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.
Need help with your vehicle? Read about our MOT failure repairs or contact Oxbys Autos to discuss a booking.
