Every year, a majority of vehicles driven on the British roads are checked by the UK government’s body, the DVSA. This mandatory test includes a vehicle inspection to check if they are meeting the minimum safety and environmental requirements set by the United Kingdom government. But with thousands of vehicles checked every year in the UK, around one in four vehicles fails the test. Most of these failures are caused by simple problems that could be avoided with basic checks. This blog post will explore these simple and easily preventable reasons for MOT failure and help reduce the chances of drivers failing the test.
What Causes MOT Failure?
MOT, or the Ministry of Transport, consists of an examination of a variety of vehicles and components, and if they are safe to drive and are environmentally friendly, the vehicle owner will get a passing certificate. By knowing the components that cause the most MOT Rugby failure, vehicle owners can know what their pre-MOT checks should include. Many drivers whose vehicles do not pass the test think the reason for failure was the unreasonable standards applied by the examiners. But usually it's the opposite. Most of the time, the reasons are common and mainly involve components and systems that are always visible, regularly used, and easy to check. So, let’s take a look at some common MOT failure reasons and how, in minutes, drivers can check if a component is ready for the test or not.
Signalling System and Lights Fault
One of the leading causes for MOT failure is faults with the lighting and signalling components. Year after year, thousands of vehicles fail because their drivers fail to notice that one of the lights is blown or malfunctioning. During the test, the MOT examiner checks the external light on the vehicle, including headlights, brake lights, indicator lights, fog lights, reversing lights, and number plate illumination. If a bulb is not properly illuminated, it is sufficient to cause MOT failure, no matter if the rest of the vehicle is working correctly.
To pass the test, a driver must walk around the vehicle and ensure all the lights work. They should switch on the headlight and check both beams. Drivers should also check hazard warning lights to confirm that all four indicators are flashing correctly. To determine if the brake lights are working properly, drivers can ask someone to press the brake pedal. All these checks will take less than five minutes, and by making all the checks, drivers can avoid failing the test. If the vehicle owner finds any of the bulbs not positioned or working properly, they can get the light fixed or replaced, as the situation requires.
Tyres Not in Good Condition
Tyre condition is also another common reason for a vehicle's MOT failure. But this type of failure can be avoided if drivers take out a few minutes before the test to inspect the tyres and ensure that they are MOT-ready. According to the rules set by the United Kingdom government, tyres must have a legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. If the tyres fall below this threshold, they will fail the test immediately. Drivers can check tread depth using an inexpensive gauge available from any motor factor or accessory retailer. This can help provide them with an accurate measurement of the remaining tread depth on the tyres.
The MOT examiner also checks the overall physical condition of the tyres to ensure that they remain safe. They will examine the tyres for cuts, bulges, or excessive damage to the sidewall. If the tyres are not strong internally, they will make the vehicle unsafe and increase the risk of blowouts.
Working of the Braking System
The braking system is the next component that a vehicle owner should check to ensure the vehicle is ready for the test. The condition of the brakes helps determine how well the tyres are prepared to face an emergency. Drivers who notice any change in braking performance before their MOT appointment should get it checked by a mechanic and get it fixed to avoid failure. If there is a pulsating brake pad, it might indicate warped brake discs. Such issues are easy to notice and easier to get fixed by getting timely car servicing Rugby garage's help. A service will address all these issues and thoroughly prepare the vehicle for the test.
Conclusion
Simple and easily avoidable issues cause most MOT failures. The list includes faulty lights, worn tyres, and problems with the braking system, and all that it requires to pass the test is taking a few minutes and checking them before the test. Preventive approaches like regular car servicing Rugby and timely car service can keep the vehicle fully prepared for the MOT and ensure that there is a lower chance of failure. Therefore, drivers are advised to follow the tips mentioned here and ensure that their car remains safe to drive.
