Every year, thousands of cars in Aldershot fail their MOT test. The surprising part? Most of the reasons are small things that could be fixed quickly before the test. At ASH Road Service Centre, we help drivers spot and fix these problems early so they can pass first time.
Here are the top 5 most common MOT failures we see at our garage—and easy ways you can avoid them.
1. Lights and Indicators Not Working
Faulty bulbs are one of the biggest reasons cars fail their MOT. This includes headlights, brake lights, number plate lights, and indicators. Even one broken bulb can cause a fail.
How to avoid it: Before your test, turn on all your lights. Ask someone to walk around your car while you press the brake and use the indicators. Replace any lights that don’t work. It’s a cheap and simple fix.
2. Worn or Damaged Tyres
Tyres must have enough tread and no damage to pass an MOT. The legal tread depth is 1.6mm. If your tyres are bald, cracked, or bulging, you’ll fail.
How to avoid it: Use a 20p coin to check your tread. Insert it into the tyre groove—if you can see the outer edge of the coin, the tread might be too low. Check for cuts or damage too. At our MOT garage in Aldershot, we offer quick tyre checks if you’re not sure.
3. Faulty Brakes
Brake issues are another major cause of MOT failures. If your brakes are worn out, make noises, or don’t stop evenly, the tester will mark it as a serious fault.
How to avoid it: Listen for squeaks or grinding sounds when braking. If your car pulls to one side or takes longer to stop, get your brakes checked before the test. We can inspect your brakes and fix them at ASH Road Service Centre to help you stay safe.
4. Windscreen Wipers and Washer Problems
You need a clear view to drive safely. Your wipers must work properly, and your windscreen washer must spray correctly. If they don’t, you could fail your MOT.
How to avoid it: Top up your screenwash and make sure the jets spray the glass. Test your wipers—if they leave streaks or squeak, they may need replacing. These are small fixes that take just minutes.
5. Suspension and Steering Issues
Your suspension helps keep your ride smooth and safe. If it’s damaged or worn, your car can fail its MOT. Signs include knocking noises, uneven ride height, or trouble steering.
How to avoid it: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for odd sounds. If your car feels too bouncy or leans to one side, come in for a check. At our trusted MOT test centre in Aldershot, we’ll inspect your suspension and steering thoroughly.
Book with Confidence in Aldershot
Many of these common failures are easy to catch early. That’s why we recommend doing a basic car check—or letting our expert team at ASH Road Service Centre do a pre-MOT inspection. This helps avoid surprises and makes your MOT smooth and stress-free.
📍 ASH Road Service Centre Unit A, 151 Ash Road, Aldershot, GU12 4DB, UK
We’re your local experts for MOT in Aldershot, offering honest service, clear advice, and free retests on repairs we complete. Visit Now or Book an Appointment.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I fail my MOT?
A: You’ll get a list of problems. We can fix most issues quickly and offer a free retest if we do the repairs.
Q: Can I drive if my MOT has expired?
A: Only if you’re going to a pre-booked MOT test. Otherwise, it’s illegal and could result in a fine.
Q: Do I need to service my car before the MOT?
A: It’s not required, but a service can help spot problems early and improve your chances of passing.
Final Tip
Most MOT failures are due to small things like bulbs, tyres, or washer fluid. Take 10 minutes to check your car, or let our friendly team do it for you. Booking your MOT at ASH Road Service Centre means peace of mind, fair prices, and expert help right here in Aldershot.
Call us today to book your MOT or pre-check appointment.
Would you like the next post on “How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT” or “First MOT Rules for New Drivers”?
Most MOT failures are due to small things like bulbs, tyres, or washer fluid. Take 10 minutes to check your car, or let our friendly team do it for you. Booking your MOT at ASH Road Service Centre means peace of mind, fair prices, and expert help right here in Aldershot.
Call us today to book your MOT or pre-check appointment.
Would you like the next post on “How to Prepare Your Car for an MOT” or “First MOT Rules for New Drivers”?
