Common MOT Failures and How to Avoid Them

Certain faults show up again and again on MOT fail reports. Most are cheap and quick to sort out before your test — here is what tends to catch UK drivers out.

Lighting and signalling

Blown bulbs, hazy lenses, or misaligned headlights are consistently one of the top reasons cars fail. Run through every light with the engine on and a second person checking, including brake lights and indicators.

Tyres

Worn tread, sidewall damage, and incorrect tyre size or type for the vehicle all cause failures. Check all four tyres plus the spare, and do not forget the inner edge, which wears unevenly on many cars and is easy to miss from a quick glance.

Suspension and steering

Worn shock absorbers, corroded suspension components, and excessive play in the steering are common on older cars. A bouncy ride, uneven tyre wear, or clunking over bumps are worth investigating before the test.

Brakes

Uneven braking, worn discs or pads, and handbrake faults show up often. If your car pulls to one side under braking or the handbrake needs pulling further than it used to, get it checked.

Visibility

Windscreen chips in the driver’s eyeline, worn wiper blades, and washers that do not reach the glass are all quick, cheap fixes that regularly cause otherwise-sound cars to fail.

Addressing these before your appointment is almost always cheaper than a failed test, a re-test fee, and the inconvenience of your car being off the road.