MOT failures represent one of largest sources of donated cars at Giveacar: when a car is facing expensive and complicated repairs to return it to the road, sometimes it is cheaper and simpler to scrap the car and replace it with a model in better condition.
2017 – 2018 MOT Categories 
History
When the test debuted in 1960, it simply tested a vehicle’s brakes, lights and steering. Originally, only vehicles over ten years old had to be tested. But a year later, when the sheer number of failures became apparent, this was reduced to seven years. By 1967, this had dropped to three years, where (with some important exceptions like taxis and ambulances), it has remained ever since.
The MOT checklist has grown over the years, but tyres were not part of the test until 1977. That’s right, it took 17 years before tyres were considered a vital part of our roadworthiness test!
Manufacturers Most and Least Likely to Pass an MOT Test
Analysis was conducted that looked at mainstream manufacturers, meaning there had to be more than 3,000 tests per brand during 2017.
Japanese cars, had four of the five best-performing brands. Honda claimed the top spot in the MOT league table, with an average first-time pass rate of 93.8 per cent.
This was closely followed by Porsche – the only non-Japanese maker in the list – and Subaru, while sister manufacturers Lexus and Toyota completed the top five.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Chrysler had the lowest pass rate.
Reasons why your car fails an MOT
Having a vehicle that is capable of performing to the required standards is paramount to your and everyone else’s safety. If it isn’t economically viable for you to continue investing money into your old car, donate it with Giveacar to raise money for your favourite charity.
Nearly 50% of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by carrying out regular, simple maintenance, like replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging drivers to avoid MOT fails and save money.
The latest MOT testing data for Great Britain shows that around 40% of cars fail their MOT at the first attempt.
Common MOT failures
You can avoid the common MOT failures by checking:
- lightbulbs are working – 30% of all faults related to lighting and signalling
- tyre condition and pressure – 10% of all faults related to tyres
- mirrors, wipers and washers – 8.5% of all faults related to ‘Driver’s view of the road’
Nearly one in 5 (18.4%) of all cars taken for MOT had a problem with lighting and signalling – including simple problems, like blown bulbs.
Check your lights
Checking your lightbulbs is easy to do. You just need to give them a light tap to see if they are loose or damaged. You can also check the colours are right and match.
Replacement bulbs are fairly cheap and you can change them yourself if you have your car handbook. If not, many garages will change your bulb for free.
DVSA has published a series of short videos on YouTube about simple car maintenance – including one on how to carry out checks on lights and indicators.
Check your tyres
During 2014/15, 7.4% of car MOT failures were due to tyre issues.
You can use a tread depth gauge to check your tyre tread. The minimum tread for a car is 1.6mm.
You can also check that the tyres:
- pressures are correct
- are all the same size
- have no cuts, bulges or other signs of damage
Check your brakes
One in 10 (9.6%) MOT failures are due to brake issues.
You can test your brakes every day as you set off.
If you hear any strange noises, or if your car pulls to one side, contact your local garage immediately.
You can also check your brake fluid levels. Look for the high/low markings on the reservoir and make sure that your brake fluid is topped up.
Driver’s view of the road
6.6% of MOT failures are due to issues with the Driver’s view of the road.
You can avoid this by carrying out simple checks like:
- the windscreen wipers and washers work
- your view of the road is clear of any stickers, toys or air fresheners
Windscreen wiper blades should be replaced if they show signs of damage or if they are more than a year old.
You should get your windscreen replaced if you have any large chips that affect your view, as these will result in an MOT fail.
Your rear-view mirrors must be adjustable and in good condition.
You should also make sure that you regularly top up your washer fluids and check that your washers are working properly before setting off.
Staying safe and saving money
You shouldn’t wait for your MOT to check if your car needs maintenance. All drivers have a responsibility to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained and safe to drive at all times.
Carrying out simple checks on items like lights and tyres will help motorists to stay safe and legal, as well as saving time and money when their vehicle is due its MOT.
My car has failed its MOT. What to do?
MOT failures can be a scary prospect for anyone! Whether your car has been teetering on the edge for a little while or its a newer model with some mechanical issues, a failed MOT can be the beginning of a rather expensive journey.
If you are looking for a different option from selling the car privately or trading it in, why not consider donating the value of the vehicle to your favourite charity? Giveacar are the car donation experts, and so we will ensure your car’s value can be maximised for your nominated charity.
We’ll arrange the collection of your car from start to finish. With every car that is donated, we will ask you a series of questions which helps us decided if we can scrap or auction the car. We’ll pass on your vehicle and collection details onto our collection partners who will then contact you to arrange the collection. Giveacar takes an administration fee which is our sole means of income meaning the money fee we take from your car goes towards raising even more for other charities!
Any questions, please call us on 0207 736 4242 and we’ll be happy to talk things through with you.