October 3, 2008

Over half cars that fail their MOT tests do so on one of just seven faults, according to research published by Kwik-Fit this week.

The company’s research showed that the seven most common MOT ‘fails’ account for 55% of all failures (see table below). 

Many of the faults reported are standard consumables, such as Brakes, tyres and the exhaust system.  Windscreen and registration plate cracks are also common problems as are blown bulbs.  All of which are simple if possibly costly to replace.

Table:  Top seven areas for MOT failures

Failure Likely reasons

1 Tyres - Illegal tread or damage 13%
2 Brakes - Unsafe brake wear 11%
3 Windscreens - Chip or crack in line of vision 8%
4 Headlamps - Blown bulbs or headlights not aligned correctly 7%
5 Registration - plates Number plate cracked or obscured 6%
6 Suspension - Shock absorbers dangerously worn or corroded 5%
7 Exhaust system - Exhaust or catalytic converter overly corroded 5%

Of course, prevention is better than repair and if you’re able to keep up to schedule with your service timetable you’ll find fewer surprises when you come to MOT your car. 

If you don’t fancy using Kwik-Fit or a local garage you can possibly find a local council test centre.  Using this service you will be able to have your car tested at a centre that will not be able to carry out any work on your car, so has no incentive for being pedantic.

It costs around £45, which doesn’t come with a re-test, but you’ll at least be safe in the knowledge that it’s accurate.

Click here for Martin Lewis’ moneysaving expert list of test centres UK wide. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-mot

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