15/06/2021
The MOT, or Ministry of Transport test, is a crucial annual check for vehicles over three years old in the UK. It's designed to ensure your car is safe to drive and meets environmental standards. While the thought of failing can be stressful, a little preparation and understanding can make the process much smoother. This guide will walk you through common reasons for MOT failures and provide actionable advice to help your vehicle pass with flying colours.
Understanding the MOT Test Categories
The MOT test is divided into several key areas, each scrutinised by a qualified tester. Familiarising yourself with these categories will help you identify potential problem areas on your own vehicle. * General Check: This includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), registration plate, lights, steering and suspension, windscreen, and wipers. * Brakes: The efficiency and condition of the braking system are paramount. This covers brake fluid, pipes, hoses, and the performance of both the service and parking brakes. * Tyres and Wheels: Tyres must meet minimum tread depth requirements (1.6mm) and be free from cuts or bulges. Wheel condition and security are also checked. * Fuel System: The fuel system must be leak-free, and the fuel cap must seal properly. * Exhaust Emissions: Your vehicle's emissions must meet the prescribed limits depending on its age and fuel type. * Seatbelts: All seatbelts must be present, correctly fitted, and in good working order. * Seats: Seats must be securely fixed. * Doors: Doors must open and close correctly, including the engine cover and boot. * Mirrors: Mirrors must be present, secure, and in good condition. * Lights: All lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators, must be working and correctly aligned. Headlight aim is particularly important. * Body Structure and General Construction: The vehicle's bodywork must be free from excessive corrosion or damage that could compromise its structural integrity. * Visibility: The windscreen must be clear and free from chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight. The condition of the wipers and washers is also checked.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
While the MOT test covers a wide range of components, certain issues crop up more frequently than others. Addressing these proactively can significantly increase your chances of a successful test. 1. Tyre Tread Depth and Condition: This is arguably the most common reason for failure. Tyres worn below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm, or those with damage like cuts, bulges, or exposed reinforcing cords, will result in an automatic fail. Even minor damage or uneven wear can be enough. 2. Brake System Issues: Problems with the brakes are a serious safety concern. This can range from worn brake pads and discs to leaking brake fluid, corroded brake pipes, or inefficient brake performance. A car that doesn't stop effectively or pulls to one side under braking will fail. 3. Lighting Faults: Non-functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, or indicators are immediate fail items. Incorrectly aimed headlights can also lead to failure, as they can dazzle oncoming drivers. 4. Windscreen Damage: While minor chips might be permissible, any damage to the windscreen within the driver's field of vision, or cracks exceeding 40mm, will cause the vehicle to fail. 5. Suspension and Steering Components: Worn suspension bushes, damaged shock absorbers, or loose steering components can compromise handling and safety, leading to a fail. 6. Exhaust Emissions: If your vehicle's exhaust emissions exceed the legal limits, it will fail. This can be due to issues with the catalytic converter, exhaust leaks, or engine management problems. 7. Corrosion: Excessive corrosion on the vehicle's structure, particularly on the chassis, suspension mounting points, or sills, can be a critical failure point. 8. Wiper and Washer Functionality: Windscreen wipers that don't clear the screen effectively, or washer jets that don't spray water, can lead to a fail, especially if they impair visibility.
Proactive Checks You Can Do At Home
Before you even book your MOT, a few simple checks can help you identify and potentially fix minor issues, saving you time and money. * Tyres: Check the tread depth using a 20p coin. If you can see the Queen's head clearly, your tread is likely too low. Also, inspect for any visible damage or uneven wear. * Lights: Turn on all your lights – headlights (dipped and main beam), taillights, brake lights, and indicators. Ask a friend or use reflections to ensure they are all working correctly. * Windscreen: Clean your windscreen thoroughly and check for any chips or cracks, especially in the driver's line of sight. * Wipers and Washers: Test your wipers and ensure the washer fluid reservoir is topped up. Check that the wipers clear the screen effectively. * Horn: Ensure your horn works and sounds as it should. * Fluid Levels: Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels. * Bodywork: Visually inspect your vehicle for any obvious signs of excessive corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and chassis.
What Happens If Your Car Fails?
If your vehicle fails its MOT, it's not the end of the world. The tester will provide you with a 'refusal of an MOT certificate' detailing the reasons for failure. You will have a number of options: * Leave the Test Centre: You can drive your car away from the test centre if it has a valid MOT certificate and the faults are not 'dangerous'. However, if the faults are dangerous, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on the road. * Undertake Repairs at the Test Centre: Many MOT centres offer repair services. If the repairs are minor and can be completed on the same day, your car may not need a re-test. * Take Your Car for Repairs Elsewhere: You can take your car to another garage for repairs and then return it for a partial re-test. If you have the repairs done within 10 working days and leave the vehicle at the original test centre, certain items may not need to be re-tested.
Understanding Dangerous Faults
Some faults are classified as 'dangerous'. If your vehicle has any dangerous faults, you must not drive it on the road until it has been repaired. Driving a vehicle with dangerous faults is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Preparing for Your MOT: A Checklist
| Component | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Tyres | Tread depth (min 1.6mm), no cuts, bulges, or damage. Correct tyre pressure. |
| Lights | All lights working (headlights, taillights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights if fitted). Correct alignment. |
| Brakes | No warning lights, adequate brake fluid, no visible leaks. (Professional check recommended for performance). |
| Windscreen | No cracks or chips larger than 40mm, or smaller than 10mm in the driver's line of sight. |
| Wipers/Washers | Effective wiping, sufficient washer fluid. |
| Horn | Working correctly. |
| Bodywork | No excessive corrosion in critical areas (e.g., sills, suspension mounts, chassis). |
| Exhaust | No obvious leaks or damage. (Emissions tested at the centre). |
| Seatbelts | Condition and proper function. |
| Mirrors | Secure and in good condition. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I drive my car if it fails its MOT?A: You can drive your car if it has a valid MOT certificate and the faults are not classified as 'dangerous'. If the faults are dangerous, you cannot drive it on the road until repaired.
- Q: When should I get my MOT done?A: You can get your MOT done up to one month before your current MOT expires. The new expiry date will be the same day of the month as the previous expiry date, but in the next year.
- Q: How much does an MOT cost?A: The maximum price for an MOT is set by the government, but garages can charge less. For cars, the maximum price is £54.85 (as of recent regulations).
- Q: What happens if my MOT expires?A: It is illegal to drive a vehicle on public roads without a valid MOT certificate. You could face a fine and penalty points on your licence.
- Q: Can I fail an MOT for having a dirty car?A: While a dirty car isn't a direct fail, the tester needs to be able to see components clearly. If excessive dirt or mud obscures essential parts like lights, number plates, or tyre condition, it could lead to a failure. By understanding the MOT process and performing regular checks, you can significantly reduce the risk of failure. A well-maintained vehicle is not only safer but also more likely to pass its annual inspection without any unwelcome surprises. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle remains roadworthy and compliant with legal requirements.
If you want to read more articles similar to Passing Your MOT: A Comprehensive Guide, you can visit the Maintenance category.