Book Routine Car Servicing

Our first recommendation is to ensure your car is serviced regularly. As a rough guide, that’s either at the intervals suggested by the manufacturer or every 12,000 miles. Apart from anything else, the MOT doesn’t check the condition of clutches, gearboxes and car engines, so having a mechanic test your vehicle thoroughly means you’re less likely to be caught out by something going wrong with these important parts. Regular servicing will also ensure your car’s exhaust and tyres are fit for use, as well as keeping brakes and other critical aspects safe for the roads – particularly important now that MOT inspections have become stricter.

Typical Reasons for MOT Failures

Almost two-fifths of vehicles fail the MOT first time round, and many of the reasons for failure are avoidable and easily rectified. With testing standards tightened in 2025, it’s more important than ever to prepare your vehicle properly. Before you take your car to the garage for its annual test, check the following:

• Are there any warning lights illuminated on your dashboard? This can be an instant fail. Get a garage to diagnose the fault and have car repairs done before you book it in for an MOT.
• Is there enough screenwash in the system? It’s a simple matter to top it up, but your car won’t pass if this isn’t done.
• Are the windows dirty, or is the driver’s view otherwise obscured by stickers on the windscreen, such as parking permits? Any reduced visibility can mean a fail, so wipe down all windows and clear your view. This goes for mirrors too, and even the lights, which can be dimmed by mud, dirt and grime. Are all your lights working correctly? If not, replace bulbs before you bring the vehicle in for its MOT.
• Do your registration plates comply with the DVLA’s rules? They should be in place, not missing, and in the correct typeface, with the right spacing, and clean so they can be viewed and read clearly.
• Is there any damage to the windscreen that detracts from the driver’s view? With stricter windscreen checks now in place, even minor chips in the driver’s line of sight could result in failure.
• Do tyres have the minimum tread depth (1.6mm) and are they intact – no tears, bulges or rips in the sidewalls? Are they inflated to the correct pressure?
• For diesel vehicles in particular, ensure your exhaust system is in good condition, as emissions testing has become more rigorous, with closer scrutiny of diesel particulate filters and AdBlue systems.

Book a Pre-Test Service If Needed

If you’re not confident in testing and fixing any of these areas, why not ask a mechanic to check your car out for you before you book your MOT? This is a service we offer at Archer’s Autos, a reliable car garage in Hortonwood, Telford. We’re a licensed MOT test centre, so we’re well aware of what issues can cause your car to fail its annual check – including the stricter standards introduced in 2025 – and can resolve any problems quickly and efficiently. Amongst our services, we also offer expert engine diagnostics, as well as tyre tracking and car air conditioning too.