Main reasons over a third of cars fail their MOT – how to make sure your motor passes
Around 34 per cent of vehicles fail their initial MOT assessment - but plenty of failures could easily be avoided
THE main reasons for vehicles failing their MOT have been revealed.
According to the most recent figures from the DVSA, just over 34 per cent of cars and vans in the UK won't initially pass their roadworthiness test.
And the large majority of those failures can be attributed to four main problem areas of car maintenance.
Lighting and signalling faults posed the largest issue, causing 30 per cent of defects.
These were closely followed by suspension issues (20 per cent), damaged brakes (17 per cent) and faulty tyres (10 per cent).
In total 7.5million cars failed their initial assessment at the test centre in 2017/18 - but many drivers could have avoided the hassle.
Top tips to make sure your car passes its MOT
Drivers should look out for these warning signs to make sure their car has the best chance of passing its MOT, according to Richard Hitchman from car maintenance experts, Holt Lloyd International:
- AdBlue warning light - Drivers should be sure to monitor diesel exhaust fluid levels so that their car's emissions don't become more dangerous
- DPF - Keeping the diesel particulate filter free of soot will mean your motor is less likely to produce smoke during the test
- Windscreen washers - Always ensure your washer pot is topped up with liquid, and windscreen wiper blades are in good working order
- Engine temperature - Don't ignore your engine temperature warning light. Overheating just once can do long-term damage to the car's engine
- Brake fluid - Make sure your car's brake fluid has been changed at least once before its first MOT
Just under a quarter of initial failures were a result of poor car maintenance, including issues motorists could easily resolve themselves before arriving at the MOT station, such as filling up the windscreen washer pot or realigning headlights.
Checking your lights prior to taking your car in could save you hundreds.
Ask another person to go around your car and double check that your indicators, brake, reverse and fog lights work.
Making sure oil is topped up, all electrics are working and tyres have the appropriate amount of tread on them will also help make sure your motor passes first time.
your guide to car maintenance
After failing an MOT, Brits fork out an average of £325 to fix their car and get it working order before their next test.
We previously revealed tips to make sure your car passes its MOT.
And gave advice on how to find the right garage for your next service.