Drivers issued pre-MOT check warning after motor almost fails due to car accessory
| Published date | 29 June 2022 |
| Author | Sophie Buchan |
| Publication title | EdinburghLive (Scotland) |
According to the most recent DVSA data, over seven million cars fail their MOT each year, with Katie stating she wasn't aware that it could have failed. She said: "I never knew my rearview mirror car accessory could've led to my car failing its MOT, it's understandable as to why it could!"
In response, Michael Bourne, Group Marketing Director at National Tyres and Autocare said that "something as simple as a rearview mirror car accessory can lead to your car failing its MOT due to failure of visibility.
"An MOT is one of the most important checks you need to remember when owning a car, alongside a regular service. Driving without a valid MOT means you will be breaking the law.
"If you are caught driving without an MOT it can lead to a £1,000 fine. If your vehicle is considered to be dangerous you can be fined £2,500, even if your MOT is still valid.
"On top of this, you can get three points on your license and if you have been convicted of driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition within the past three years, you could be disqualified from driving for at least six months."
So with drivers being given a heads up about car accessories, what else can cause an issue? Here's what you need to know.
10 pre-MOT car checks you should do to save money
MOT experts at National Tyres and Autocare have pulled together an pre- MOT checklist so you can pass your MOT without a hitch.
Lighting and signalling
DVSA statistics from July to September 2019 show that 14% of all Class 3 and 4 car MOT failures were due to lighting issues, such as a blown bulb, inoperative number plate light or a faulty indicator. Your car can also fail if your headlights are misted, misaligned or cracked too.
When conducting your pre-MOT check, take a good look around your car and ask a friend or family member to confirm all the lights are functioning – headlights, indicators, number plate lights, sidelights, fog lights and brake lights.
Fluids
Your MOT test will cover fluids like screen wash, so be sure to top it up.
Your car will need sufficient oil in its engine to pass the exhaust emissions test too. With your car parked on an even surface, pull out the oil dipstick and wipe it clean. Insert it back in for a minute and remove it, checking the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
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