The most common reasons for failing an MOT inspection are lighting, tires, brakes, exhaust, and visibility (such as cracks in the windshield). These are the components that inspectors most frequently rate as inadequate, regardless of the make or age of your car. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about MOT failures so you can be well prepared.
Which components fail the MOT most often?
The most commonly failed components in an MOT inspection are lighting, tires, brakes, the exhaust, and the bodywork. Lighting consistently tops the list: a blown bulb or incorrectly aimed headlights are easy to overlook, but are spotted immediately during the inspection. Tires and brakes also rank high in failure statistics.
Here is an overview of the most common failure points:
- Lighting: blown bulbs, misaligned headlights, faulty tail lights or brake lights
- Tires: insufficient tread depth, visible damage, or uneven wear
- Brakes: worn brake pads or discs, insufficient braking performance
- Exhaust: excessive emissions, rust damage, or leaks
- Bodywork and chassis: rust on load-bearing parts, loose or damaged components
- Windshield repair: cracks or chips in the windshield that obstruct visibility
- Steering: excessive play in the steering or worn ball joints
Many of these defects can be prevented with regular maintenance. A car that receives a service every year rarely encounters major surprises at the MOT. Read more about our repairs and maintenance to see what we can do for your car.
How strict are the standards for tires and brakes at the MOT?
The standards for tires and brakes at the MOT are clearly defined and leave little room for debate. For tires, a minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimeters across the full width of the contact surface is required. For brakes, the inspector examines the braking performance itself, the condition of the brake discs and pads, and whether the braking force is sufficiently balanced between left and right.
In practice, this means:
- Tires with a tread depth below 1.6 mm are failed immediately
- Visible cuts, bulges, or damage to the rubber are also grounds for failure
- Brake discs that are worn or corroded can result in insufficient braking force
- A handbrake that does not function properly is likewise a reason for failure
What many people don’t know: a tire with 2 mm of tread is technically approved, but is already significantly worn in practice. On wet roads or during an emergency stop, you will notice the difference. It is wise to replace tires once you’re approaching 2 to 3 mm of tread, especially if you drive a lot or winter is approaching.
What happens if your car fails the MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, you will receive a list of defects that need to be repaired. You then have a limited amount of time to have the issues fixed and request a retest. You are permitted to continue driving during this period, but you are legally required to have the defects resolved as soon as possible.
What happens next depends on the severity of the defects:
- Minor defects: your car has failed, but you are still allowed to drive. You have six weeks to return to the same inspection station for a retest.
- Dangerous defects: your car may no longer be driven on public roads. This applies in cases of serious brake failures, steering problems, or other safety risks.
A retest is cheaper than a full new MOT, but only if you return to the same inspection station. If you have the car repaired elsewhere or wait too long, you will have to pay the full inspection fee again. It therefore pays to act quickly and have the defects properly repaired in one go.
Can you prevent an MOT failure with a pre-inspection check?
Yes, a pre-inspection check before your MOT helps you avoid surprises. During a pre-inspection, a mechanic checks your car against the same criteria as the official MOT inspector. Any defects found can then be repaired in time, so your car passes the inspection without issue.
A pre-inspection is particularly useful if:
- Your car is older and you are not sure whether everything is still in order
- You haven’t had the car in a garage for a while
- You have doubts about the condition of your tires, brakes, or lighting
- You have just bought the car secondhand
A pre-inspection does cost something, but it more than makes up for the cost of a retest and the repairs you would have to have done anyway. It also gives you peace of mind: you know exactly where you stand before the inspection.
How much does it cost to have MOT defects repaired?
The cost of MOT repairs varies considerably, depending on which defects have been found. Replacing a blown bulb costs a few dozen dollars, while replacing brake discs and pads on all four wheels can quickly run to between $300 and $500. Tires are another major expense, especially if several tires need to be replaced at the same time.
A rough guide to common repair costs:
- Bulb replacement: $20 to $60
- Windshield repair (chip): $50 to $100
- Brake pads (front or rear axle): $100 to $250
- Brake discs and pads combined: $200 to $500
- New tires (per tire): $60 to $200 depending on size and brand
- Exhaust components: highly variable, from $50 to $400
Prices are always indicative and depend on the type of car and the specific situation. Always request a quote before giving your approval, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your MOT inspection
At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we carry out official MOT inspections for all makes. Petrol and electric cars receive their first MOT after four years, and annually thereafter. Diesel vehicles are inspected after three years. We thoroughly check your car and give you straightforward, honest advice about any defects — no beating around the bush.
Here is what you can expect from us:
- Official MOT inspection for all car makes
- Optional pre-inspection so you are never caught off guard
- Immediate repair of defects following a failure, including the retest
- Fair, transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- A personal explanation of what was found and what your options are
- Authorized Renault dealer workshop, also servicing Peugeot, Citroën, Dacia, and all other makes
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car makes.
Would you like to have your car inspected, or do you have questions about an MOT failure? Feel free to get in touch or visit us in Veldhoven. And would you like to know more about who we are? Read more about our history and why people have trusted us for over 95 years.