The MOT is a yearly safety check for cars over 3 years old. It looks at key parts like lights, brakes, tyres, seatbelts, and more. If your car fails, you must fix it before you can drive it legally. At Malling Repair Service, we help Maidstone drivers pass their MOTs and stay safe.

Top Causes of MOT Failure

DVSA and RAC data show that most failures come from a few main areas. Here are the biggest problems:

1. Lighting & Signalling (~27%)

Over a quarter of MOT fails are due to broken bulbs, broken lenses, or bad wiring . Even the number‑plate light must work. Check your:

• Headlights (both beams)
• Indicators and hazard lights
• Brake lights
• Reversing light
• Number‑plate light

Get someone to test brake lights while you press the pedal. Change any bulb that’s dim or cracked.

2. Suspension (~18–19%)

Faulty suspension like worn shocks, broken springs, or leaky dampers cause many fails. You may feel bumps more, or hear clunks over potholes. Try a bounce test: press down on each corner—your car should settle quickly, not bounce.

3. Brakes (~15%)

Brakes are crucial for safety. If pads, discs, or the handbrake are worn or brake fluid is low, you’ll fail. Listen for squealing or grinding, and pay attention if the car pulls left or right.

4. Tyres (~11–12%)

Your tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm and no damage. Use a 20p coin to check the depth—if the outer rim shows, replace them. Also look for bulges, cuts, and correct tyre sizes.

5. Driver’s View (Visibility) (~10%)

This includes cracks in the windscreen, faulty wipers, and broken mirrors or washers. Any crack over 10 mm in the driver’s line of sight is a fail. Wipers must clean the screen properly.

6. Exhaust & Emissions (~6%)

A leaking exhaust or high emissions can lead to a fail. If your car smells of exhaust or is very loud, get it checked. Emissions faults also show from a plugged catalytic converter or bad sensors.

7. Steering (~4%)

Loose steering, worn joints, or play can make your car fail. If the steering feels vague or the wheel is hard to turn, book a check before your MOT.

8. Seatbelts (~3%)

If a seatbelt does not latch, retract, or hold securely, it will fail. Pull each belt to test it locks firmly and returns cleanly.

9. Registration Plate & VIN (~1%)

Dirty, damaged, or incorrectly spaced plates are MOT fails. Make sure your number plate is plainly visible, clean, and the right font and size.

10. Mirrors, Horn, Fluids, Structure

Faulty mirrors, a quiet horn, cracked washer fluid tank, and rusty bodywork — these also cause MOT failures . Remove dangling objects like air‑fresheners too, as they can block views.

Safety Defects vs. Minor Problems

Some failures are dangerous, meaning your car can’t be driven until fixed—like worn brakes or bald tyres (88% of dangerous failures). Others are minor and only need fixing before the next MOT. But ignoring them can turn into serious issues.

How to Avoid Failing Your MOT

Do these simple checks before your test:

• Test all lights weekly
• Check tyre tread and condition with a coin
• Look for cracks or chips in the windscreen
• Replace old wiper blades and top up screen wash
• Check brake feel and listen for noises
• Pull down and let seat belts retract
• Inspect suspension—bounce test corners
• Listen for exhaust leaks or strange noises

Fix any problems before your MOT. Most of these are quick and cheap fixes.

Pre-MOT Check at Malling Repair Service

At Malling Repair Service, we offer a pre‑MOT check to catch faults early. We explain everything in simple words and only fix what’s needed. You get help to pass your MOT in Maidstone first time, stress‑free.

What Happens If You Fail

• You’ll get a list of failures
• We’ll explain what needs fixing
• If you leave your car with us for repairs, your retest is free within 10 working days
• If you leave the garage and return within one day for certain fixes, the retest is also free

FAQs

Q: Can small problems like bulbs cause a fail?

Yes. Even a single blown bulb or worn wiper blade is a failure.

Q: Is headlight aim important?

Yes, badly aimed headlights can dazzle others and fail the test.

Q: What’s the tyre tread rule?

Your tyres must have at least 1.6 mm tread across the central three‑quarters.

Q: Do I need a free retest if repairs are done elsewhere?

No. Free retests only apply if the car stays at the same garage or returns within one day after certain repairs.

Q: Can an advisory from last year become a fail?

Yes. Minor issues noted last time can worsen and fail this year. It’s best to fix advisories before re‑test.

Final Words

Many MOT failures come from small, easy-to-fix problems like lights, tyres, or wipers. At Malling Repair Service, we help you avoid these failures with a pre‑MOT check and quick fixes. Book your MOT in Maidstone today at 34 – 38 Foster St, Maidstone ME15 6NH, UK, and drive safe with confidence.