Top 5 Reasons Why Cars Fail Their MOT and How to Avoid Them 🚦🛠️
Introduction: Every car owner knows that the annual MOT is a must, but not every car passes the first time around. Understanding why cars commonly fail the MOT can save you time, stress, and money. Here in Letchworth, we see our fair share of MOT challenges, but many of them can be easily avoided with some forethought and regular maintenance. Let’s dive into the top five reasons cars fail their MOT and how you can prepare to pass with flying colors.
- Lights and Signalling 💡
One of the most frequent causes of MOT failures is faulty lighting and signalling. This includes everything from broken headlamps and tail lights to malfunctioning indicators and brake lights.
How to Avoid: Regularly check all your car’s lights to ensure they are working properly. Replace any blown bulbs and repair any electrical issues before your MOT date. Remember, this is not only about passing the MOT but also ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive.
- Tyres 🚗 Inadequate tyre condition and incorrect tyre pressure are also common reasons for MOT failures. Tyres must have the correct tread depth – at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
How to Avoid: Check your tyres regularly for wear and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If needed, replace them before your MOT test to avoid a fail.
- Brakes 🛑 Brake problems are a serious safety concern and a common reason for MOT failures. Issues can range from worn brake pads and discs to problems with the braking system itself.
How to Avoid: Listen for any unusual noises when braking and get your brakes checked if you notice anything unusual. It’s good practice to have your brakes inspected regularly as part of your car’s routine service.
- Suspension 🛠️ Suspension issues are harder to spot but can lead to MOT failures. Worn shock absorbers and other suspension components can affect the control and handling of the vehicle.
How to Avoid: Be mindful of any unusual car handling or excessive bouncing after going over bumps. These could be signs of suspension problems. Have a mechanic inspect the suspension if you suspect any issues.
- Windscreen 🌬️ Any chips or cracks in the windscreen directly in the driver’s line of vision can lead to an MOT fail. The size and location of any damage will determine whether it’s a fail.
How to Avoid: Inspect your windscreen for any damage. Small chips can sometimes be repaired before they turn into larger cracks that require a complete windscreen replacement.
Conclusion: Most MOT failures can be prevented by taking some simple steps to ensure your car is well-maintained. Regular checks and addressing problems as they arise not only keep your car safe but also ready to pass its MOT. If you’re in Letchworth, Hitchin, or the surrounding areas, book your MOT with us at AZ Autos and drive away with confidence, knowing your car meets all the required safety standards.