Experts have revealed that faulty lights are the most common reason cars fail their MOT test, urging drivers to perform simple checks before their annual safety inspection.
What the Experts Say
Andy Turbefield, head of quality at Halfords Autocentres, told Express.co.uk that light issues are the biggest cause of MOT failures. He explained: “One common issue that causes vehicles to fail an MOT test is faulty lights. Problems such as blown bulbs, missing reflectors, or faulty brake lights and indicators can lead to an MOT failure.”
Turbefield advised drivers to “regularly check that all their vehicle lights are working correctly before the test and replace any faulty bulbs or damaged components.” He added that “carrying out simple checks and fixing small issues early can improve road safety and increase the chance of passing the MOT first time.”
Statistics and Other Issues
Data from the RAC shows that lighting and signalling issues account for 18.9% of all MOT failures, far ahead of suspension problems (13%), brake issues (10%), and tyre defects (7.7%).
Cherie Carter, director at Indigo Car Hire, also highlighted the importance of light checks. She said: “Faulty lights can be a common MOT fail. A blown brake light, indicator or number plate bulb can result in fails, despite only costing relatively small amounts to fix in the first place.” She recommended spending “2 minutes per month just to check that everything is in working order,” noting it can save the inconvenience of another test and improve safety for all road users.
