- Catalytic Converter: A missing or faulty catalytic converter will lead to a failure.
6. Windscreen and Wipers
The driver's visibility is crucial for safe driving.
- Windscreen Damage: Cracks or chips in the windscreen within the driver's primary field of vision (generally a 4cm chip or a 1cm chip in the driver's line of sight).
- Wiper Operation: Wipers must clear the windscreen effectively. If they smear or leave streaks, it can be a fail.
- Washer Fluid: The washer system must spray fluid onto the windscreen.
7. Body and Chassis
The structural integrity of the vehicle is assessed.
- Corrosion: Significant rust or corrosion on structural parts of the chassis, suspension mounting points, or the bodywork can be a failure.
- Sharp Edges: Protruding sharp edges on the bodywork that could pose a hazard.
- Doors: Doors must open and close correctly from both the inside and outside.
Preparing Your Car for the MOT
The best way to avoid an MOT failure is to be proactive with your car's maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Regular Servicing: Don't wait for the MOT to check your car. Regular servicing will catch many potential issues before they become serious.
- Pre-MOT Checks: Before booking your MOT, do a thorough visual inspection yourself. Check all your lights, tyres, wipers, and fluid levels.
- Tyre Tread: Ensure your tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread. You can use a tyre tread depth gauge or a 20p coin to check.
- Lights: Walk around your car and check that all lights are working and clean.
- Wipers and Washers: Make sure your wipers are in good condition and that the washer fluid reservoir is topped up.
- Brakes: Listen for any unusual noises when braking and ensure the handbrake is effective.
- Windscreen: Check your windscreen for any chips or cracks that might cause a failure.
What Happens After a Failed MOT?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, you will be given a 'Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate' document, which details the reasons for the failure. You will typically have a period of time (usually 10 working days) to have the necessary repairs carried out and present the vehicle for a partial retest. However, it's important to note that if your current MOT certificate has expired, you cannot drive the vehicle on the road until it has passed a new MOT test, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair. Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and can result in fines and penalty points.
Understanding Your MOT Report
Your MOT test result will come with a report. This report will clearly state whether your vehicle has passed or failed. If it has failed, it will list the specific reasons for the failure, categorised as either 'dangerous' or 'major' defects. 'Dangerous' defects mean the vehicle must not be driven until repaired. 'Major' defects require repair but the vehicle may still be driven to a place of repair. It's crucial to understand these classifications to ensure you take the correct action.
Can Kwik Fit Fail My MOT?
Yes, any authorised MOT testing station, including Kwik Fit, can fail your vehicle if it does not meet the required standards. The provided anecdote about a successful puncture repair at Kwik Fit highlights their ability to provide excellent service for specific repairs. However, a puncture repair, while important for tyre safety, does not guarantee an MOT pass. The MOT test is a comprehensive inspection covering numerous safety and environmental aspects. A vehicle could have a perfectly repaired puncture but still fail the MOT due to issues with its lights, brakes, tyres (other than the repaired one), emissions, or any other component checked during the test.
Why the Distinction?
It's vital to understand that a repair centre like Kwik Fit performs repairs. The MOT test is an independent assessment of the vehicle's condition against specific legal requirements. While Kwik Fit is an authorised MOT testing centre, their primary function is vehicle maintenance and repair. The MOT tester will assess the vehicle objectively on the day of the test. A positive experience with a repair does not influence the outcome of the MOT itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about MOT Failures
Q1: My car failed its MOT, but it passed last year. What could have changed?
Vehicles can deteriorate over time, and wear and tear can lead to new faults developing. Even if your car passed last year, components can fail or wear out between tests. Regular maintenance can help identify and address these issues before they become MOT failures.
Q2: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?
You can only drive your car if its existing MOT certificate is still valid, and you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT appointment or to a place of repair. Driving with an expired MOT certificate is illegal.
Q3: How long does a retest take after an MOT failure?
This depends on the testing centre. Many offer a free retest if the vehicle is brought back within a specified period (often 10 working days) after the initial failure, and only specific items were rectified. If the vehicle is taken elsewhere for repairs, a full retest may be required.
Q4: What should I do if I disagree with the MOT result?
If you believe your vehicle has been failed incorrectly, you can appeal the decision. You will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). There are specific procedures and time limits for appeals.
Q5: Are all MOT centres the same?
All authorised MOT centres must adhere to the same standards set by the DVSA. However, the quality of service and the thoroughness of pre-MOT checks can vary between centres.
Conclusion
The MOT test is a crucial part of responsible car ownership in the UK. By understanding the common reasons for failure and by keeping up with regular maintenance, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful test. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle is not only safer for you and others but also more reliable and economical in the long run. Don't let the MOT be a source of unnecessary stress; be prepared, be informed, and drive with confidence.
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