Most MOT failures occur because drivers overlook simple checks such as lights, tyres, wipers, warning lights, visibility, and basic fluid levels. Fixing these things a week before the test massively increases your chances of passing. And if you’re looking for a mot test centre in Maidstone, doing these checks first can save you from an avoidable fail.
Catastrophic mechanical issues don’t cause most MOT failures. They’re caused by tiny, boring things people forget about because life is already too full. People fail due to a brake light they didn’t know had blown, a tyre that’s been hanging on for months, a windshield chip they ignored, or a warning light they told themselves they’d “sort later.”
So your MOT result isn’t a reflection of how careless you are; it’s just how busy life gets. That’s why understanding these fifteen simple checks makes such a difference. And suppose you want the test handled by an actual trusted local garage that doesn’t overcomplicate things. In that case, Malling Repair Services is one of the places drivers rely on for straightforward, honest MOT testing without the pressure or the drama.
Let’s break down the fifteen things that genuinely help your car pass its MOT.
1. Check every single light on your car the night before
Lights are the biggest MOT failure category, and it’s usually because of a simple bulb that stopped working weeks ago. The easiest time to check all your lights is after sunset. Turn everything on: headlights, indicators, brake lights, fog lights, and sidelights, and walk around the car. Make sure every light is bright and clear. A dim or flickering bulb can fail the test just as easily as a dead one. Wiping the lenses also helps because dust or haze can reduce visibility.
2. Make sure your brake lights react instantly
Brake lights communicate your movement to other drivers, so testers take them seriously. One quick way to check is by reversing close to a wall or garage door and pressing the brake pedal. The reflection will indicate whether all your brake lights illuminate properly. Both lower brake lights and the high-level brake light should glow cleanly and evenly. If one looks faint or doesn’t respond properly, swap it before your MOT.
3. Check tyre tread depth and the tyre’s overall health
Tyres are one of the most common reasons for MOT failures. Even if they “look fine” at a glance, they might be below the legal tread limit. The UK minimum is 1.6 mm, but anything close to that will put you at risk. Check the tread across the centre and edges. Look for sidewall cracks, bulges, cuts or any exposed metal cords. If a tyre looks borderline or worn unevenly, replace it before the test. Tyres influence how the car stops, grips and handles, so inspectors are strict with them.
4. Inflate all your tyres to the correct pressure
Tyre pressure affects the car more than most people realise. A tyre that’s even slightly under-inflated changes your braking distance, fuel consumption, and emissions. The correct pressure will be listed on the driver’s door frame, the fuel flap or in the car’s handbook. Match that number before you head to your MOT. A car with properly inflated tyres handles better and performs more consistently during the test.
5. Check the windscreen for chips, cracks and anything blocking your view
Your windscreen is part of the MOT because visibility is a core safety requirement. A small chip on the passenger side might be fine, but a tiny crack in the driver’s direct line of sight can cause a fail. Chips over 10 mm in the main viewing area aren’t allowed, and anything over 40 mm anywhere else is automatically a problem. Clean the glass thoroughly and remove anything stuck to the inside of the screen that blocks visibility, such as large air fresheners, central phone holders, or poorly placed dashcams.
6. Make sure your wipers and screenwash are ready
People don’t realise how often cars fail the MOT because the washer bottle is empty or the wipers are too worn to clean the screen properly. Spray the washer jets and check that the water hits the glass cleanly. If the spray is weak, the jets may be clogged. If the wipers smear, drag or skip across the screen, replace them. Clear vision is a basic requirement, so this is an instant fix that helps massively.
7. Clean and secure your number plates
Number plates must be readable from a distance. If the letters are covered by dirt or the plate itself is cracked, discolored, or loose, that alone can cause a fail. Give both plates a proper clean and tighten any loose screws. Illegal spacing or unusual fonts also won’t pass, so make sure yours follows the standard style.
8. Test every seatbelt and seat in the car
Seatbelts aren’t something you check often, but during an MOT, they’re carefully inspected. Sit in each seat, pull the belt across your chest, and then yank it sharply. It should lock immediately. Make sure there are no cuts or frayed threads anywhere on the belt. Clip the buckle in and ensure it latches securely. Also, check that all seats lock firmly in place and don’t wobble. If the seat or belt anchorage feels loose, fix it before your MOT.
9. Fix every warning light showing on your dashboard
This one’s huge, especially with modern cars. If your dashboard shows an airbag light, ABS light, or a constantly lit engine management light, your car won’t pass. These lights usually point to faults in key safety systems. Sometimes the issue is small, like low brake fluid or a faulty sensor, but it still needs to be sorted before test day. Driving into an MOT with warning lights showing is setting yourself up for a fail.
10. Listen to your suspension during everyday driving
Suspension issues aren’t always visible, but you can hear and feel them. If your car knocks when going over bumps, leans more on one side, or feels unstable when turning, something might be worn. Push down on each corner of the car. If it bounces multiple times before settling, the shocks might be weak. MOT testers look for movement, stability and noise when checking suspension, so it’s better to identify issues early.
11. Pay attention to how your brakes feel
Your brakes are one of the most important parts of the MOT. If you hear grinding when you brake, feel the car pulling to one side, or notice the pedal sinking too far when you press it, you need to get it checked. A weak or badly adjusted handbrake will also fail the test. Park the car on a small incline and check whether the handbrake holds firmly. Brakes rarely fix themselves, so you want this sorted long before your MOT.
12. Look closely for rust or sharp edges on the bodywork
Not all bodywork issues matter for MOT, but structural ones definitely do. Walk around your car and inspect the sills, wheel arches, and areas where seatbelts bolt into the frame. Surface rust is fine, but deep rust, holes or weakened metal can cause a fail. If any panel has sharp, protruding edges from damage, that’s considered unsafe as well. Testers look for anything that affects structural strength or pedestrian safety.
13. Make sure the doors, bonnet and boot open smoothly
It sounds random, but if your bonnet won’t open, the tester cannot inspect the engine bay, which causes a fail. Doors must also open from both inside and outside, and the boot or tailgate must latch securely. Open and close everything to make sure nothing sticks, jams or refuses to latch. If you feel resistance, lubricate the hinges and test again.
14. Warm the engine properly before your MOT
Cold engines perform worse during emissions tests. If your car only does short trips, the catalytic converter and DPF may not reach the temperatures they need to burn off excess soot. Before your MOT appointment, take a 20- to 30-minute drive so the engine reaches full operating temperature. A warm engine burns cleaner and is far more likely to pass emissions standards.
15. Do a full pre-MOT check a week before your appointment
This is where many people go wrong. Waiting until the night before doesn’t give you time to fix anything. A week before your test, take ten minutes to check your lights, tyres, fluids, windscreen, wipers, seatbelts, mirrors, and warning lights. Listen to the brakes, feel how the car handles, and make sure everything opens and closes properly. It’s honestly the simplest way to avoid the common failures most people get caught up in.
And when you’re actually ready for the test, this is where Malling Repair Services fits in naturally. Instead of dealing with garages that pressure you or leave you confused, they offer MOT testing that feels straightforward and honest. Drivers use them because the communication is clear, the process is smooth, and the checks are carried out professionally without the unnecessary upselling some garages try to slip in. You can also check Malling Repair Services on Google to see reviews, get directions, and up-to-date opening hours before you book.
Final Thoughts
The majority of MOT failures don’t happen because cars are unsafe. They happen because life is busy and maintenance slips through the cracks. These fifteen checks are simple, practical, and genuinely effective at helping your car pass. Do them slowly, carefully, and a week early, and your MOT becomes predictable rather than stressful.
