Your car is far more likely to pass its MOT if you check the lights, tyres, brakes, wipers, windscreen, number plates, fluids, seatbelts, mirrors, dashboard warnings, and DPF (for diesel cars) before test day. These simple checks cover most common UK MOT failures, the ones drivers overlook because life is busy.
If you’re getting ready for your MOT test in Fleet, these checks make passing easier and help you avoid last-minute fails.
Let’s be real. Most people don’t fail their MOT because their car suddenly exploded or the engine fell out onto the road. They fail because of silly, easy-to-fix things. Blown bulbs. Worn wipers. Empty the washer fluid. Bald tyres. Little cracks in the windscreen they’ve been ignoring for months. That’s the truth behind most MOT failures.
What this really means is that preparing for your MOT doesn’t require a mechanical degree. You don’t need special tools or deep knowledge. You just need 20 minutes and the willingness to look at the things testers look at. When you know the common failure points, you can fix most of them yourself and glide into the MOT centre without unnecessary stress.
Let’s break down the 11 most effective ways to help your car pass its MOT, with enough explanation to help you understand why each step matters.
1. Check all your lights
Lighting faults are one of the top MOT fail reasons, and they’re also the easiest to fix. Walk around your car, turn on every light you can think of, and watch how they behave. Headlights, dipped beam, fog lights, indicators, reverse lights, brake lights, everything matters.
If you’re alone, park near a reflective wall or garage door and watch the light bounce back. Or prop your phone up and record a video as you press the brake pedal.
Why this matters:
Your lights make sure other drivers see you. If a tester notices even one malfunction, that’s an instant fail. A £2 bulb can be the difference between passing and failing.
2. Inspect your tyres
Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road. If they’re worn or damaged, you’re failing the MOT. The legal minimum tread is 1.6 mm, but it’s safer to replace tyres before they hit that limit. Use a tread depth gauge or the old pound-coin test, insert the coin into the tread and check if the outer band disappears into the groove.
But tread isn’t everything. Look for cuts, bulges, sagging sidewalls or nails stuck in the rubber. Also check that all four tyres are the correct size and type.
Why this matters:
Uneven or low tread increases braking distance. Bulges and cuts are signs of a tyre ready to blow. The MOT tester won’t overlook any of it.
3. Clean your windscreen and look for cracks
A dirty windscreen can block visibility, but cracks and chips are worse. Anything larger than 10 mm in the driver’s direct line of sight is a fail. Even a small chip can expand when the car heats up during testing.
Clean both the inside and outside of the glass. Remove any stickers, dash clutter, or devices blocking your forward view. Testers do notice.
Why this matters:
Your view of the road needs to be completely unobstructed. Even a tiny crack can grow under pressure and become a hazard.
4. Replace worn wipers and top up washer fluid
This part is surprisingly overlooked. If your washer bottle is empty, the tester legally cannot perform the windscreen wash test, which means a fail or refusal. Wipers that smear or squeak also mean poor visibility.
Change them if they’re worn or brittle, and fill the washer bottle with proper fluid instead of plain water.
Why this matters:
You need a clear view to drive safely. Testers know that.
5. Make sure your number plates are clean and secure
Number plates matter more than most people think. Dirty, cracked, faded, or loose plates can get you an MOT fail. Clean both plates thoroughly, wipe off grime, and ensure they’re firmly attached.
If the plate is cracked or the letters are fading, replace it before the test.
Why this matters:
The plate is how your vehicle is identified in the system. If it’s unreadable, your MOT test can’t proceed properly.
6. Test your seatbelts — don’t assume they’re fine
Pull every seatbelt sharply. They should lock instantly. Check for frayed edges, slow retraction, or sticking buckles. Also ensure seats are fixed firmly and adjust properly.
Why this matters:
Seatbelts are life-saving equipment. Any fault is taken seriously by MOT testers.
7. Deal with your dashboard warning lights properly
This is one of the biggest MOT fail triggers. If your ABS, airbag, brake system, or engine warning light is on, you’re already in danger of failing. These lights signal system faults. Ignoring them doesn’t fix anything, it delays the inevitable.
Get an OBD scan, diagnose the issue and repair it before test day.
Why this matters:
Warning lights tell testers your car has active faults that affect safety or emissions.
8. Top up all your essential fluids
Oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and even fuel all matter during the MOT. If your oil is dangerously low, the emissions test may not run properly. If your brake fluid is low, your brake performance is reduced. If your washer bottle is empty, you fail.
You don’t need a mechanic to check these. Just open the bonnet and read the levels.
Why this matters:
Fluids are essential for the tests, and low fluid levels signal deeper issues.
9. For diesel owners — check your DPF and smoke levels
Diesel cars have stricter rules. If your DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) is missing, tampered with, or shows signs of illegal removal, you automatically fail. Excessive smoke during acceleration is also a fail.
If your car has been giving you DPF warnings, don’t ignore them. Deal with it before the MOT.
Why this matters:
If your DPF is removed, the car isn’t legally compliant. Testers will know.
10. Pay attention to your brakes before the test
Soft pedal? Grinding sound? Pulling to one side? These are all warning signs. Before test day, notice how your brakes feel. Does the handbrake hold the car properly on a slope? Do you hear squeaking or scraping noises?
If something feels off, it probably is.
Why this matters:
Braking performance is one of the most heavily assessed MOT categories.
11. Review last year’s advisories — they matter more than you think
This is one of the smartest things you can do. Advisories are hints from the previous MOT tester about potential upcoming issues. Most advisories turn into fails the following year if not dealt with.
Look for advisories like:
- Slightly worn tyres
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Corroded exhaust
- Suspension play
- Fluid leaks
Fixing them ahead of time almost guarantees an easier MOT experience.
Why a pre-MOT prep saves you stress and money
When you handle these things beforehand, you avoid:
- Repeat visits
- Retest fees
- Last-minute repairs
- Unexpected bills
- Time wasted
A little preparation results in a smoother, calmer experience.
A smooth night-before MOT routine
You go outside, start your car, and flick through every switch. Lights work. Wipers clear the glass. Washer fluid sprays. You walk around the car, glance at tyres and mirrors, tug the seatbelts, and glance at fluid levels. Then you drive the car for a short spin to warm the engine.
That’s it. You’ve prepared better than 70% of drivers.
Final Words — MOT success is mostly preparation
Passing your MOT isn’t about having a perfect, brand-new car. It’s about staying aware of the basics. It’s about noticing when something doesn’t look or sound right. It’s about spending five minutes checking what the tester will check.
Your car shows up for you every day, rain, heat, traffic, early mornings, long journeys. Giving it a little attention before MOT day is the least you can do. When you prepare properly, you walk into the MOT station confident, not stressed. And more importantly, you walk out with a pass instead of a headache. Before booking, you can also check TJ Services Fleet on Google for reviews, directions, and updated opening hours
Keep an eye for more latest news & updates on Daily!
