Automotive

Is Your Car Failing The Mot Test?

By Tehos Martin 19 Mar, 2025 347

To keep your car roadworthy, the MOT test is a critical checkpoint for every vehicle to pass. If you fail this test, you are left deserted, and you lose time and money in repairs too.

What is an MOT test?

The MOT test can be defined as an annual inspection ensuring your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. The first test takes place on the third anniversary of its registration. MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. When the MOT test was introduced in 1960, this department was held responsible for seeing and verifying if the vehicle could run on the road.

MOT Checks

In an MOT test, there is an examination of various car parts. Right from the braking and fuel system, wipers, mirrors, seatbelts, lights, and exhaust are checked. This test ignores the engine condition and clutch or gearbox. On the majority of the vehicles, the exhaust emissions are also tested. With high emissions, your vehicle, say a car, fails its MOT.

These vehicles are exempted from official emissions testing:

  • Vehicles with a two-stroke engine
  • Two and three-wheeled vehicles
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Quadricycles and
  • Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

If your vehicle has passed the MOT test, it doesn’t mean it is safe to drive for the entire life of the test certificate. Regular maintenance is still critical.

Which vehicles are exempt from the MOT test?

Cars, motorcycles, and vans more than 40 years old don’t require an MOT test. They should, however, not have changed much in the past 30 years. Keep your car in a roadworthy condition for your safety and those of others. Electric goods vehicles and tractors registered before March 1, 2015, don’t have to undergo the MOT test, be it an MOT in Corby. When applying for vehicle tax, self-declare that your vehicle meets the exemption criteria.

Now that you understand the relevance of an MOT experience that is hassle-free, learn why cars often fail MOT tests. Through this blog, we shed light on a few of the common issues addressing which your vehicle will give you a smoother ride.

Causes of MOT Failure

1.     Worn tyres and inappropriate pressures

Note that tyres are not the single point of contact between the road and your vehicle. They are a crucial part of the MOT test. The best practice is to check your tread depth daily. It must meet the 1.6 mm legal requirement. Besides, tyres should not be under-inflated but rightly inflated as per the specifications of your car’s manufacturer. Your car is bound to fail the MOT test in case the tyres are bald or have the wrong pressure.

2.     Light and signal issues

It may seem trivial, but MOT failure happens due to problems of signalling and lighting. All your lights should be in proper working condition. These lights include brake lights, headlights, hazard lights, and indicators. Check for blown bulbs regularly and replace them right away when needed. If you take some time to examine and maintain your car’s lighting system, you can easily avoid a MOT hitch.

3.     Limitless exhaust emissions

We know that environmental conservation is a major concern these days. Exhaust emissions, therefore, play a critical role in MOT testing. Your car causing more pollution impairs the environment, with you even failing the MOT. Regular servicing, be it car servicing in Corby, warrants that the engine of your car is running efficiently. Use the right kind of fuel to mitigate harmful emissions and successfully pass the test.

4.     Defective Brakes

Brake issues may become a grave concern and a critical contributor to MOT failures. If your car brakes are spongy and they are making squeaking sounds, they may be in trouble. Your brakes may even lack braking efficiency. Inspect your brake fluid levels daily and take the help of professionals to get your braking system checked. Not only to achieve success in the MOT should you instantly resolve brake issues but to increase your car’s safety on roads.

5.     Troublesome suspension and steering

Motorists in the UK are well aware of the fact that a responsive and efficient suspension system is key for a comfortable and safe driving experience. In cases where cars have problems with steering mechanisms or suspension components, there are higher chances of an MOT failure. Check your car for uneven tyre wear and tear, weird noises, and inconsistent steering. Ideally, consult a car servicing professional on noticing anything missing. Remember, your car suspension system must be well-maintained. Only then can you pass the MOT and enjoy safer, effortless rides.

You have thus learnt how and why cars fail the MOT tests. Understand, address, and resolve these common issues. The safe bet is to take the aid of a professional and dependable MOT service provider.

How to avoid failing an MOT

  • Have a regular car service plan in place.
  • You can plan for this service every few thousand miles, or a few months.
  • You can implement these plans with the majority of the garages and dealerships.
  • Opt for a service before your MOT is due.
  • Let qualified, skilled, and experienced professionals detect and fix issues with your car, thus saving heavy expenses with an MOT failure.