Top 5 MOT Fails You Can Avoid This Year

Every year, millions of cars fail their MOT for problems that could have been fixed in minutes. From simple warning lights to worn tyres, most failures come down to small oversights that drivers don’t notice. Whether you’re a car owner, DIY enthusiast, or mobile mechanic, knowing what to check before test day can save you money — and the headache of a retest.

Here are the Top 5 most common MOT failures and how to avoid them, straight from the experts at AutoAdvice Online.

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1️⃣ Brake Light Failures

One of the biggest MOT fails is simply a brake light that doesn’t work. It’s a quick fix, but thousands of cars fail their MOT because of it every year. Before your test, check all lights — brake, indicators, reverse, fog, and number plate lights. Replacing a bulb takes seconds and costs less than £2.

2️⃣ Worn or Damaged Tyres

Your tyres must have at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Check for cracks, cuts, or bulges — these can cause an instant fail. A quick 20p coin test can help you spot issues before your MOT. If the outer band of the coin’s rim is visible, your tread is too low.

3️⃣ Windscreen Cracks or Chips

Any chip or crack larger than 10mm in the driver’s line of sight (or 40mm elsewhere on the screen) will fail an MOT. Many insurers offer free windscreen repair, so get it sorted early. A small repair today can save you the cost of a full windscreen replacement later.

4️⃣ Suspension & Steering Issues

If your car feels unstable, knocks over bumps, or leans excessively, your suspension may be worn. MOT testers look for leaking shock absorbers and perished bushes. Fixing these early prevents further damage and keeps your car safe to drive.

5️⃣ Dashboard Warning Lights

Since 2012, dashboard warning lights have been part of the MOT test. If your ABS, airbag, or engine light stays on, your car will fail automatically. A quick diagnostic check can identify the issue — many problems are minor and easy to reset after repair.

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✅ Final Tip from AutoAdvice Online

Spend a few minutes performing a basic pre-MOT check — lights, tyres, wipers, fluid levels, and dashboard warnings. It’s the easiest way to prevent a fail and avoid paying for a retest. If you’re unsure, a quick remote MOT consultation can give you peace of mind before heading to the test centre.

💬 Book a Remote MOT Diagnostic

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🚗 About AutoAdvice Online

AutoAdvice Online provides expert remote vehicle diagnostics and MOT guidance from certified MOT testers — anytime, anywhere. Whether you need quick advice, live diagnostics, or help identifying why your car might fail, we’re here to help.

Visit our website at AutoAdviceOnline.com or book a live session today to stay one step ahead of your MOT.

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