With MOT data showing that roughly one in five cars fail their annual roadworthiness test in the UK, tyre experts are warning drivers that commonly placed items can lead to MOT failures.
James Harding, a tyre specialist at Blackcircles with more than 16 years of industry experience, said: “MOT failures aren’t just costly and inconvenient; they can show a car to be unsafe. You must book your car in for an MOT yearly, and ensure that your car is prepared to be tested.
“MOT test centres can legally refuse to test your car under official DVSA guidelines. If specific safety, cleanliness or administrative conditions are not met, you are at risk of being turned away or automatically failed.”
Unknown ways your car may fail its MOT
Your car is dirty or messy
If your car is excessively dirty (inside or out), the tester can legally refuse to examine it. This is also the same for messy footwells. If rubbish, loose bottles or clutter is rolling around near the pedals, this is classed as a safety hazard, and a direct fail.
You have an overfilled boot
Every door, including the boot, must open and close smoothly from both the inside and out. If overpacking the boot stops a smooth closure, a vehicle will be failed. If your boot is full and the tester cannot access the spare wheel well or suspension mounts, they will fail the vehicle.
Other common causes of failure
The car has dirty or obscured number plates
If dirt or number plate modification makes any letter unreadable to Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, your car will automatically fail its MOT.
You have trapped seatbelts
Testers must test every seatbelt. If a seatbelt is locked under a folded rear seat or trapped behind a permanent child car seat so it cannot be inspected, the car will fail.
Your car is full of decorative items
Sticking heavy decorative toys, bobbleheads, or seasonal decorations to the top of your dashboard can cause a failure if they block your view of the road. They also pose a major hazard if they interfere with the deployment of your passenger airbags.
James added: “Before arriving at your MOT appointment, it is important to check that your car is clean and accessible.
“It is also a good idea to check lights, tyres, fluid and oil levels as well as your dashboard for any warning lights.
“Sorting any issues that appear ahead of an MOT appointment can help your car to pass.”
