What happens if my car fails an MOT? [ Infographic ]

Are you wondering “What happens if my car fails an MOT?”. If so, you’re certainly not alone. This is a concern that many motorists have, whatever the age and condition of their vehicle. Whilst it may be disheartening to find out that your car has failed its MOT, it’s essential to understand what happens next and how to proceed. At B&W Auto Services, we’re here to assist you in getting your car back on the road as swiftly as possible.

Understanding the MOT failure 

Firstly, don’t panic if your car fails its MOT. An MOT failure doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle is beyond repair. Often, the reason for the failure could be as minor as worn tyres, a faulty light or even a damaged registration plate. Even if the problem is more serious, there’s a good chance that one of our qualified mechanics can fix it.

At B&W Auto Services, we can carry out any necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle meets the required safety and environmental standards. This will give it the best possible chance of passing the MOT test the second time around. Keep reading to find out “What happens if my car fails an MOT?”. 

Receiving a VT30 certificate

When your car fails its MOT, the test centre will provide you with a VT30 – a ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’. This will outline the specific reasons why it failed to pass, as well as any advisory notices detailing issues that could become problematic in the future. You’ll need to keep hold of the VT30 for when you have your vehicle retested. You’ll also need it if you decide to make an appeal.

Getting your vehicle repaired 

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, you’ll need to have repairs carried out before you can drive it legally on the road again. You can have these repairs performed at the same test centre where the car was examined or choose to have them done elsewhere. You’re not obliged to use the same garage that conducted the MOT test if you don’t want to.

Retesting your vehicle 

Once the necessary repairs have been carried out, you’ll need to take your vehicle to be retested. To take advantage of a partial retest, you’ll need to get it retested within 10 working days. A partial retest can be highly beneficial since only the failed items will be tested. A full re-examination of the entire vehicle won’t be necessary. However, if you don’t get the repairs completed and the car retested within 10 days, a full MOT test will be required.

Common causes of MOT failure

Now you know what will happen if your car fails, let’s take a look at the most common causes of MOT failures. These include: 

• Brakes. Worn brake pads and/or discs are common reasons for MOT test failures. Poor braking efficiency is a significant safety concern. 
• Lights. Lights that are defective or misaligned will cause a car to fail its MOT. These include headlights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators. Make sure all these lights are in full working order before the test.
• Tyres. Insufficient tread depth, irregular wear or any other damage to your car’s tyres is likely to lead to an MOT failure. Check the condition and tread depth of your tyres regularly.
• Suspension. Damaged or worn-out suspension components, such as springs, shock absorbers or mounts could lead to failure due to compromised stability.
• Visibility. If visibility is impaired, for example, due to a damaged windscreen or worn wipers, an MOT failure is likely. 
• Emissions. High levels of pollutants emitted during exhaust tests can lead to MOT failure. The cause could be a malfunctioning catalytic converter or exhaust system.
• Structural integrity. Damage or corrosion to the car’s chassis, bodywork or underbody can lead to failure. This is due to the safety of the vehicle being compromised.

As you can see, there are many possible causes of your car failing its MOT test. The good news is that our skilled mechanics can carry out a wide range of car repairs in Rossington. We can address a variety of issues efficiently, ensuring your car meets the necessary standards for a successful retest. We’ll resolve the specific problems identified during the MOT test, getting your vehicle back on the road safely and swiftly.

MOTs and car repairs in Rossington

At B&W, we’re one of the leading providers of MOTs and car repairs in Rossington. As a fully equipped auto centre with a team of highly experienced mechanics, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be in competent hands. We can conduct an MOT following DVSA guidelines, meticulously examining your vehicle to ensure it meets the necessary safety and environmental standards. If your car passes the test, you will receive the MOT certificate promptly. 

If it doesn’t pass, don’t panic, as there’s a very good chance that we can fix the issues that have caused it to fail. Whether it’s a minor fault or a more complex problem, you can rest assured that we have the skills and expertise needed to rectify the issue quickly and successfully. 

Contact us 

If you’re still not sure “What happens if my car fails an MOT?”, get in touch today. We’re on hand to talk you through the process and provide you with advice on the next steps to take. Call us on 01302 969860 to speak to one of our friendly team now. Alternatively, send a message via the website and we will aim to get back to you as quickly as we can. Whether you need an MOT in Rossington or need car repairs carried out to prepare it for a retest, we can assist.