What are the most common MOT failures
Monday 13th February 2023
What is the purpose of an MOT?
All cars in the UK that are more than three years old must pass a yearly MOT test. The mandatory check tests various components inside and outside of your vehicle, ensuring it meets the minimum legal requirements to be considered safe and roadworthy.
What are the most common MOT failures?
To learn more about everything that is included in an MOT test, read our detailed guide. If you are looking to find out what the common MOT fails are, we have listed them below:
Tyres
Tyres are a common cause of MOT failure. Your tyre pressure and tread depth should be checked throughout the year to ensure they are legal. We also recommend remembering to check your spare tyre as well.
Suspension
Though suspension issues can be harder to spot, they should not go unnoticed as they can be a common MOT fail. Suspension issues can also alter your wheel alignment and affect your tyres, that’s why we recommend booking an annual car service to help identify any suspension issues you may have incurred over the year.
Brakes
According to the DVSA, 10% of MOTs fail on brakes. Brake issues typically present themselves in the form of spongy pedals, grinding noises or your car pulling to one side. These signs indicate wear to your brake pads which will need to be replaced.
Lighting
This seems like a relatively obvious MOT fail; however, it still catches a lot of motorists out. According to the DVSA, nearly a fifth of all vehicles fail their MOT due to lighting issues. This can be down to a blown bulb, misty lenses or cracks to your headlights, fog lights, hazard lights, rear lights, brake lights and reversing lights.
Visibility
Poor visibility or obstruction to the windscreen is also another common MOT fail. Being able to see the road clearly is vital for safe driving, yet an alarming number of MOT fails are a result of issues affecting the drivers’ view of the road. Objects obscuring your vision such as air fresheners, Sat Navs, ineffective windscreen wipers or cracks and chips to your windscreen can all be factors.
Familiarising yourself with these common MOT fails and our MOT preparation tips can help you better prepare and pass your next MOT test. If your vehicle has failed its MOT, you may be wondering what happens next or whether you can drive without an MOT. If you are looking to book in for your MOT, simply locate your local Formula One Autocentre today.
