Common MOT Failure Items
The blog this week is about identifying issues with your Volvo or Toyota that you could have addressed BEFORE your MOT. Figures from 2000/21, show that approximately 36% of vehicles failed their MOT on the first attempt, equating to nearly 7.8 million tests, with the average failure resulting from nearly three issues. Many of the faults that caused the failures are simple to repair and could have been fixed before the test. Read on to find out more:
- Lights and Signalling
Blown bulbs are the most common cause of failures, yet they're also one of the easiest and cheapest to fix. Check all your lights regularly and address any issues immediately, either by replacing bulbs yourself or seeking the expertise of your local independent garage.
- Suspension
Britain's potholed roads put our vehicle's suspension to the test and suspension problems are becoming more regular, with nearly 1 in 10 tests reporting suspension failures. Correctly inflated tyres will help in some way to protecting your suspension.
- Brakes
Brakes should be replaced every 50,000 miles on average, but depending on your driving style, it may be sooner or later. If you have your car serviced regularly you will be on top of this. Along with dealing with any past advisories on your MOT.
- Tyres
Check the tread depth with a 20p piece across the whole width of the tyre and all the way around. We have written many blogs about the importance of checking your tyres and ensuring they are correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tyres will ensure even wear and longevity. This is something you should be checking fortnightly or monthly.
- Windscreen
Get any chips repaired before they turn into cracks and ensure that you have no obstructions such as phone or sat nav cradles or stickers on your windscreen.
- Emissions
If you only use your car for short journeys, it would be advisable to take your Volvo or Toyota for a longer drive before taking it in for an MOT. Those with DPF’s fitted may have serious issues if they are only using their car for shorter journeys, a blocked DPF filter can be very costly to repair/replace.
- Fluids
Ensure that there is enough petrol/diesel for your MOT, that you have also checked all the levels of the other fluids such as steering, brake, oil and coolant.
- Seat belts and airbags
All of your seatbelts must work correctly along with your airbags. If there are any issues or dashboard warning lights showing a problem address them before your MOT.
- Number plates
Please make sure that your number plates are clean and have the correct style/font. Happy Safe Motoring Folks!
Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire.
