KNOW THESE FREQUENT AND COMMON MOT FAILURES AND ALSO HOW TO AVOID THEM

All cars on UK roads are however required to undergo the MOT test every year starting on their 3rd birthday (the 3rd anniversary of the vehicle's first registration date), and its scope has grown from the original checklist of three things to well over thirty today. To accommodate contemporary vehicle design and recently mandated environmental factors, new elements are being constantly added to the MOT checklist. Motor vehicle legislation mandates that every driver undergo a valid MOT test. Drivers must now also possess a current MOT certificate. Here are some of the most common MOT failures checklist:

1. Suspension: 

Your vehicle's suspension system ensures a smoother ride and an equitable distribution of weight among the wheels. The suspension system accounts for up to 7.5% of MOT failures. By keeping an eye on your automobile while you're driving, you can prevent this. Does it feel looser than it should? When turning around curves, do you wobble too much? Does the automobile seem to bounce more than is reasonable? Do weird sounds or squeaks occur when you are driving? Look at your automobile while parking; does it appear straight? Any indication of unevenness may indicate suspension problems, which you must resolve before you book an MOT Tooting test.

2. Lighting and Signaling: 

Under the umbrella term "lights," indicators, dashboard warning lights, hazard lights as well as the more conventional headlights, reverse lights, fog lights, and brake lights, are all included. The fact that lighting issues account for over 25% of MOT failures may not come as a surprise. Spend a few seconds going over every part of your automobile to make sure that everything that ought to be lit is, as well as making sure that pairs of lights provide even lighting.

3. Brakes: 

Brakes that don't function as they should account for one-tenth of MOT failures. However, there are requirements that your brakes must fulfill in order to pass the MOT test. Check the rules and ensure that you can stop within the permitted time and distance for the speed you are driving, that the car stops uniformly without slewing to one side, and also that your handbrake as well as service brake both can conduct emergency braking when necessary.

4. Exhaust system: 

Automobile exhausts are being given greater consideration by the government as it strives to reduce emissions, so it is a good idea to make sure they are in top working order prior to an MOT. Visual inspection for rust or corrosion is possible; any missing or errant parts should be then discovered by listening to your exhaust as you drive. Driving your car on the road before your MOT may help the system get cleaned up if it is roadworthy.

5. Suspension

Given that the majority of UK drivers presumably hit a pothole once a week, it's not surprising that suspension accounts for 18% of failures. It can be a little more difficult to assess this, so if you're concerned, a professional pre-MOT examination can be useful. You should still keep an ear out for any strange noises when traveling through corners or across uneven terrain.

6. Visibility

8% of MOTs fail due to vision problems, despite the fact that it can seem like viewing the road is a necessary aspect of driving. Low vision can result from a variety of factors, therefore it might be more than just a chip or scratches on your windscreen that makes you ineffective. This may be due to malfunctioning or broken windscreen wipers or any impediment at the back.

What are the consequences if you don't pass the MOT test?

You will receive a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate if your vehicle fails the MOT. This certificate will outline the issues that caused your automobile to fail the test and the fixes that must be thus made in order for it to pass the MOT.

Your automobile may remain at the garage for repairs after the failed test and be partly rechecked for a complimentary MOT within 10 working days. The automobile must undergo another full MOT at the full expense if more than 10 days have passed.

Can you still drive with a failed MOT?

It's against the law to drive without a valid MOT. If your vehicle has failed and the expiration date on your certificate has gone, you may only drive it to have it repaired or to an appointment for an MOT if it is still roadworthy.

It is risky to drive a vehicle that has a failed MOT, and you risk penalties or other legal repercussions. You could discover that your insurance company does not provide coverage for you. Visit our specific page on this subject to learn more about driving without an MOT.

Simple routine maintenance may prevent nearly half of MOT failures, and given the growing cost of living, it's well worth the time.

Last words

There are several things you may do to improve your MOT Tooting status, regardless of why your automobile failed its MOT. The best course of action if your car fails due to a significant or dangerous defect is to not drive it, get the repairs done right away, and return it within 10 days to guarantee that you are eligible for an MOT retest.

Pre-MOT checks might help you if you haven't had your MOT yet to prevent any unpleasant shocks. To do this, ensure your number plate is clear and legible, fill off your washer fluid, and more. You must still acquire your vehicle's MOT even if it doesn't run on diesel or gasoline. There is no reasonable reason to be traveling without a current MOT certificate since doing so is likely to result in more harm than good.