Common Mistakes That Can Lead To MOT Failure

Believe it or not, failing your MOT test is more than an inconvenience. Those who have gone for an MOT test know how harrowing it can be to fail the annual inspection, especially when the cause is something like a flickering light bulb or worn-out seatbelts. However, this doesn't mean you have to be afraid of this test. Rather, you should prepare sensibly in order to pass it, hopefully on your first try.

But to do that, you should learn more about the common mistakes that most car owners make when they go for this government-mandated inspection. Hence, you can simply avoid these mistakes to greatly improve your chances of passing when you go for an MOT Test in Watford. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to learn more about the topic and know how to avoid failing the MOT test.

Trouble With Car Lights

First and foremost, the thing you should take care of before an MOT is the car lights. By lights, we mean all the lights you can find on your car, be it the headlights, the taillights, brake lights, ignition lights, indicators, cabin lights, and even the warning lights on the dashboard. We know that your car might have a ton of lights and bulbs, and it might be hard to keep track of all of these lights at once.

But, if you want to pass the MOT, then you should at least make sure that all these lights are functional, that the bulbs are not flickering, that there is no faulty wiring, and that the glass is not foggy. Once you do this, you can easily pass the MOT. If you are unable to tackle this by yourself, we suggest going for a Car Servicing Watford prior to the MOT for optimal results.

Keep An Eye On Your Tyres

Yes, your tyres play an equally important role in the MOT as they do in your cars. While you may wonder how one can fail an MOT due to issues with the tyres, as they are perhaps one of the most checked car components, you should know that tyres are also the leading cause behind an MOT failure. In fact, they amount to almost 15 to 20% of the total MOT failures.

Thus, you should keep an eye on your tyres and go for tyre maintenance services quite regularly. Moreover, you should make sure that your tyres are inflated properly before heading to an MOT and that there is no sign of physical damage or tread problems.

Failing Brake System

This shouldn’t be a surprise. Any problem with the car's brakes will automatically result in an MOT failure. The test ensures the road worthiness of a car. As such, you have to check whether the car is safe to drive. So, any vehicle with a failing brake system can’t possibly pass the MOT test.

As such, you should make sure that your brake system is in optimal shape. Check the rotors, brake pads, and pedal for wear and tear. You should even check for any signs of leakage.

Worn Out Suspension

A worn-out or damaged suspension can also land you in trouble when you go for an MOT test. This will lead to a failure, as a damaged shock absorber can easily lead to the car losing control on the road, which is a safety hazard. As such, if you want to pass the MOT, you should go for regular car servicing to ensure that your suspension system remains in optimal shape. Moreover, you should avoid driving your car over potholes or any obstacles to preserve the condition of your suspension.

Dangerous Emission Levels

As per the regulations and standards set by the government, a car can only emit a certain number of pollutants. If it exceeds this limit, it can lead to drastic problems, one of which is MOT failure. The MOT is conducted to check whether the car is in compliance with environmental regulations and to ensure it is not harming the planet.

However, any fault in the exhaust system, be it a worn-out component or leakage, can lead to a direct failure as it will impact the emission levels of your car, making your car dangerous to drive.

Obscure Registration Plate

An obscure registration plate will also lead to an MOT failure. Yes, the registration plate is also checked during the test, and believe it or not, it is one of the leading causes of failure, amounting to almost 10% of total MOT failures. As such, you have to make sure that your registration plate is not only visible but that the numbers are also eligible and clear while following all the regulations. You should also check that your registration plate is not damaged, as it can hinder visibility, leading you to fail the test.

Obstacles In The Driver’s Line Of Sight

When you are driving your car, make sure nothing is blocking your view of the road. An obstacle in the driver’s line of sight is an automatic MOT failure. Hence, you should make sure that your mirrors are in good shape and that they are not cracked. Moreover, you have to check that your dashboard is devoid of any accessories that can block your sight. Lastly, you should check that there are no stickers or anything on the windshield that can hamper your view of the road.

Worn-Out Seatbelts

Yes, if your seatbelts are worn out or if they are not functioning properly, you should prepare for failing your MOT test. Seatbelts are considered a safety feature; as such, they have to remain functional in order for you to pass the test without any problems. So, make sure that your seatbelts can fasten properly and that they are not damaged before you go for an MOT test.