Nobody likes failing their MOT, but it happens more often than you’d think. The good news? Most MOT failures are easy to avoid with a bit of prep. Here’s a list of the top 10 reasons cars fail their MOTs in Doncaster – and how you can dodge them.
1. Faulty Lights and Indicators
Why They Fail: Bulbs that are blown, dim, or misaligned.
How to Avoid It: Check all your lights – headlights, brake lights, indicators, and even your number plate light. Replace any dodgy bulbs before your test.
2. Worn-Out Tyres
Why They Fail: Tread depth below 1.6mm or visible damage.
How to Avoid It: Use a 20p coin to check your tread depth. If the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time for new tyres.
3. Brake Issues
Why They Fail: Worn brake pads, discs, or uneven braking.
How to Avoid It: Listen for squeaking or grinding noises when braking. If you notice anything odd, get your brakes checked.
4. Exhaust and Emissions Problems
Why They Fail: Excessive smoke or high emissions.
How to Avoid It: Take your car for a good run before the test to clear out the exhaust. Regular servicing helps too.
5. Cracked or Dirty Windscreens
Why They Fail: Chips or cracks in the driver’s line of sight, or wipers that don’t work.
How to Avoid It: Fix chips and cracks early, and make sure your wipers are clearing properly.
6. Suspension Faults
Why They Fail: Worn or damaged suspension components.
How to Avoid It: Listen for clunking noises when driving over bumps. If it feels bouncy, get it checked.
7. Steering Issues
Why They Fail: Loose or unresponsive steering.
How to Avoid It: If your steering feels off or makes noises, have it inspected.
8. Registration Plate Problems
Why They Fail: Plates that are damaged, dirty, or not the correct format.
How to Avoid It: Clean your plates and make sure they’re easy to read.
9. Seatbelt and Safety System Failures
Why They Fail: Frayed seatbelts or faulty airbags.
How to Avoid It: Check all seatbelts for wear and tear, and make sure they click in securely.
10. Fluid Levels and Leaks
Why They Fail: Low brake fluid, oil, or coolant levels, or visible leaks.
How to Avoid It: Top up all fluids and check for leaks under the car.
Local MOT Stats and Why Pre-MOT Inspections Help
Here in Doncaster, we see a lot of cars fail for simple reasons like these. At our garage, we offer a pre-MOT inspection to catch these issues before your test. It’s quick, affordable, and saves you the hassle of a retest.
Book Your Pre-MOT Inspection Today
Don’t leave it to chance – book your pre-MOT inspection with us today. We’ll make sure your car’s in top shape and ready to pass with flying colours.