5 Most Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT

As we settle into the new decade, many of us are already starting to consider what’s on the calendar for the upcoming year. For all motorists, it’s the usual MOT, yearly service or perhaps some essential maintenance work that we’ve been putting off for a month or two.

But if you have your MOT rapidly approaching, you might be starting to think about whether your car is going to pass its test or not. If your keen to see your car pass with flying colours, let's take a look at the 5 most common reasons why cars end up failing their MOT in the first place!

Signalling & Lights

Did you know that just under 20% of vehicles that go for their MOT test fail due to an issue with their lights?

Whether this is a blown headlight or registration bulb, or the indicators not functioning as they should, a simple check before heading to the test centre could help you avoid a disappointing fail certificate!

Suspension

With the harsh Winter months taking their toll on the roads here in the UK, the frequent emerging potholes can cause a multitude of issues for your vehicle. From a leaky shock absorber to a snapped spring, over 13% of failed MOT’s are caused by issues relating to the suspension.

Brakes

As a motorist, we understand the importance of having safe brakes that are in good working order. But did you know that an alarming 10% of MOTs fail every year due to having issues with the braking system?

Listening out for any grinding or loud squeaking noises may indicate that your brake pads are running low.

Tyres

Despite all the nifty safety mod-cons, your car isn’t fully safe unless the tyres carrying you from A to B are in tip-top condition. Continuously driving on poor tyres that aren’t fit for purpose is a disaster waiting to happen.

Ensure your tread on your tyres are free from bulges, cuts and that your tread is at least 1.6mm.

Visibility

Being able to see where you are driving is a pretty essential aspect of driving safely on the road. However, an alarming number of motorists fail their MOT every year due to impaired visibility issues.

From cracks and chips in the driver's eye line to air fresheners and sat-navs obstructing the line of view, more than 7% of motorists fail their MOT due to these reasons.

When is it Time to Scrap Your Car?

If the worst should happen and your car fails its MOT test, what should you do?
If your car has failed on an issue that is easily fixed, then its nothing to worry about, either take it to a mechanic or if it is something you can fix yourself then check out our range of Vauxhall and Opel new, used or reconditioned car parts today. Whether the part you're seeking is big or small, you'll find it here!

If the problem is an expensive one, but fairly simple, then it’s time to think about how reliable the car is. If this is the first problem and it should have many more years left in it then it’ll probably be worth repairing in the long run as its cheaper than getting a brand-new car. However, if your car is older and has failed due to more complex problems such as corrosion, engine failure or brake faults, or has had recurring problems, then the cost of repair may be more than what the car is actually worth. If this is the case for you, then scrapping your car is generally the next option to take.


If you're in the UK, and live in areas such as Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or Coventry, we suggest scrapping your car with us at Megavaux as we offer Vehicle Recycling Solutions, with free collection in the UK! 

Upcoming MOT Test? Our Tips for Avoiding Fails & Knowing When It's Time to Scrap Your Car

It's the annual event that no car owner looks forward to, the dreaded MOT test! According to the DVLA, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, one in every three cars will fail there MOT test - a worrying statistic that only increases our dread when it comes to booking our cars in.
But, did you know that the majority of cars actually and fail their MOT due to easily avoidable problems, such as headlights, hazard lights and indicators failures? Simple repairs can often be fixed without a mechanic before your MOT takes place, so in order to avoid unnecessary frustration and expense, we thought we'd share some easy ways that you can avoid simple faults and failed MOT tests!

Our tips to avoiding MOT fails

Check that all your lights and bulbs are working correctly. This includes headlights, rear lights, indicator lights, hazard lights and brake lights. If the bulbs have blown, follow your manual instructions to replace them.

Check your tyres! You should be aware that the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, if your tyres tread depth is below this then it may consequently be an automatic fine, and even a fine

Whilst looking at your tyre's tread depth, be sure to check the pressure too, and that they’re not damaged or worn in any way

Test your brakes, hand brakes and your steering wheel

Your view from the driver's seat should not be obstructed in anyway - ensure that you check the wiper blades for damage

Your registration plate must be easily readable and if you have had a special personalised plate made, ensure it meets DVLA requirements

Your VIN number should match the number in your log book 

Test your horn in a suitable location and at a suitable time

However, despite how much you look after your car prior to its MOT test, we know that sometimes there are just certain problems that cannot be fixed at home. What happens then?

When is it time to scrap your car?

So you've had your MOT test and your car has unfortunately failed, what happens next? If your car is new and has failed on an issue that is easily fixed with a mechanic, then you may be willing to pay for repair but, if your car is older and has failed due to more complex problems such as corrosion, engine failure or brake faults, then the cost of repair may be more than what the car is actually worth. If this is the case for you, then scrapping your car is generally the next option to take.
If you're in the UK, and live in areas such as Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or Coventry, we suggest scrapping your car with scrap your car online. Their easy-to-use, online quote form makes the process of scrapping your car hassle-free and the quickest it's ever been. Not only that, Scrap Your Car Online offer the best value for money when it comes to your unwanted motor, and will even come and pick it up for you, at a time that is convenient.

Want to repair your car? Search our range of Vauxhall and Opel new, used or reconditioned car parts today. Having been around for many years, it's safe to say we know our stuff when it comes to all things Vauxhall! Whether the part you're seeking is big or small, you'll find it here!