Drivers are often filled with dread at the thought of an MOT test, as even one minor fault could deem their vehicle too unsafe to drive and result in additional unexpected costs.
From faulty brakes and obscured number plate lights, to having no washer fluid for the windscreen - there are a number of reasons why MOT test centres can fail drivers.
But car owners are now being warned about one common item in their vehicles that should be removed ahead of their visit to the garage, as it may potentially cause them to fail checks.
Motoring experts from LeaseCar.uk and its sister site LeaseElectricCar.co.uk have also shared a few unusual checks that drivers need to make to ensure their vehicle passes the test.
Here are their tips for passing an MOT:
Remove the dangling air freshener
Although dangling air fresheners are a common addition to cars, they could in some cases be deemed dangerous, as they may block the driver’s view. Any obstruction of vision in a vehicle can lead to an automatic MOT failure.
Number plate lights
It’s a legal requirement to have fully functioning licence plate lights, so police, other road users and speed cameras can easily identify your car. Double check this issue even before an MOT is due, as it can lead to a fixed penalty fine.
Cracks on the number plate
Some minor details that drivers could easily miss or wouldn’t even think to check can be the break or make between a pass or fail. It’s important to check for noticeable cracks on the number plate, as even one crack covering a letter on the plate could result in a fail.
Frayed seat belts
If you’ve had your vehicle for a while, there may be some noticeable wear and tear. It’s common for seat belts to become frayed over time, but if they’re no longer functioning well and can’t click in properly, then you should expect an automatic fail.
Reversing lights
As a more recent addition to the list of requirements, vehicles used from September 2009 must have working reversing lights to avoid failing an MOT.
Since it was only introduced in 2018, some road users are unaware of the rule, so it’s important to make sure you’re testing those bulbs ahead of your visit to the garage.
Fill up on screen wash
Most drivers wouldn’t think to check this one, but the amount of screen wash in the car matters when it comes to your MOT.
A vehicle may not pass checks if there’s not enough, but purchasing ready to use screen wash and filling up the fluid bottle works as a good solution.
Check fuel cap seal
Drivers should keep an eye on the condition of their fuel cap when topping up on petrol and up towards the check date.
A cap that won’t seal or lets out a strong smell of petrol could be a telltale sign to inspectors that your cap is worn out, and may risk you failing checks.
