Let’s be honest: no one looks forward to MOT day.
Even the most dependable motor can surprise you with an MOT fail, sometimes for something as small as a misted headlight or a worn tyre.
So, why do cars fail an MOT? Most of the time, it’s not a big mechanical fault; it’s something minor and fixable: dodgy bulbs, bald tyres, worn brakes, or wipers that don’t do their job. And if you rely on your car for the school run, commuting, or just everyday life, a failure can be a real pain.
That’s why we’ve put this guide together. We’ll cover the four most common reasons cars fail an MOT, how to spot the signs before test day, and how we can help you get it sorted before your MOT service. Best of all, our team does it fast, fairly, and with no call centre runaround.
An MOT is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old that checks key safety and environmental features. These include lights, brakes, tyres, steering, emissions, and visibility. However, it doesn’t check for things like engine wear or clutch condition.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), around 29% of cars in Great Britain fail their MOT on the first attempt each year. However, many of those failures are down to faults that could have been spotted and sorted ahead of time.
Want a full rundown of what’s included in the test? Check out our guide to What’s Included in an MOT. Or keep reading for the top four faults we see most in our Blandford garage.
Lights are the number one reason cars fail their MOT, and usually, it’s not complicated. All it takes is a blown bulb, a misty headlight lens, a cracked casing, or a misaligned beam.
Before your test, switch everything on and take a slow walk around the car. Assess the headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse, fog lights, and even the number plate bulbs. Ask a friend to check the brake lights as you press the pedal. Are there any flickering, dimming, or non-starters? If so, that’s a likely fail.
If your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree – think ABS, airbag, or engine warning lights – that could indicate a deeper fault. Book in for a quick diagnostics check, and we’ll catch it before the tester does.
Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road, and yet they’re one of the most common reasons for an MOT fail. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and anything less can mean a failure AND a fine.
Here’s a quick check you can do right now: grab a 20p coin and push it into the tyre tread. If you can see the coin’s outer rim, it’s too low. While you’re there, run your hand over the surface. If it’s wearing unevenly, or feels lumpy or cracked, your alignment or tyre pressure could be off.
If in doubt, our team can take a look. We offer complete brake and tyre servicing here at Sunrise, and we’re happy to explain what’s borderline and what needs replacing. There are no upsells; just honest advice and proper tyres.
You don’t need us to tell you that your brakes are critical to your vehicle. However, around 1 in 10 MOT failures in the UK are due to braking issues, whether it’s worn pads, corroded discs, or a weak handbrake.
If your brakes are squealing, grinding, pulling to one side, or feeling spongy underfoot, it’s time to get them checked. You can sometimes see worn discs through the wheel spokes, but if in doubt, leave it to us.
We’ve been fixing brakes on everything from hatchbacks to long-wheelbase vans for over 20 years. Our brake service gets to the root of the problem quickly, so you don’t end up with a fail slip, or worse: a dangerous drive home.
Windscreen visibility is a surprisingly common MOT fail. Wipers that smear, judder or leave streaks – especially in the driver’s eyeline – can cause a tester to mark you down. A cracked windscreen or blocked washer jets? Same story.
Before your MOT, check that your washer bottle is topped up and that both wipers sweep clean. Remove any stickers, air fresheners, or dash cams that might be obstructing your view.
If your jets are blocked or the screen’s a mess, we’ll help get things sorted fast. If you’re unsure whether a chip will cause a failure, just give us a ring or drop in. You can also reach us via the contact page.
You don’t need a workshop to catch most MOT issues; just ten minutes, a 20p coin, and a walk around your car is all it takes. Here’s what we recommend checking before you book in.
Spotting these things early could be the difference between a straight pass and a retest.
Most MOT failures are caused by minor, preventable faults – bulbs, tyres, brakes, wipers – that are easy to miss but just as easy to fix. That’s where we come in.
At Sunrise Service & MOT Centre, we’ve helped over 8,000 drivers across Blandford and beyond pass their MOTs with confidence. Whether you drive a family runaround or a 3.5-tonne van, our team will give your vehicle a proper check and honest advice before the big day.
Our MOTs are DVSA-approved, reasonably priced, and backed by real experience. There are no scripts or upsells with us; just reliable local service from mechanics who care.
Call 01258 459 798 or book your MOT in Blandford today and avoid failing for something simple.