Why Cars Fail an MOT
No-one likes having to take their vehicle for an MOT. Why? Well, firstly there’s the inconvenience of having to take it to the garage and either waiting around while it’s done, or having to arrange transport to get back home or to work and then back to the garage later in the day.
And then there is the MOT fear. The fear that you will get the call to say your car has a long list of problems which will take an eye-watering sum of money to fix and get it roadworthy again.
BUT….. it has to be done. After a car turns three years old, an MOT becomes a legal requirement and ensures that you, your passengers and others on the road are helped to be that little bit more protected. Without a valid MOT, your car insurance becomes invalidated and you would then be subjected to a fine from the authorities.
So as much as it is one of those items that can quite easily fall down the to-do list, the best thing you can do is to get your car booked in for its MOT and service in advance. A service is useful as it will always help to keep your car running to the best of its ability.
How can you avoid a failed MOT?
Here’s a list of the top simple things you can check and repair (if needed) to better ensure your car passes with flying colours:
Tyres
This one’s pretty obvious but super important. Every tyre on your car must have a minimum tread of 1.6mm. Any less is a straight failure. Tyre tread is so important for keeping you and others safe, especially as they help you to brake more efficiently.
Keep an eye on your tyre tread all year round, not just before your MOT. Well-kept tyres should always have a thick tread and adequate air pressure – both of which help to keep your car running more efficiently.
Lights
Being seen in the dark on the roads is paramount to road safety. So of course, if one or more of your lights are not working at the time of your MOT, you can expect – yes, you’ve guessed it – a fail. Always check your lights, again, all year round; use large shop windows to check brake and reverse lights if necessary.
Damaged tow-bar
Even if you don’t use your tow-bar, it is still a part of the MOT test. The reason is, that over time tow-bars can erode, splinter and break off. Imagine going 70mph down the motorway and it drops off – it could create all sorts of danger. They must always be checked for any erosion or damage. If you don’t use it, maybe suggest having it removed altogether.
Obscured registration plates
Always keep your registrations plates visible and undamaged. This also includes the lights that highlight them. Any issues such as cracks, dirt that covers the registration number or (we shouldn’t have to say it) missing or hanging off can and most likely will result in an MOT fail.
Wipers
Your front and rear windscreens should be clear at all times. If you are unable to keep them clean due to faulty wipers, then this is another reason your car can be deemed unsafe and an MOT fail will be guaranteed. Make sure your wiper blades always keep your screens clear. If they have any damage or wear in them that prevents them from doing so, they must be replaced immediately.
Mechanical issues
If you notice something doesn’t sound or feel quite right with your car, then get it checked out ASAP. Your car may still be driveable, but there could be an underlying issue that may result in it not passing.
Now you have the ultimate list of simple fixes, there should be no need to have MOT fear!
Should you have any questions when booking your appointment please feel free to call us on 01452 524611