Your MOT test is one of those things that creeps up fast—and no one likes the surprise of a fail. But the truth is, many MOT failures are caused by simple issues that are easy to fix beforehand.
At Oxbys Autos, we’ve carried out our fair share of pre-mot inspections and we see the same culprits time and again. Here are the top 5 reasons cars fail their MOT – and what you can do to avoid them.
1. 💡 Lights and Signalling
Why it fails:
A blown bulb or faulty indicator might not seem like a big deal, but lighting issues are the most common reason for MOT failures.
How to avoid it:
- Check all lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light, and reverse lights.
- Ask someone to help, or reverse near a window so you can see the reflections.
- Replace any faulty bulbs before the test (they’re cheap and quick to swap).
2. 🔧 Suspension Issues
Why it fails:
Worn-out shock absorbers or broken springs are hard to spot from the driver’s seat but are a major safety issue.
How to avoid it:
- Listen for unusual knocks or squeaks over bumps.
- Pay attention to poor handling or the car “bouncing” more than usual.
- Ask us to inspect the suspension during a regular service—we can often catch problems early.
3. 🚫 Brakes
Why it fails:
Ineffective or uneven braking is a serious fail—and rightly so. Brake pads, discs, and fluid can wear over time without you noticing.
How to avoid it:
- Don’t ignore squealing or grinding sounds.
- If the brake pedal feels soft or the car pulls to one side, get it checked immediately.
- A brake check is included in our pre-MOT inspections.
4. 👀 Visibility (Wipers, Washers & Windscreen)
Why it fails:
If your windscreen wipers don’t clear the screen properly, or your washer jets aren’t working, it’s an automatic fail.
How to avoid it:
- Replace worn wiper blades—if they’re smearing or squeaking, they’re ready to go.
- Top up your screenwash before the test.
- Check for chips or cracks in the driver’s view; some may need repair or replacement.
5. 🛞 Tyres
Why it fails:
Low tread depth, uneven wear, or damage like cuts or bulges can all mean a fail.
How to avoid it:
- Check tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but 3mm is safer).
- Look for any obvious damage or uneven wear.
- We offer free tyre checks at Oxbys—just pop in and we’ll take a look.
✅ Bonus Tip: Book a Pre-MOT Check
At Oxbys Autos, we offer affordable pre-MOT inspections to help you spot any issues before the big day. It can save you time, money, and the hassle of a retest. We can even take your car to our local test centre for you.
Want peace of mind?
📞 Call us or book online to get your vehicle MOT-ready.
Need an MOT soon?
Book with us today and we’ll make sure your car’s in top shape — and if anything’s not right, we’ll always give you clear advice and fair prices.
