As MOT data shows that approximately one in five vehicles fail their annual roadworthiness examination in the UK, tyre specialists are cautioning motorists that frequently stored items could result in MOT failures. James Harding, a tyre expert at Blackcircles with over 16 years of sector 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."
When can MOT test centres refuse a car?
MOT test centres can legally refuse to test a 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.
Unexpected reasons your vehicle may fail its MOT
If your vehicle is excessively filthy (internally or externally), the examiner can lawfully decline to inspect it. This applies equally to cluttered footwells. If debris, loose containers or items are moving around near the pedals, this constitutes a safety risk, and an automatic fail.
Every door, including the boot, must open and shut smoothly from both the interior and exterior. If overfilling the boot prevents a smooth closure, a vehicle will be failed. If your boot is packed and the examiner cannot reach the spare wheel well or suspension mounts, they will fail the vehicle.
Should dirt or alterations to your number plate render any character illegible to Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, your vehicle will automatically fail its MOT. Testers are required to examine every seatbelt. Should a seatbelt be wedged beneath a folded rear seat or pinned behind a fixed child car seat making it impossible to inspect, the vehicle will fail.
Attaching bulky ornaments, bobbleheads, or seasonal decorations to the top of your dashboard can result in a failure if they obstruct your view of the road. They also present a serious danger should they interfere with the activation of your passenger airbags.
How to prepare for an MOT
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."
