Did you know these things could make your car fail its MOT?

When we book our car in for an MOT, we know there are certain things that can make it fail. We know that if the headlights don’t work that they’ll need fixing, or if our tyres are worn out they’ll need replacing. However, there are some other ways you can fail that you might not have considered.

Air fresheners

There’s nothing better than a new car smell, but it doesn’t last forever. Once it’s worn away you may enlist an air freshener to keep the car smelling like it did on day one. However, anything hanging from your rear-view mirror that could obstruct your view will make you fail your MOT. Try not to hang anything off your mirror – there are plenty of air fresheners you can get that clip into the vents. If you can only get ones that hang, make sure they’re small and discreet.

A messy car

In order for a garage to carry out an MOT, they are going to need access to the car. If it’s filled with junk and mess, it will make it difficult for the garage to carry out the checks. They have the right to refuse your MOT if you haven’t cleaned it, so make sure that you chuck out all of those old bottles and food wrappers!

Screenwash

When was the last time you filled up your screenwash? Your car can fail its MOT if it’s running low. It takes second to fix, so don’t let it be the reason for a fail. It can also be a safety hazard if you run out on the road, so better safe than sorry.

Headlights

Of course, if your headlights aren’t working then you’re going to fail. But did you know the angle of your headlights can cause a fail? When they’re at the wrong angle, they won’t light up the road properly, as well as dazzle other drivers. It might not be something you’ve ever thought about, but if you suspect they might be off centre then get them checked at the garage.

Number plates

Number plates can be a big stumbling block for your MOT – are they clean and legible? A simple wipe over with a cloth will fix any problems, so don’t get caught out. Also, if you have personalised number plates, these can fail you – the need to be in the correct font and have the correct spacing.