6 dangerously common MOT failures - and how to avoid them

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)

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time Business News

5 hours ago

• Time Business News

Top 10 Reasons Cars Fail MOTs – And How to Avoid Them

Each year, millions of vehicles in the UK go through the MOT test—a legal requirement that ensures your car meets essential safety and environmental standards. And every year, a significant number of those vehicles fail due to avoidable issues. Whether you're driving a brand-new model or an older car, understanding the most common reasons for MOT failure can help you pass the test the first time. In this guide from your trusted Car Garage MOT experts, we'll cover the top 10 reasons cars fail MOTs—and how to easily avoid them. Blown bulbs, broken indicators, or misaligned headlights are among the most frequent MOT failure causes. Do a quick walk-around before your MOT. Test your headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, indicators, and number plate lights. Replacing a bulb is cheap and easy! Tread depth below the legal minimum (1.6mm), bulges, cracks, or uneven wear can cause a fail. Use a tread depth gauge or the '20p test.' Also check for visible damage. If unsure, ask your Car Garage MOT technician to inspect them in advance. Low brake fluid, worn pads or discs, or imbalance between sides of the vehicle are common brake-related failures. Have your brakes checked regularly, especially if you notice unusual noises or reduced stopping power. Many MOT garages offer pre-checks. Smearing wiper blades or empty washer fluid can result in a fail due to impaired visibility. Replace worn blades and top up your washer fluid before the test. It's a 2-minute fix that could save you a fail. Chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight—or stickers that block visibility—can fail your MOT. Repair chips early. Remove anything that might block the driver's view (e.g., phone holders, decals) before the test. Worn shock absorbers, broken springs, or leaking struts are all common suspension issues spotted during an MOT. Listen for clunks or knocks when driving over bumps. Ask your Car Garage MOT center for a quick suspension check if your ride feels off. Excessive emissions, noisy exhausts, or leaking pipes can lead to a failed MOT—especially for diesel vehicles with faulty DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filters). Keep your engine well maintained and avoid short journeys before the test. A good pre-MOT service can help reduce emission levels. Illegible, dirty, damaged, or incorrect number plates can be an instant fail. Make sure your plates are clean, secure, and follow the legal format. A quick clean before the test makes all the difference. Dashboard warning lights (airbag, ABS, engine) that remain illuminated after startup can cause a fail under MOT rules. Don't ignore warning lights. Have them diagnosed and fixed before heading to your MOT appointment. Basic neglect—like low oil levels, loose battery terminals, or dirty mirrors—can lead to multiple minor faults and a cumulative fail. Give your car a basic once-over. Clean it, top up fluids, and ensure all basics are in good condition. Better yet, book a Car Garage MOT pre-check or service combo. Book your MOT in advance to avoid the last-minute rush Use a trusted Car Garage MOT center with experienced technicians center with experienced technicians Combine your MOT with a basic service for full peace of mind Keep records of previous MOT advisories and address them early Failing an MOT can be frustrating—but most issues are simple to fix if caught in advance. Regular maintenance and a pre-test check can save you time, money, and stress. At our Car Garage MOT center, we help drivers stay road-legal and safe with thorough inspections and expert advice. Book your MOT today and drive away with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Yahoo

5 days ago

• Yahoo

4 common mistakes you're making with your car in a heatwave

With temperatures set to soar this weekend, many Brits will already be thinking about their weekend getaways and how they'll cope in the sweltering weather. Whether it's visiting family and friends, or heading to the beach, temperatures of up to 33C are expected to see families hitting the road - bringing a host of other factors for drivers to consider before they get behind the wheel. Here, Yahoo News UK rounds up some of the top mistakes motorists could make: As temperatures rise outside, so does the temperature inside your car - including its engine. Engine oil helps keep your engine at a correct temperature and prevent damage or overheating. To check your oil levels, make sure your engine is cool enough by leaving it for at least a few hours after it was last driven - if you don't, you risk being burned by hot oil. Your car's coolant system also helps keep everything in check during warm weather. As with engine oil, make sure your car is cool before checking levels - there should be markings on the side of the coolant bottle to let you know when it needs topping up. You should also keep an eye on your car's temperature warning light. If it lights up while driving you should pull over as soon as it's safe to do so and lift the bonnet to cool the engine down to avoid potential damage. Changes in temperature can cause significant variations in tyre pressure, especially over the British spring and summer and all the varied weather it can bring. Higher temperatures increase tyre pressure, potentially leaving them over-inflated, which can in turn cause excess wear and tear and even affect braking. Fortunately, tyre pressure can be easily checked at most petrol stations and tyre shops. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your tread depths - the legal minimum is 1.5 millimetres. Also, loading up for everything you need for a day at the beach can put extra strain on your tyres, so it's helpful to keep a spare or a puncture repair kit. Decreasing the amount of light entering your car on hot days can make a huge difference not just for your driving comfort (and that of your passengers), but also for making sure you are driving safely. Sun visors for the driver's and front passenger's seats can reduce the amount of light entering your field of vision, especially on sunny days, which in turn help your eyes adjust more quickly when you enter a patch of shade or an indoor area, such as a multi-storey car park. Semi-transparent covers can also be bought to cover rear passenger windows, if needed. When you're not driving, a windscreen shade can also significantly decrease the amount your car heats while when you're not in it. It is not illegal to drive in the UK without shoes, but you might want to think carefully before you get behind the wheel without any. According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the organisation which sets the standards for British driving tests, the most important factor is to be in control of your vehicle - something you may struggle with without shoes or in summer footwear, such as flip flops. While there are not any types of shoe which are illegal to drive in, anything which affects your ability to control a car could mean you are driving without sufficient care, which can in turn result in fines or other penalties. The AA recommends soft shoes with thin soles and good grip, such as trainers, loafers and boat shoes. Just like anything else left in your car on a hot day, child seats and boosters can heat up pretty quickly when left in the sun. Depending on the design of a car seat, dark plastic components can potentially get very hot, leaving children at risk of burns. A 2012 report in the Pediatrics & Child Health medical journal revealed the case of an 11-month-old who was taken to hospital with an unexplained burn on his leg which was later found to have been caused by an overheated car seat. Always check the temperature across the whole of a car seat before strapping your child in and if possible leave it covered while not in use.

