Will this pass or fail an MOT?

Nobody wants to fail an MOT. But sometimes we can be caught out by things we didn’t think would make a difference. Or alternatively, we can spend time correcting things that might not affect the outcome as much as we think. 

In this article, we’ll be answering your commonly asked questions about which elements might play a part (or not) as to whether your car passes or fails an MOT – and some of them may surprise you! 

Is the rear screen wiper checked as part of the MOT?

It’s always a good idea to keep your rear windscreen wiper in good condition in case it lets you down when you need it most. However, the rear wiper’s condition will not affect the result of your MOT – only the front windscreen wipers are checked and taken into account. 

Is a dirty or messy car a reason to fail an MOT test?

A messy or cluttered car isn’t a direct reason to fail an MOT, but if your vehicle is so disorganised that the tester is prevented from carrying out the MOT effectively, then this can be enough to result in a fail – and sometimes they will refuse to run the test altogether. Get a bin bag and clear the clutter before your appointment. 

External dirt can also be an issue if it’s obscuring lights and registration plates, preventing them from being seen clearly. So, it’s worth giving your car a bit of a clean before test day!

Is a small windscreen chip OK to pass an MOT test?

Despite what you may assume, a chipped or cracked windscreen is not an immediate fail. It depends on where the chip is situated and how big it is. A chip that is less than 10mm in diameter in the driver’s line of vision will not fail an MOT. A chip 40mm or less in diameter outside of the driver’s line of vision will also not be a fail. However, for the sake of safety it’s recommended to address these chips in case they worsen over time. 

Will a dent in my car door fail its MOT test?

Car bodywork is always checked over during an MOT. Testers will be looking for signs of corrosion, sharp edges or obvious damage. However, a dent in the car door is not likely to let you down on test day – only if the dent prevents smooth opening and closing of the door will it be an issue. 

Are blacked out windows checked as part of an MOT test?

Tinted windows are not part of an MOT assessment. You should note, though, that there are rules with regards to tinting windscreens and front windows – these rules differ depending on when the car was first used, making it wise to check so that you don’t get caught out. 

Will a worn brake pad fail an MOT? 

It’s inevitable that over time a brake pad will become worn from use. Eventually they can be worn to dangerous levels and be a detriment to effective braking. However, unless they are worn below the accepted level of 1.5mm, worn brake pads won’t directly result in a fail. If your pads are nearing this acceptable level, your tester might issue a warning to get them fixed. 

Is a hole in the exhaust an MOT fail? 

Acoustics aside, it’s wise to address a hole in an exhaust as it may result in the unwanted escape or leakage of fumes. But a hole will not always result in an MOT fail – it depends how big the hole/leak is currently. To be on the safe side, get professional advice before the date of the MOT. 

Could fluffy dice or air fresheners fail an MOT? 

This may surprise you, but car accessories such as air fresheners or the once popular fluffy dice could actually result in a fail. That’s because they can obstruct your view of the road. You may also want to check where your sat-nav is positioned, as this can also fail your test if placed too directly in the line of the driver’s sight. 

Can worn tyres fail an MOT? 

Worn tyres are not actually an immediate fail. Tread depth of 1.6mm and above is deemed acceptable by testers. Anything below this will result in a fail, as it’s unsafe to drive a vehicle with overly worn tyres due to lack of grip. 

Will inadequate windscreen fluid fail an MOT? 

Believe it or not, but some drivers fail their MOT for simply having no windscreen fluid (or an inadequate amount). That’s because this fluid is essential for clearing away dirt and debris from the windscreen, which is needed to maintain a clear view of the road. Therefore it’s worth topping up your fluid before the big day. 

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For MOTs across Central England, book online & pay a visit to Mr Tyre. We’re a leading chain of autocentres established in 1971, who always bring the very best quality products and services to our customers. MOT re-tests are free within 10 days of the original test.