For over a century, Soul Garages has been keeping Olney’s vehicles safe and roadworthy. As the town’s trusted MOT centre, we’ve seen first-hand how easily preventable failures can cause unnecessary stress and expense for drivers. Did you know that one in three cars coming into the garage for an MOT can fail due to something […] The post MOTs: How to avoid an easily preventable fail appeared first on MK Pulse.
For over a century, Soul Garages has been keeping Olney’s vehicles safe and roadworthy. As the town’s trusted MOT centre, we’ve seen first-hand how easily preventable failures can cause unnecessary stress and expense for drivers.
Did you know that one in three cars coming into the garage for an MOT can fail due to something that could have been avoided? With the number of ‘easily avoidable’ MOT failures rising by 133,000 across the UK over the last four years*, it’s clear that many drivers are turning up unprepared – costing them time, money, and inconvenience.
At Soul Garages, we’re here to help. Booking your MOT in advance ensures you stay compliant with vehicle regulations and avoid last-minute panic. With paper MOT certificates becoming a thing of the past, many drivers now forget when their test is due, only booking when their vehicle is already at risk of being unroadworthy. Instead of waiting for a distress call, check your MOT expiry date today on the Government website and book ahead.
In the meantime, here’s a list alongside of how you can make sure your car is MOT-ready and avoid some of the most common reasons for failure.
Stay MOT-ready with Soul Garages
We understand that life is busy, and remembering all the small details about your vehicle can be challenging. But just spending a little bit of time on these simple checks can help ensure your car passes its MOT, saving you the inconvenience of a failure.
Need advice? Pop in and see us at Soul Garages – we’re always happy to help the community stay safe on the road.
The Top 10 reasons cars fail MOTs and how to prevent them
1. Lights and Signalling: Faulty headlights, brake lights, indicators, or number plate lights can result in failure. Check all your lights regularly and replace any faulty bulbs before your test.
2. Suspension Issues: Worn-out shock absorbers, springs, or other suspension components can lead to instability. If your drive feels rough or uneven, get your suspension checked in advance.
3. Brakes: Worn brake pads, discs, or leaking brake fluid are common culprits. If you notice squeaking or reduced braking efficiency, get your brakes inspected before your MOT.
4. Tyres: Ensure your tyres have at least 1.6mm tread depth and are free from bulges or cuts. A quick way to check is the 20p test—insert a 20p coin into the tyre tread. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread is too low.
5. Driver’s view of the road: Cracks in the windscreen, worn wipers, or empty washer fluid bottles can lead to a failure. Make sure your screen is clear, and your wipers are in good working condition.
6. Exhaust and Emissions: Excess emissions, especially from diesel vehicles, can cause an instant failure. Regular servicing and using premium fuel occasionally can help keep emissions in check.
7. Steering: Loose or misaligned steering can be a red flag. If your steering wheel feels off-centre or unresponsive, get it checked before your MOT.
8. Seat Belts: Frayed or faulty seat belts are a common reason for failure. Make sure all belts fasten securely and retract smoothly.
9. Battery and Electrical Wiring: A weak battery or faulty wiring can lead to a failed test. If your car is slow to start or the battery is more than five years old, consider replacing it before the MOT.
10. Bodywork and Structure: Rust on load-bearing parts, loose bumpers, or sharp edges can fail your vehicle. A quick once-over to check for any damage can prevent unnecessary issues.
The post MOTs: How to avoid an easily preventable fail appeared first on MK Pulse.