Hidden Mot Failures Most Drivers Don't Know About

Millions of drivers in the UK take their cars for an MOT test every year. They are left surprised when their vehicle fails the test, not because it has something obviously wrong with it, but because of minor issues that are easy to miss. 

The MOT is aimed at ensuring that all cars on British roads are safe to drive, but many of its checks go beyond tyres and brakes. Here is a preview of the hidden MOT failures that surprise drivers — and what can be done to prevent them.

Windscreen Wipers That Smear or Squeak

Many drivers believe that so long as their wipers are moving, then they are alright. This is not the case. During the MOT, the tester will examine whether the wipers clean the windscreen properly. When they leave smears, or miss big parts of the glass or when the rubber used is worn out and no longer makes proper contact, the car may fail. 

Wiper blades are inexpensive, and once a year, especially before winter, when they are needed most, they should be changed.

Number Plate Lighting

Number plate lighting is one of the most overlooked checks in the MOT Sprin Hill. Every car should have a working light which illuminates the number plate at the rear at night. Many drivers cannot even notice when a bulb is blown since most of them pay less attention to the rear of their car in the dark, and this can lead to a failure. It only takes a few seconds to check this bulb, and fixing the bulb is very cheap. It would be worth including it in a routine walk-around inspection before booking the MOT.

Mirrors That Are Cracked or Poorly Adjusted

The reason behind an MOT failure can be a cracked door mirror or a rear view mirror that has been blown off the windscreen. Testers examine whether the driver has a clear view of the road on both the right and left sides. Even the slightest crack in a mirror that changes the image or reduces the field of view can be identified. It is important throughout the year to keep the mirrors in good condition and ensure they are properly attached.

Horn Not Working Properly

There are numerous drivers who never even once consider whether their horns function. Most people don't think about it in their daily driving. A working horn is, however, a legal requirement, and the MOT test also involves a check to ensure that it works. 

If the horn does not produce any sound, or makes a weak sound or a strange noise, the car may fail. A habit as simple as pressing the horn before going to the test centre will help avoid an unnecessary failure.

Seats and Seatbelts in the Back

Front seatbelts get the most attention. However, the rear seatbelts and rear seats are also checked during the MOT. When a rear seatbelt is frayed, fails to retract, or the buckle does not click into place, this may lead to a failure. 

This is also applicable to the seat belt warning lights. The tester will note that, if the warning light of the car indicates that there is a fault in any of the seatbelts, including those that may hardly be used. Before the MOT, test each belt separately; it is worth sitting in the back seat before the MOT.

Fuel and Oil Caps That Do Not Seal Properly

An MOT failure can occur due to a loose or missing fuel cap, as this may cause harmful fumes to escape, which is an environmental and safety issue. Likewise, when an oil cap is not installed properly, it may lead to issues that can impact other aspects of the vehicle. 

They are simple but often ignored. Ensuring that the two caps are properly maintained and sealed is a small measure that can save one the trouble of returning to the garage.

Dashboard Warning Lights

It is also one of the most common MOT failures. Many drivers notice a warning light appear on the dashboard and then, as long as the car appears to be running normally, simply ignore the warning. The tester will detect the presence of a warning light that should not be lit in the case of the engine management light, airbag warning light or ABS light. 

The reason why these lights exist is to indicate that something needs to be done, and an MOT tester takes these lights seriously even when the driver does not. In case a warning light is on, then it should be checked before the test.

Tyres That Are Legal But Just Barely

The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6 mm, although tyres that come very close to this minimum limit may be an MOT issue depending on the overall condition of the tyre. 

Tyres which display irregular wear, bulges or cuts (even though they technically pass the depth test) can still lead to a failure. Proper tyre checks also involve examining the sidewalls, not only the tread. Any visible damage or problem can be identified during the MOT West Bromwich.

Leaking Fluid Underneath the Car

A vehicle that spills either oil, brake fluid or coolant onto the road during the test can fail its MOT. Not every leak is noticeable when inside the car. It could take a driver to notice a dripping liquid under the car until they notice where they have been parked. 

Investigating under the car to find stains or wet spots within the days before the MOT can reveal a problem at an early stage, so that the problem can be resolved in time.

Conclusion

The best way to prevent a surprise failure is not to take the MOT as a yearly chore but as a reflection of the level of care that is given to a car throughout the year. A lot of the hidden problems listed here (wipers, bulbs, warning lights, seatbelts) can be detected by simply doing a walk-around inspection before the appointment. 

Spending ten minutes to review the basics will mean that fewer people will have to deal with unexpected bills and, more importantly, roads will be safer. By knowing what the MOT is actually looking at, drivers will be in a much better position. It does not only concern major mechanical components. It concerns the little things that amount to a car that is truly roadworthy, and that begins long before the car pulls into the test bay.