Every year, thousands of cars fail their MOT — often due to simple, preventable issues. Understanding the most common MOT failure items can save you time, money and stress.
At LMC Cars, we inspect vehicles daily and see these failures all the time. Here’s what causes most MOT failures — and how you can avoid them.
1. Lights & Indicators This is the number one MOT failure reason.
Common issues:
Blown bulbs Faulty brake lights Indicators flashing too fast ✅ Prevention tip: Do a full light check monthly — it takes less than 5 minutes.
2. Tyres (Tread & Condition) Tyres must have at least 1.6mm tread across the central ¾.
Why cars fail:
Worn tread Sidewall damage Uneven wear ✅ Prevention tip: Check tread depth regularly and keep tyres correctly inflated.
3. Brakes Worn brake pads and discs are a common fail.
Warning signs:
Squealing noises Vibration when braking Longer stopping distances ✅ Prevention tip: Don’t ignore noises — early repairs are cheaper than replacements.
4. Suspension Issues Worn shock absorbers and suspension components often go unnoticed.
Symptoms:
Knocking noises Excessive bouncing Uneven tyre wear ✅ Prevention tip: If the car doesn’t feel stable, get it checked before MOT time.
5. Windscreen & Wipers Even small cracks can result in failure if they’re in the driver’s line of sight.
Common failures:
Damaged windscreen Split or ineffective wiper blades ✅ Prevention tip: Replace worn wipers annually — they’re cheap and easy.
6. Exhaust & Emissions Modern MOTs are strict on emissions.
Common problems:
Exhaust leaks Faulty sensors DPF issues (especially diesels) ✅ Prevention tip: Regular servicing and occasional longer drives help keep emissions systems healthy.
How to Avoid an MOT Failure Altogether ✔ Regular servicing ✔ Address warning lights early ✔ Don’t ignore strange noises ✔ Check basics before the test
Buying an MOT-Ready Used Car All vehicles at LMC Cars are thoroughly inspected before sale, giving you peace of mind from day one.
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