Keen to steer clear of some of the most common MOT fails? To help increase the likelihood of your vehicle effortlessly passing its next MOT, our team of qualified mechanics has complied a comprehensive list of MOT fails that you should be aware of.
We also explain the most common faults that can lead to the receipt of a Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate (also known as a VT30 certificate). Instead of spending more of your hard-earned money on MOT re-tests, you can pass with flying colours the first time by simply following our expert advice.
What can fail an MOT?
To help you understand the various issues that can result in an MOT failure, our expert team have created a comprehensive list of MOT fails. While your MOT may also note both ‘minor’ and ‘advisory’ issues, we focus on ‘major’ and ‘dangerous’ faults that are more likely to lead to MOT failure.
MOT fail list
- Broken lights and indicators – such as blown light bulbs
- Suspension issues – such as broken coil springs
- Braking system faults – such as worn brake pads
- Poor tyre condition – such as low tyre tread depth
- Issues affecting driver’s view of the road – such as a crack within the driver’s eyeline
- Illuminated engine management light – often an MOT failure depending on the year of the car
What do cars usually fail MOT on?
While there are many individual issues that can result in MOT failure, there are three common MOT fails that are often the cause of vehicles failing their MOT. This includes faults with the lights, suspension, and brakes. We explore each one of these significant MOT issues in more detail below.
Faults with lights and signalling
According to the RAC, nearly a fifth of all cars fail their MOT due to a light issue. While this is often not an expensive or time-consuming issue to fix (such as changing a blown bulb), it can easily lead to MOT failure as functioning and effective lights are essential for both safely driving after dark and signalling.
To avoid failing your MOT for light issues, you should safely switch on your headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights and walk around the vehicle to check they’re all working. You can also check the brake and reversing lights with help from a friend, while ensuring none of the lights are obscured by damage, dirt, or stickers.
Suspension faults
With one in ten MOT failures being attributed to suspension issues, it’s no wonder that suspension faults are one of the most common MOT fails on our list. Unfortunately, suspension issues can be harder to identify and diagnose as the vehicle often needs to be raised to spot broken coil springs and other problems related to the suspension.
One way to check if there’s an issue with the suspension on your vehicle is to listen out for any unusual clunking sounds. You can also take a walk around the car to see whether the vehicle is sitting level or is lower on one side than the other. If so, this might indicate an issue with your suspension.
Brake faults
Just like suspension issues, the RAC found that brake system faults were also the cause of MOT failure in one in ten cars. Like suspension problems, braking issues also tend to require more investigation to determine the exact issue, such as whether the fault lies in the handbrake, brake pads, or brake discs.
If you hear squealing and grinding when braking, this is often an indication that there’s something wrong with the braking system. Not to mention, if your vehicle struggles to remain in place when parked with the handbrake engaged while on a hill, this definitely requires attention from an experienced mechanic.
How easy is it to fail an MOT?
Unfortunately, it’s very easy to fail an MOT. In fact, according to SMMT, a mammoth 1.5 million vehicles end up failing their MOT due to small (and therefore often overlooked) issues. These simple yet important faults can include issues like blown bulbs, low tyre tread depth, and windscreen cracks.
Can I take my car to another garage if it fails MOT?
Yes, you can often take your car to another garage if it fails its MOT. However, it must still be in a roadworthy condition, with a current valid MOT, and no ‘dangerous’ faults. If the vehicle doesn’t meet these strict requirements, then it will need to be repaired where it is before the driver can take it back on the road.
Professional MOTs at ART Garage Crewe
The best way to avoid MOT failure and the various issues we’ve identified on our MOT fail list is to ensure your vehicle receives regular servicing and tests. Here at ART Garage Crewe, we provide professional and affordable MOT services to help keep your vehicle on the road and up to date with its MOTs.
Our expert team has years of invaluable experience carrying out MOTs on a wide range of different vehicle makes and models. Regardless of whether you want to book a Crewe-based MOT for your car or motorcycle, please feel free to get in touch with our team to learn more about our MOT services and costs.
Conveniently located within the historic city of Crewe, you’ll find our fully equipped MOT test centre. A prime location for locals as well as vehicle owners from surrounding towns and cities, it boasts high-end diagnostic tools, a supply of genuine OEM parts, and a team of qualified mechanics to boot.
So, if you want to avoid unnecessary fines and issues with your vehicle, while also ensuring it meets all the relevant UK rules and regulations, get in touch today. Despite our dealership-level of service, you can still benefit from the great prices you’d expect from your local garage.
To find out more about our MOT services, prices, and availability, please feel free to call our friendly and knowledgeable team today on 0127 021 4445. We also welcome enquiries submitted using our convenient online contact form. However you decide to get in touch, we hope to hear from you soon.
