Every year, thousands of vehicles in Birmingham fail their Ministry of Transport (MOT) test. While this might be frustrating, most failures are due to issues that are easy to fix or prevent with basic maintenance. The MOT is designed to check that your car meets legal safety and environmental standards. If something is off, it could mean a retest, extra costs, or a fine.
Many of these failures aren’t mechanical breakdowns. They’re often small problems drivers ignore until it’s too late. If you want to avoid those costly surprises, keep reading to find out what’s most likely to cause a fail before your next test.
Faulty Lights Are Often to Blame
A huge percentage of MOT fails happen because of lighting issues. This includes blown headlight bulbs, non-working indicators, brake lights that don’t respond, or fog lights that no longer work. Even something as small as a number plate bulb being out can lead to a failure. Before test day, do a walk-around check. Test every light yourself or ask someone to help.
Tyres in Poor Condition
Your tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. If they don’t, you’ll fail instantly. But that’s not the only concern. Cuts, bulges, or cracks can also lead to a failed test. Try the 20p test to quickly check your tread. If the border of the coin is visible, it’s too low.
Braking Problems or Fluid Issues
Brakes are critical for road safety, so it’s no surprise they’re thoroughly checked during an MOT. Common failures include worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or unbalanced braking. If your car pulls to one side when stopping, or if the pedal feels soft, it’s a sign something’s wrong. So, if you want to book an MOT in Birmingham, ensure your brakes are properly inspected beforehand.
Suspension Wear and Tear
With so many potholes across Birmingham roads, suspension systems take a real beating. The MOT will spot if your shock absorbers are leaking or if your springs are broken or weakened. You might notice a bouncy ride, uneven tyre wear, or a clunking sound when going over bumps. These are early signs of suspension trouble.
Windscreen, Wipers, and Driver View Issues
Something as small as a chip over 10 mm in the driver’s direct line of sight can cause a fail. The same goes for a worn-out wiper blade, an empty washer bottle, or a missing wing mirror. Even a hanging air freshener can cause problems if it blocks the view. Make sure your screen is clean, and the wipers are working properly before the test.
Exhaust and Emissions Failures
Diesel cars are often flagged for emissions issues. If your car hasn’t had a good run recently, soot can build up and cause it to fail. That’s why many drivers take their car for a long motorway drive before their test to help clear the system. Excessive smoke, unusual smells, or rattling from the exhaust system are signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Conclusion
Most MOT fails can be avoided with regular checks and timely servicing. Don’t let a small fault cost you. Keeping your car in good condition helps you stay safe, legal, and stress-free. A quick inspection today might save you a retest tomorrow.