I’m a mechanic – here are 3 quick checks to stop your car failing its MOT

A MECHANIC has revealed three quick checks to stop your car from failing its MOT.

Regular MOT checks are vital in ensuring that a vehicle is road safe and meets environmental standards.

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Shockingly, however, 29% of cars and vans on UK roads failed their MOTs last year.

So, to help you pass your next MOT test with flying colours, the motoring experts at Macklin Motors have highlighted three easy areas to check.

Brakes

The number one reason that cars fail an MOT is due to an issue with the brakes, most likely the brake pads or discs. 

During an MOT test, the condition of the brakes is tested to ensure they operate and perform correctly.

General wear and tear is the most likely culprit behind any brake issues. Brake pads, in particular, get worn away over time and can be extremely dangerous to drive with.

If ignored, the issue could also damage the brake rotors or brake callipers, which are costly to repair.

To fail the MOT test, the brake lining or pad would need to be below 1.5mm.

Other reasons for failure include when brake pads are insecure, contaminated with grease, or missing entirely. 

Tyres

Tyres are another common culprit for MOT failure.

The test will check the condition, security, tread depth, tyre size, and type of your tyres to ensure they are road safe. 

The tread depth is typically worn away through general wear and tear or by direct damage to the tyre. 

The legal minimum tyre tread to pass your MOT is 1.6mm – however, most manufacturers recommend changing tyres when the tyre tread reaches 3mm to ensure maximum performance.

Lights

When it comes to light checks, no stone is left unturned.

Headlights, sidelights, indicators, fog, brake, and registration plate lights are checked in an MOT. 

And, according to Macklin Motors’ data, vehicles commonly failed these checks when their lights were inoperative, faulty, broken, or even showing the wrong colour, in some rare instances.

Broken lights can significantly reduce your vision when driving, especially at night or during periods of low light, and will also impact other driver’s ability to see you. 

In fact, not only would broken lights fail your MOT, but you would also be breaking The Highway Code.

It states that drivers must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, ensuring all sidelights and registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise. 

Calum Thomson, Group Aftersales Director at Vertu Motors plc, said:

“To avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises, it’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the potential issues that could see their vehicle fail its MOT. 

“We recommend regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year, which will help drivers keep a better eye on the condition of their car.

“This will not only increase the likelihood of passing your MOT but may also save you money in the long run by catching any potential issues before they become more expensive to fix. 

“If you have any concerns about the health of your vehicle, or you’d like guidance on how to complete basic maintenance checks, it’s always a good idea to speak to an expert first.”

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