Five things that will cause your car to fail its MOT!

At Eurofit, we know it’s not always easy keeping your car in good condition. Seasonal changes, negligent road users and a lot of other factors out of your control can lead to poorer car upkeep. 

As your MOT approaches, it’s important to stay on top of the things you are in control of. After all, you don’t want to hear those dreaded words, do you? Here are five things that if found on your car, will cause it to fail its MOT;

1. Poorly functioning brakes

It goes without saying that a proper braking system is an absolute must on your car. Not just for your safety, but for the safety of other road users and passengers, you must be able to correctly brake at the appropriate distances. If your brakes are considered unfit for road use, your car will fail its MOT. 

2. Faulty window wipers

You need to be able to see clearly out of your front and rear windscreens. It’s critical that you have the clearest possible view out of both windows and are fully aware of your surroundings. Windscreen damage is actually a common reason cause of MOT failure, ensure your wipers operate correctly and the rubber blades are in good condition.

3. Wheels & Tyres in poor health

All four of your vehicle's wheels must be securely attached with no bolts missing. Your car must be able to grip the road effectively in the event of any sharp turn or sudden stop. The law states the tread depth must be “At least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.”

4. Exhaust & Emissions

For fuel-powered vehicles, emissions are tested using specialist equipment. Visible smoke from the tailpipe of your car may result in an MOT fail, likewise, excessively loud noise can also cause your car to fail its next MOT check. 

5. Incorrectly fitted seats & Seatbelts

Seats should be securely fitted, with seatbelts being a legal requirement for all post-1965 cars. Belts must also be securely fitted and in good condition- including the clip/locking mechanism. Your vehicle must be deemed safe for passengers to travel in, this is not possible without working, properly secured seatbelts.