In the UK, cars must pass an annual mechanical inspection known as a MOT (MOT Test) before they can be driven on public roads. The MOT is administered by local garages, who will provide an MOT certificate of completion with their findings and any recommended repairs.
If your car fails its MOT, you can either make the necessary repairs or take the car off the road until it passes. Here at Vantage Auto Services, our team provides high quality MOT testing and are here to offer you advice on what to expect and to let you know what happens if your car fails its MOT, as well as what factors can affect the outcome of a test.
What is an MOT Test?
The test itself can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more depending on the size and complexity of the vehicle in question. It involves checking certain vital systems and components against legal requirements set out by the DVSA (Driver Vehicle Standards Agency) – for example lighting, tyres, brakes and exhaust emissions systems. If any faults are detected then these need to be rectified before retesting can occur.
The current car MOT services test consists of three parts:
Diagnostic Check: This checks whether the electronic systems are working correctly and that the car’s lights, indicators and brakes are working as they should.
Visual Inspection: This looks at the condition of various parts of the car such as tyres, exhausts and bodywork
Roadworthiness Check: This tests how well your car performs on the road by examining how it brakes and handles corners
Why Might Your Car Fail its MOT?
If you look after your vehicle and keep all parts of it up to date by paying attention to alerts and warnings that may appear on the dashboard, or if you notice any changes in the way your vehicle handles. Taking your vehicle to a reliable mechanic for a vehicle service when issues occur can help to prevent more serious problems happening later down the line. However, there are a number of reasons why a car might fail its MOT. These include:
Tyres: Tyres which are worn down to less than 1.6mm tread depth or which have been patched, braked or damaged in any other way will not pass the test.
Exhausts: If your exhaust has been modified or is not fitted with an approved silencer it will fail the test.
Lights: All lights must be working correctly and be in good condition. Flashing indicators and brake lights may also cause a failure.
Horn: Your horn must work to make sure that you can warn other road users of your presence on the road.
Brakes: Your brakes must be able to stop the vehicle safely within its design parameters, including when applied hard and under load (the vehicle must still be able to be stopped on an incline).
Steering Systems: The steering systems must be checked for correct operation at all speeds, including when cornering at low speeds (this is known as bump steer).
Mirrors: Both interior and exterior mirrors must be in good condition and provide a clear view of what’s behind you. If they don’t meet this standard they could cause an MOT failure.
What Happens if My Car Fails?
If your car fails its MOT, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs before driving. You’ll also need to get them approved by an authorised engineer before taking your vehicle back for another test.
Any repairs will need to be made within 28 days, otherwise your vehicle will automatically be placed on a list of untaxed vehicles which have been withdrawn from public use by law enforcement agencies throughout the country (unless it has been sold). It could take up to eight weeks for this process to complete but once it does, a notice will be sent out informing you that your vehicle has been withdrawn from public use and cannot be driven until further notice.
When your car fails its MOT, you’ll receive an advisory note from the test centre explaining what needs fixing and how much it will cost. The advisory note will also give a list of things that don’t need fixing but should be checked regularly (for example tyres). You’ll have one month to get these things done before you can book another free retest at any time within 12 months of passing your first test.
Contact Vantage Auto Services for more information!
If you would like more information about an MOT test and what to expect during the process, or what you need to do if you fail, get in touch with our team at Vantage Auto Services today! We’re on hand to offer advice, guidance, and fully comprehensive MOT tests for our customers in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas.