A Detailed Guide to Different MOT Defects and How They're Categorised

After every MOT test, you receive a certificate that provides more information than a simple pass or fail result. When a vehicle inspection identifies a fault, the issue's severity determines how it's noted. The test result is also dependent on the type of problem a car has. MOT defects fall into three categories: dangerous, major, and minor. A test certificate can also have advisories, and understanding all this is crucial for drivers to act properly on the problem. This blog post explains the different MOT fault categories and what they mean.

Understanding Minor MOT Defects

A minor defect does not have any major effect on how safe or environmentally friendly a car is. During an MOT test Swindon, some cars may have small issues that require a driver’s attention but aren't major problems, so they're put in this defect class. Even a car with minor defects can pass the test and earn a certificate. Nevertheless, a pass does not mean that a motorist should forget about the fault. A fault gets worse and can turn into a major problem if not taken care of on time. The MOT test guide shows that the same fault can be classified differently depending on the severity. For example, some defects with the brakes or steering of the vehicle can belong to different categories due to the degree of damage and its impact on the car’s performance. The test result gives information on what was found, making it possible for the car owner to make arrangements on what needs to be done.

Why Major Defects Cause MOT Failure

The next type of MOT fault that is more severe than a minor one is the major defect. Major defects are considered worse because they can affect a car’s safety and the environmental damage they may cause. Such problems cause an MOT failure, and that vehicle requires an MOT retest. Faults can range from poor braking performance the steering issues that directly affect the tyres, lights, or other components checked during the test. The classification will depend on the severity and status of the fault itself, and not on the component on which it was detected. Identical faults could fall into different categories according to how much they threaten the safety of the car. It is therefore important for the driver to look at the full list of defects to determine what needs to be fixed.

Immediate Attention on Dangerous Faults

The dangerous defect puts the vehicle under imminent risk to road safety or environmental damage. As with major faults, a vehicle with dangerous faults will also fail its MOT. The difference between the two faults is that the consequences of failing because of a dangerous fault are more severe. According to GOV.UK, a vehicle which has failed because of a dangerous defect should not be used until the defect is corrected. In many cases, the same fault can be seen under different fault categories. For example, one fault might be deemed major in one instance; the same fault is seen as dangerous if it has an impact on critical systems like brakes, steering, or the stability of the vehicle. 

Are Minor Defects and Advisories the Same

One of the biggest MOT-related confusions vehicle owners have is regarding the similarity between advisories and minor defects. Both minor defects and advisories may not cause a vehicle to fail, but they have completely different purposes. While the former is a fault noted by the examiner because it has started to become a problem for the vehicle, advisories have not yet caused any problem, but if not taken care of, they can turn into a fault. According to the MOT test inspection manual, the inclusion of minor faults is compulsory where necessary. At the same time, advisories are only noted down when an item has not deteriorated enough to cause a failure. The differentiation is important when analysing the test result or getting a car servicing Swindon done. Drivers can use all the information to identify which components need attention and help ensure their car doesn’t fail its next MOT. 

Conclusion

It is crucial for vehicle owners to know about different MOT defect categories to know exactly what their test results are saying and what needs to be done in terms of vehicle maintenance. If a vehicle has minor defects, it won’t fail the test. On the other hand, both major and dangerous faults can lead to failure, and for a vehicle to be road legal, such defects require immediate repair. Advisories must also not be ignored, as they point out the potential mechanical problems that could become major ones in the future. Motorists should read the complete MOT report, instead of looking at only the pass and fail result. By addressing any defects and advisories stated in the report, motorists will keep their car safe and reliable on the road.