The Most Common Reasons for Failing MOT

The MOT, or Ministry of Transport test, is what most vehicle owners think of as an annual formality that they can ignore. For them, it is a test that can be passed easily; all they have to do is take their vehicle to the garage and wait for the test to be completed. But, if the test were so simple, then every year thousands of vehicles would not fail the test every year. Not every time a vehicle fails the test because of a major engine issue or some kind of major accident with the vehicle.

Sometimes, the reason can be a simple one and a small one which might have been overlooked. These small issues can build up over time and can catch vehicle owners off guard by causing issues with their vehicle. A lot of times, drivers can identify these problems by conducting some simple checks. This blog will cover in detail the most common reasons causing a vehicle’s MOT failure, and what checks they can make to ensure their vehicle will pass the test.

Faulty Lights

One of the most common reasons for a vehicle’s MOT failure is if there is some kind of fault with the vehicle’s lighting system. As the lights are used constantly when a vehicle is driven, it faces a lot of problems over time. But, drivers only check the headlights and notice its problems because they use them regularly. A lot of times, apart from the headlights, the other bulbs of the vehicle are not checked.

During the MOT test in Reading, the examiner will check the vehicle’s brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights, and the reserve light of the vehicle. As not all the lights can be checked from the inside easily, issues with them might not be noticed that easily. 

The examiner will check even the small details related to lights, which include the alignment of lights. That's why, before taking their vehicle to the test, vehicle owners should ensure proper working of all the above-mentioned lights of a vehicle; if they find some kind of problem with it, then it should be replaced on time. This will ensure that they can pass the test on the first attempt and don’t have to worry about giving a retest.

Issues With Tyres

Every vehicle owner in the UK should know that the UK government has set a legal tread depth limit for tyres. This means that the tread of a tyre should be at least 1.6 mm. But, the tread is not the only factor on which the passing or failing of a vehicle in the MOT will be based. Various hidden reasons can cause a vehicle’s MOT failure. This includes problems like cracks on the sidewall, tyres having small cuts, bulges, or uneven wearing of tyres. The problems might not feel that serious at first, but they can cause problems with the vehicle’s safety.

As the main purpose of MOT is to ensure a vehicle’s safety, the tyres must be in good condition for the vehicle to pass. Some problems can cause issues with the working of the vehicle’s braking system and stability, which include issues like tyre pressure not being at the right level. To know if tyres are not in good condition and might cause a vehicle’s MOT failure, one should look out for problems like uneven wear. 

Windscreen and Washer System

The windscreen of the vehicle is the only part through which the driver can have a clear view of the road in front of them. That’s why it needs to be in perfect condition so that the vehicle is safe and secure to drive. If the visibility is not proper, then it might lead to an accident. Issues like tiny chipping of the windscreen or having cracks on it can cause a vehicle’s MOT failure. The reason for even such small issues causing failure is the problems they might cause with the driver’s line of sight.

If the small chip is overlooked for a long time, then it will turn into a big one, and might become an even more expensive problem. The most overlooked reason that causes issues with the windscreen and its overall condition is the wipers that clean the windscreen. If the wiper blades are worn out, then they will not be able to clean the windscreen properly, and might also damage it.

One of the best ways to solve all such small issues is for drivers to get Car service in Reading done before taking the vehicle to the test centre. A service repairs and fixes all the problems with a car, and that’s why it might be a really good solution.

Conclusion

In most cases, cars do not fail their MOT because of major problems, but because of some small issues which are overlooked most of the time. These small issues can be prevented easily if noticed on time. Problems like brakes not working properly, issues with the lighting system, or the windscreen not being in good condition can be identified by making the required checks for it, and taking the required steps to ensure it is solved. So, drivers should make the required checks, ensure that the problems are solved, and the vehicle is ready to pass the test.