Surprising MOT Test Failures

Surprising MOT Test Failures That Many UK Drivers Still Don’t Know About

Over the years at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we have seen plenty of motorists genuinely surprised when their vehicle fails an MOT test for something they never realised could actually be a problem.

Most people expect MOT failures to involve things like:

worn tyres
faulty brakes
broken suspension
exhaust problems

But modern MOT testing now includes many smaller safety and visibility checks that some drivers may never even think about.

One thing that still surprises many customers is that even something as simple as an air freshener hanging from the mirror can potentially become an MOT issue.

Air Fresheners and Windscreen Vision Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures

This is probably one of the most common “surprise” MOT issues we come across.

Drivers often hang out:

air fresheners
fluffy dice
parking permits
ornaments
sat nav holders

from the rear-view mirror area without thinking twice about it.

However, MOT rules are very clear about the driver’s field of vision through the windscreen.

If an item obstructs the driver’s view of the road, it can become an MOT failure or at the very least an advisory.

In reality, most MOT testers will simply remove the item before testing where possible, but large objects hanging in the swept area of the windscreen can definitely create problems.

This is especially important on busy roads around Halifax, where visibility is already affected by hills, junctions and poor weather conditions.

Warning Lights Are Now Taken Much More Seriously

Years ago, many warning lights were ignored by motorists without too much concern.

Modern MOT testing is very different.

Today, illuminated warning lights relate to the following:

airbags
ABS brakes
electronic stability control
tyre pressure monitoring systems

can all lead to MOT failures.

We often see customers arrive saying the following:
“The car drives perfectly.”

But if a critical dashboard warning light remains illuminated, the vehicle may still fail.

Modern cars rely heavily on electronic safety systems, and MOT regulations have evolved to reflect this.

Tyres Are Under More Scrutiny Than Ever: Surprising MOT Test Failures

Tyres have always been important during MOT testing, but modern inspections now pay close attention to several additional areas.

It is not just about tread depth anymore.

Vehicles can fail for:

damaged sidewalls
incorrect tyre sizes
tyres fouling suspension components
cords exposed
severe cracking
mismatched tyre types on certain vehicles

At Pellon Tyres, we regularly see tyres damaged by potholes around Calderdale without drivers even realising it.

The roads around Halifax can be particularly harsh on tyres due to potholes, kerbing and steep road surfaces.

Number Plates Can Cause MOT Problems

Many drivers are unaware that number plates themselves are checked closely during MOT testing.

A vehicle can fail for:

incorrectly spaced lettering
faded plates
cracked plates
delaminated plates
missing characters
dirty or unreadable plates

Tinted covers and decorative fonts are also becoming increasingly scrutinised.

This is particularly common with modified vehicles.

Windscreen Washer Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures

Another surprisingly common failure item is the humble windscreen washer system.

If:

washer jets fail
the bottle is empty
washers are blocked
wipers smear badly

the vehicle may fail the MOT.

Many drivers only discover the washers are not working properly when the tester checks them during the inspection.

With Yorkshire weather often producing muddy roads, proper screen cleaning is an important safety feature.

LED Bulbs and Modified Lighting

Modern LED conversions have also created new MOT complications.

We regularly see vehicles fitted with aftermarket LED headlight bulbs that were never designed for the original headlamp units.

In some cases:

beam patterns become incorrect
glare affects other drivers
light output becomes unsafe

Certain poorly fitted LED upgrades can now result in MOT failures.

Seat Belts and Interior Problems: Surprising MOT Test Failures

Something as simple as a twisted seat belt or faulty seat adjustment can also create MOT issues.

Modern MOT tests include checks for:

seat belt operation
secure seat mountings
damaged buckles
warning systems
front seat adjustment

Many people do not realise that interior safety systems are now inspected much more carefully than they were years ago.

Dirty Emissions and Diesel Smoke Tests

Diesel vehicles in particular now face stricter emissions testing.

One issue we increasingly see is diesel particulate filter (DPF) trouble, especially on cars mainly used for short journeys around Halifax.

Short local trips often prevent the DPF system from regenerating correctly, eventually leading to:

warning lights
excessive smoke
failed emissions tests

Modern emissions systems are far more sensitive than older vehicles ever were.

Dash Cameras and Phone Mounts

Another modern issue involves dash cameras and mobile phone holders.

These devices are extremely popular now, but poor positioning can obstruct the driver’s field of vision.

Large mounts fitted within the swept area of the windscreen may potentially create MOT concerns.

Again, many motorists are completely unaware of this.

Simple Checks Can Avoid MOT Surprises

One thing we always advise local motorists is that many MOT failures can easily be avoided with a quick pre-test inspection.

Checking simple items beforehand can save both time and money.

Before your MOT:

check all lights work
remove large hanging objects
top up washer fluid
inspect tyres
clear dashboard warning lights where possible
ensure number plates are readable

These small checks often make a big difference.

MOT Testing Has Changed Considerably: Surprising MOT Test Failures

Modern MOT testing is far more detailed than many motorists realise.

Vehicles today contain:

more electronics
more safety systems
more emissions controls
more driver assistance technology

As cars evolve, MOT testing evolves alongside them.

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we regularly help customers prepare for MOT tests and explain some of the lesser-known rules that often catch drivers out.

Final Thoughts

The air freshener hanging from the mirror may seem harmless, but it is a perfect example of how modern MOT testing now focuses heavily on safety and driver visibility.

Many MOT failures today involve smaller issues motorists simply never realised were important.

Fortunately, most are easy to fix once identified.

A little preparation before the MOT test can often prevent unnecessary failures and keep vehicles safely on the roads around Halifax and Calderdale.

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