How to Avoid Being the Vehicle That Fails Its MOT

MOT, being a mandatory requirement for vehicle ownership in the UK, requires every driver whose vehicle has completed three years to have it inspected. In this test, every year, a quarter of vehicles do not get a passing certificate as they do not meet the standards set for the test. Such reasons for failures need to be identified and fixed before the test. An MOT failure is something that can catch a driver by surprise because a majority of failures are caused by easily identifiable issues. By understanding what examiners will look for during the test, drivers' chances of passing can greatly increase. This blog post will provide a detailed list of what MOT examiners will be looking for in the test and what steps drivers can take beforehand to pass the test.

Easily Avoidable Lighting Faults

Every year, the top reason for a majority of failures across the UK is lighting defects. There can be issues like a blown headlight bulb, a faulty brake light, a non-functioning indicator, or a number plate light that has stopped working. All such issues are enough to cause a vehicle failure. But what makes such faults frustrating is how easy and cheap they are to identify and fix. All that drivers have to do to know if the vehicle’s lights are in good enough condition to pass the test is to take a walk around the vehicle with the lights on. Drivers should check each of the lights in turn, as it won’t take more than a few minutes. The brake lights can be MOT-ready by checking the lights while reversing in front of a reflective surface. If they find a bulb is gone, they can replace it before the test. If this fix is done before reaching the MOT Harrogate centre, there will be an increased chance of passing.

Inspecting Tyre Condition and Tread Depth

Tyres are another area where failures are common and largely preventable. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and an MOT tester will check this across all four tyres. A tyre below the limit is an automatic failure. This is also true for a tyre that has a visible bulge, a serious crack in its sidewall, or damage that exposes the internal construction. The most straightforward way of avoiding this is to monitor the tread depth regularly rather than relying on an MOT test alone. There are tread wear indicators incorporated into the main grooves of the tyre to warn when the tread depth is approaching the threshold, and a visual inspection of all the tyres for bulges and unusual wear patterns takes just a couple of minutes.

Problems With the Braking System

Brakes are the single most crucial safety-related part of a vehicle, and therefore MOT testers check them thoroughly. Problems such as worn brake pads and discs can cause uneven braking performance between the wheels, and if the brake fluid has deteriorated significantly, it can lead to an MOT failure. Because of the braking difficulty caused by gradual brake wear, the vehicle’s performance will be impacted, and it will only be resolved after the issue is flagged during the test. The braking system will start giving out signs like unusual noise when braking, like grinding and squealing, which is a sign that the brake pads have worn and need replacing. The vehicle will also start pulling to one side if the brakes perform unevenly. If any such symptoms are noticed before the test, there is a strict need to get car servicing Harrogate done. This will not only resolve the brake-related issues but will also fix other issues that might cause MOT failure. 

Suspension and Steering Related Issues

Worn-out suspension parts and a faulty steering system cause a major number of MOT test failures each year. The shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rod ends, and steering rack parts will definitely become worn out over time. When a car starts to pull just a bit on the road, the vehicle has probably developed such a problem. However, these issues cannot be easily detected by anyone except a qualified technician, who can thoroughly examine the vehicle’s suspension and steering during car servicing.

Conclusion

MOT failures should never be a surprise for cars that have been well-maintained. There are several issues that result in the largest percentage of failed MOTs, and they are predictable and easily resolved in time. Looking after one's lights, tyres, and brakes a few weeks before the test, sorting out anything that does not seem right, and ensuring timely servicing all year round are what a responsible motorist should do. The simplest way to ensure that a car gets to its test in the best shape possible is to schedule both MOT and car servicing appointments at the same garage.

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