Common Problems That Might Lead To Mot Failure

MOT is a government-mandated test. It is an annual assessment of your vehicle, done to ensure the roadworthiness of the car and the safety of everyone on the roads. As such, passing the MOT is a responsibility that can prevent road accidents and make the environment a better place. However, it is easier said than done, because the test encompasses almost everything in a car. Thus, you can fail it even if there is a small or minor issue. So, if you want to be prepared for your upcoming MOT and ensure that you can pass the test without much trouble, you should first understand the various reasons why you might fail it. Learning more about such reasons will allow you to keep a closer eye on the health of your car and pass the MOT without worries. This is why we have come up with the following blog that deals with common MOT issues. Hence, by going through the blog, you can actually increase your chances of passing the test.

What is Checked During an MOT?

Before going for an MOT Check Telford, you must understand the various criteria it will test your car will be tested on. These criteria are as follows:

Road safety: First, and perhaps the most important criterion for an MOT test, is road safety. It includes not only the safety of the driver, via ensuring that the car is safe for driving, butt also takes into account that the vehicle won't pose a threat to others on the road. Thus, the MOT test checks whether your car is up to the safety standards or not. 

Roadworthiness: This is basically the overall condition or functionality of the vehicle. When you go for an MOT, you will be tested on whether it is working properly or not. Every component will be inspected to ensure that nothing is wrong with the vehicle and that it is in optimal shape. Thus, an MOT also helps you with reducing future repair costs and related expenses. 

Emission Levels: Finally, the test checks whether your vehicle is contributing to pollution and how much. Every car has to maintain certain emission standards. If it is emitting more harmful gases, it will cause damage to the environment, which is also something that is a concern for the MOT test. 

Common Issues That Lead To MOT Failure

Now, let us look at a few common problems that can cause your MOT failure. 

Problems With Your Car Lights

One of the biggest caveats of an MOT is the inspection of your car lights, which includes everything. The car lights have to be functional, as faulty lights are dangerous for driving. If you want to pass the MOT, make sure that your car lights, such as the headlights, taillights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and even the cabin lights, are operational and that all the bulbs are in good shape. Furthermore, you should check whether the bulbs are flickering or not. You can even take the car to an auto repair shop for an inspection to ensure that the wiring is fine and that it won't cause any issues during the MOT. 

The Condition of Your Tyres

Next, you should make sure that your tyres are in good shape. For this, you have to ensure that they are inflated properly and that they are not damaged. Any physical or external damage, such as cuts, scrapes, bulges, etc., will lead to a direct MOT failure. Moreover, if your tyres are improperly inflated, you will be subject to a failure as well. Lastly, you should make sure that the tyres have sufficient tread depth. Typically, a tyre has to maintain a tread depth of 1.6 mm or higher for it to be considered fit for use. So, a tyre that does not have sufficient tread depth will make you fail the test. 

Obstacles In The Driver’s Line of Sight

You should know that any obstacle in the driver’s line of sight will be a valid ground for MOT failure. Drivers need to concentrate on the road, thus, any obstruction in their line of sight is not only risky for everyone inside a car but also for those outside it. Even data shows that almost 10-15% of total MOT failures can be attributed to this one factor. Thus, you can significantly improve your chances of passing the test by making sure that you don't place any accessories or something similar in the driver’s line of sight and also that the windshield is clean and that there are no cracks or any similar damage that can hamper the line of sight of the driver. 

Issues With The Suspension System

Any issues with the suspension system of your car will lead to an MOT failure. These components impact your overall comfort and the handling of the vehicle. As such, if you don't have a functioning suspension system, you won't be able to drive comfortably and also find it harder to handle the car, especially at a higher speed. But the thing with a suspension system is that it mostly consists of springs, joints, shock absorbers, and so on. All these can wear out with time and prolonged use of a vehicle. Thus, to make sure that you pass your MOT, you have to keep these components in good shape and go for regular car servicing.

Brake system failures

Finally, you should know that faulty brakes can also lead to your MOT failure. This should be rather straightforward, though. Brakes are tied directly with a car’s safety. Hence, any issues with the brakes will lead to a major or dangerous fault, forcing you to spend money on expensive repairs and still failing the test. If you want to avoid this, simply go to a Car Repair Telford prior to taking the test., and make sure everything is in optimal condition.