Learn About The Most Common MOT Failures And Tips To Avoid Them
All vehicles more than three years of age in the UK must take an MOT test annually. MOT refers to the Ministry of Transport. It’s a simple test that ensures a vehicle’s roadworthiness, and it should not be confused with a car health check. In simpler words, the MOT test determines whether your automobile is safe to drive on the road. A car should meet the legal safety and emissions standards to pass an MOT test. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) outlines these standards.
MOT Checks
The MOT test comprehensively covers all the components of your four-wheeler to ensure it’s safe for you to drive and for other people on the road. MOT Maidstone includes visually checking the essential parts of the vehicle, like bulbs, steering, brakes, suspension, reflectors and electrical equipment.
Common MOT Failures
Most of the MOT failures happen due to a malfunctioning suspension pin, joint, bush or bearing excessively worn. Though, a faulty or damaged suspension system requires professional assistance. However, certain car parts result in an MOT fail so you can rectify yourself.
Malfunctioning or Broken Bulbs – Lights and bulbs are an easy fix but can lead to MOT failure if you overlook them. To avoid this, before your MOT test, ensure to inspect all the bulbs in and around your car. Ask someone to help as you assess the brake, front, rear, indicator, fog, rear reflectors and registration plate lights. In this way, you can easily spot an issue and resolve it before going for the test. Most car bulbs are easy to replace. And, if you require extra support while changing the bulbs, contact an expert.
Suspension – Your car’s suspension takes the brunt of road impacts. And due to this, it can be one of the culprits for your MOT failure. Car drivers are no stranger to patchy road surfaces and hidden potholes, which takes a toll on your car. A damaged suspension can affect the tyres and alter wheel alignment too. Checking this routinely also ensures road safety. Unfortunately, examining the suspension system isn’t an easy task. So, take the help of the professionals.
Tyres – Your car tyres are an essential component physically in touch with the road. So, you must check them regularly throughout the year to ensure they’re in their optimal shape. You can use a penny to check the tread depth around the tyre’s full width. If your tyres are under the minimum tread limit – 1.6mm, consider changing the tyres.
Brakes – Keep an eye out for a soft and spongy pedal feel and the car drifting to the right or left when braking. It indicates your vehicle requires brake pad replacement. On average, you must replace the brakes every 50,000 miles. But, it also depends on your driving style, road and weather conditions.
Fuel & Exhaust – Gas emissions are a cause of failures. It’s good to give your vehicle a long pre-test run at motorways to heat the engine and release cobwebs.
Seat Belts & Airbags – Seat belts must properly secure and retract at all times. Take some time to resolve any knotted or twisted seat belts and ensure they are secure in position. A missing airbag warning light on your car dashboard will cause an MOT failure.
Steering – An MOT tests the power steering fluid of the vehicle. The amount of fluid in the reservoir must be between the minimum and maximum levels. Check it beforehand and refill if necessary.
Registration Plates – Your car’s registration plates should be legible and visible. So, if it’s dirty or the bulb has blown, you are likely to fail the MOT test. Wipe the registration plate with a wet cloth and ensure the bulb functions.
If your car’s MOT is due or you’re looking for a car service Maidstone, visit our workshop. At AN Tyres, our trained professionals provide superior auto services and MOT. You can schedule your appointment by calling our helpline number.
