6 dangerously common MOT failures - and how to avoid them

Yahoo

16-06-2025

One in six drivers – around six million people – who ignore MOT advisories later experience a breakdown or found themselves in a crash as a result, the RAC has warned.
The breakdown cover provider says its research points towards a worrying trend of what it calls "advisory apathy" among drivers, urging motorists to promptly get issues flagged in inspections sorted.
Of the 1,460 drivers who have had their vehicle recently MOT'd, 44% said the test resulted in one or more advisory notices, which are treated as early warning signs, the RAC said.
"By running the gauntlet and not acting on MOT advisories, drivers are at risk of knowingly getting behind the wheel of an unroadworthy vehicle," the RAC warned, adding that this could result in a £2,500 fine, three penalty points and invalidated insurance.
Sometimes, after passing your annual MOT, you may be given a list of small or potential problems that should be dealt with as soon as possible.
MOTs are separated into three categories: Dangerous, Major, and Minor.
Dangerous or major faults will result in you failing your MOT, meaning your car will no longer be legally roadworthy.
Minor faults are not serious enough to fail the test, but still should be looked at as soon as possible.
Following these three categories, there is an advisories section on your MOT certificate, which comprises of a list of small issues that could develop into a fault before your next inspection.
While you can legally drive your car after receiving an advisory, the RAC says you should not ignore it as it could lead to a future MOT failure, or an accident.
Here, Yahoo News explains some of the most common MOT failures and how to prevent them.
Nearly a fifth of all cars (18.9%) that fail their MOTs do so because of an issue with their lights, according to the RAC.
Lights also accounted for 16% of advisories over the last year, the company said.
Often this could be something as simple as a blown bulb, and there are some simple precautions you can take to avoid a failure on your next MOT.
"Switch all your lights on and walk around your car to check they're in working order, the RAC advises.
"Do the indicators flash as they should? Do the sidelights and fog lights function as they should? Don't forget the number plate lights.
"Often plastic lenses get misty over time, so it might be worth buying a kit to clean your lights ahead of the MOT. Look out for any cracks in your lights, too, and ask someone to stand behind the vehicle to check the brake lights light up as you press the brake pedal."
According to the RAC, suspension accounts for around 13% of MOT failures and 22% of advisories.
These issues can be hard to spot – after all, how likely are you to notice a leaky shock absorber or a snapped spring?
The RAC advises motorists to pay attention to noises made by their cars on the road – particularly when going round corners or when passing over bumpy roads. For example, are there any unusual clunking sounds?
It adds: "Park your car up and spend a few seconds looking at it – does it sit level? Is it too high, or too low, particularly in one corner? Walk around the car and try pushing down on each corner. Does it return back to its normal level when you let go without 'bouncing' up and down a few times?"
Issues with brakes account for one in 10 MOT failures, according to the RAC, and 34% of advisories.
The importance of a vehicle's brakes should be obvious, making these figures all the more concerning, particularly as the performance of brakes should be easy enough to notice.
"Listen out for squealing or grinding noises from your brakes, both are signs that the pads are running low," the RAC advises.
"When braking, does it stop in a straight line, or does it pull to one side? You should also inspect the discs and pads – you might need to remove the wheel to do this, or you might be able to look through the spokes."
The RAC provides a short video on how to remove your wheel here.
The company says drivers should check if the surface of their brake disc is smooth, and the thickness of the brake pads.
Many cars also fail their MOTs because of issues with handbrakes, which can be tested by stopping your car on a hill and applying it. If it doesn't hold the car, it might need adjustment.
Problems with tyres are responsible for 7.7% of MOT failures, according to the RAC's figures, and 42% of advisories.
Even if you don't have an MOT coming up soon, you should be checking your tyres regularly, the company says.
The law states that tyres need 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters.
To check your tyres comply, insert a 20p coin into the tread. If you can see the outer band, the tread is too low.
"Don't just rely on the tread you can see… feel inside the tyre – uneven wear could be indicative of issues with alignment or poor inflation," the RAC adds.
"While you're checking the tyres, look out for any lumps or cuts – both of which could cause a dangerous blowout and should be fixed immediately."
The RAC also advises people to check the correct tyres are fitted to your car and if they matching sizes across each axle. You can also check if they have a suitable speed rating here.
The RAC says 7.2% of MOT failures are due to something affecting the driver's view of the road, such as things blocking the windscreen or cracks or chips.
There could also be a danger of your bonnet popping up, the company adds.
Drivers should also check to see if their wipers work as they should and to top up their windshield washer fluid before their next MOT.
Read more
Can you claim for pothole damage on your car insurance? (Yahoo News)
The top 10 cars on the market that are the easiest to park in the UK (News and Star)
What causes potholes and why does the UK have so many? (Yahoo News)