The annual MOT test is challenging for every car owner in the UK, especially when around 7.3 million vehicles fail the test each year. A government-specified comprehensive test with checks of around 20 body parts, the MOT is time-consuming and exhausting. So, when you fail the test and are stuck in the loop of retests, you are wasting your time as well as money. But what is causing these failures? There are several reasons, the most common ones being lights, brakes, suspension, and tyres. However, the car body, chassis, and structure contribute to failures too. Since they form only 2% of the failures, these are less talked about, and most motorists ignore them. To ensure you do not find yourself in a similar situation, this article explores a few of the reasons your car body can lead to failure.

Body Condition

An inspection of your car’s body condition during the MOT Test in Spalding could decide whether it gets a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ report. The body condition inspection is for all vehicles and usually includes:

• All body panels,
• Spoilers,
• Undertrays,
• Mirror housings.

The following is a list of defects your car’s body condition could have and the categories it would fall into:

1. Defects of the body panel or body component:

• Major: An excessively damaged or corroded body panel that could likely cause an injury when grazed or contacted. Any insecure body component is a major defect too. 
• Dangerous: Anybody component that is likely to become detached is a dangerous defect.

2. Defects of the body pillar (applicable only on goods vehicles for the load-carrying area):

• Major: Any insecure fittings. 
• Dangerous: Insecure to a level that it compromises the load stability or security, and could be seriously impaired.

3. Defects of the passenger compartment:

• Major: A major defect of the passenger compartment is when its condition permits the entry of exhaust fumes. 
• Dangerous: The compartment permits exhaust fumes that lead to harmful effects on the passengers.

4. Body:

• Major: A body will have a major defect when it has an unsafe modification. 
• Dangerous: If any modification leads to adverse effects on the car’s braking or steering, it could be categorized as a dangerous defect.

Doors and Door Catches

The new MOT testing manual has included changes for rules regarding the doors and door catches. Previously, the testing depended only on the door being inspected. However, after 20th May, 2018 all doors are being inspected. The following are some points to consider during the inspection of the doors:

• In case the original design or some specialist modification of the car means there is a lack of door handle, it is not considered a defect. However, the door should have secure latching in the closed position. 
• There must be relevant control from the outside for the driver and passenger doors. 
• There must also be relevant control to open the driver and passenger doors from the inside. 
• The load space doors should be able to be secured in the closed position. 
• Door hinges, pillars, and catches can be rejected. However, only when they are too deteriorated to cause malfunctioning doors.

The following are some defects that are applicable on doors during the MOT testing:

1. Major: A door is unable to open using the relevant control or is unable to close properly.

2. A door that is likely to open accidently or does not remain closed:

• Major: This condition is a major defect in case of a sliding door. 
• Dangerous: This condition is a dangerous defect in case of a turning door.

3. The door hinge, pillar, or catch:

• Minor: If any of these components are excessively deteriorated, it is categorized as a minor defect. 
• Major: If any of these parts are missing, it could fall under major defects.

Floor

According to section 6 of the new MOT testing manual, the inspection of the floor is now also included in the overall checks. The testing of the floor includes that of the driver, passenger, and goods carrying compartment. Here are some common defects and their category of faults:

• Major: If the floor suffers from excessive deterioration or insecure fittings. 
• Dangerous: An excessive level of deterioration that could lead to loss of control while driving, injury, and load instability. 

Tips to avoid MOT failures

The above mentioned defects are a few in the long list of causes for MOT failures. But, how does one avoid these pesky faults? The following are some tips you can follow to avoid them:

• Timely servicing: It cannot be stressed enough on the importance of timely services. They are essential for early diagnosis of minor faults that are then prevented from turning into major ones. Hence, a golden rule for car owners is to invest in regular car servicing in Spalding. You can also choose to complete one before the MOT and reduce the chances of failing the test. 
• Regular cleaning: Cleaning your car is often overlooked, but it plays an important role for the overall maintenance. A clean and well-maintained car has less defects. Plus, litter or garbage in the cabin is another common reason for MOT failures. 
• Genuine parts: An expensive solution but remains effective in the long run. Genuine parts are long-lasting and wear out slower. Hence, the chances of them breaking down during your test are significantly lesser.

The right guidance makes MOT testing easier for every car owner. Follow this guide to get accurate information and essential tips for easy testing.