Yahoo

6 days ago

• Yahoo

'Our city wants to charge us £5 to drive to the centre'

The introduction of the controversial Oxford congestion charge is to be debated by councillors this week. On June 17, Oxfordshire County Council officials will discuss the plan for a £5 charge for drivers to access the city centre along six routes. If councillors back the plan, a public consultation would begin on 23 June and the congestion charge could be introduced this autumn. If approved, the temporary congestion charge would be the first to launch in the UK for 20 years, following similar schemes in London and Durham. When we visited the city this week, Oxford residents told Yahoo News they had mixed feelings about the scheme. While bus companies in Oxford have welcomed the plan, businesses leaders and members of the public have all raised their opposition, with an online petition opposing the charge approaching 10,000 signatures. Yahoo News UK asked people in Oxford what they think of the congestion charge proposal: Conor Phelan, 27, a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University and a cyclist, said: 'Overall, reducing the volume of traffic in Oxford is good. It will make the city safer, especially with the problem of cars in standstill traffic. 'One time I was on my bike cycling through standstill traffic and nearly got hit by a car door. 'I drive as well so I can understand the pain but ultimately, I back it because of what it will do in terms of disincentivising traffic and encouraging cycling." Angie Ingenfeld, 69, a tourist visiting Oxford from Bonn in Germany, said: 'I think it is very loud at the moment, with so much traffic in the city. We have to watch for the cars and we cannot enjoy the sightseeing so much." Her husband, Steve, 60, said: 'We parked at the Oxford park and ride because it was easy and cheap. If people want to go to the city to do their shopping, they could take that." Dan Roiser, 41, owner of the Peloton Espresso cafe, said: 'I think people who are against it often don't live in the city. I cycle to work. I don't like a city full of cars. But they should have invested more in public transport before bringing it in.' Ibrahim Ahmed, 27, co-director of Oxford computer service store GigaFix, said: 'From a business perspective, we are getting shafted from all angles. 'In a business like this, there's a lot of dropping boxes off. So for us it will make that more expensive.' 'I know a lot of other businesses who are struggling a lot and it breaks my heart really because it is their only source of income. People have been suffering and this might force them to close." But Joe Smith, 21, an Oxford Brookes University student working at Peloton Espresso, who backs the plan, said: 'A lot of business owners don't realise that where these types of pedestrianisation measures have happened, foot traffic has tended to improve." He added: 'Some of the difficulty in Oxford has come from the fact that the council has put the cart before the horse and hasn't yet invested in the infrastructure enough." Cab driver Abdul Wahid, 57, who has signed a petition against the scheme, said: 'I've signed it because it's going to affect the city. 'They think it will reduce traffic, but this is not London. It is local people living here, and they will just pay the fine. People have to take kids to school. They have to go to the hospital. 'My mother is disabled and I have to take her for appointments. With the congestion charge, I won't be able to afford to pay £5 every time we go. The cost of living is already very high. 'The council should make people's lives easier, not harder.' Ansar Hussain, 52, a cab driver, said: 'It is a bad idea. They say it is an environmental measure, but eventually all vehicles will be hybrid anyway so I think they are just trying to cash in." The proposals would see drivers pay a £5 congestion charge to go into Oxford city centre. Not every motorist would be affected - drivers such as carers, traders and disabled blue badge holders would be allowed to apply for a permit that would allow them to travel by car in the city. Permits would also be given to people with cars who live within the congestion charge area. The plan would be enforced by number plate recognition cameras and would apply along six roads. Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street and St Clement's Street would be part of the congestion charge from 7am to 7pm seven days a week, while Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way would be affected between 7am and 9am and 3pm and 6pm on Monday to Saturday. The £5 charge would be payable online or by phone up until midnight on the day after a motorists goes through one of the six routes. The congestion charge is designed to be a temporary measure, to plug the gap until a different traffic calming scheme is ready. Oxfordshire County Council said the congestion charge would last a maximum of two years and is required because of delays to a trial of traffic filters, which cannot be introduced until after Botley Road in the city is reopened, expected sometime in summer 2026. The traffic filters scheme would again use number plate recognition cameras, but motorists without a valid permit could face fines of £70 (reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days) for driving down certain roads. "There's too much traffic in Oxford," said Oxfordshire County Council. "We want to create an attractive, thriving city with better buses, safer cycling, less congestion and cleaner air." An online petition, started by councillor Saj Malik, calling for the congestion charge to be stopped, has reached more than 9,000 signatures. He said is it "essentially another tax that will hit residents, workers and businesses hard, especially those who can least afford it". Read more: Oxford anti-congestion charge petition gets 6,500 signatures in three days (Oxford Mail) The Oxford Business Access Group is also against the congestion charge, accusing the council of deciding to "make it harder for customers to reach our valuable shops and small businesses". However, transport companies Stagecoach West and Oxford Bus have both welcomed the plans, saying they will make buses a more attractive alternative to cars. The plans have also led to a row between Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, who say they've not been properly included in the proposals.