What is the Importance of Regular Servicing for MOT Success

Routine maintenance can help avoid many of the most common MOT failures. Servicing can help detect and repair minor issues before they turn into major ones that end in an MOT failure. However, car owners can tip the odds in their favor of passing the MOT in Wolverhampton and keep their vehicle safe and efficient by having a routine check on tyres, brakes, exhaust systems, and suspension, as well as lighting and when checking their brakes and tyres, for example.

It also means saving money in the long term. In other words, addressing minor faults early enough ensures that they do not worsen and require costly repairs. Moreover, it helps improve fuel efficiency, extend the life of vehicle components and give peace of mind that the car is in really good condition on the road.

An MOT is a compulsory test, of course, but it doesn’t replace regular servicing. While servicing looks after the long-term maintenance of a car, the MOT also only examines whether a vehicle conforms to the minimum legal safety and environmental standards at the time of testing. Combining both also guarantees that a vehicle is kept in top condition through the year, minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and payouts for emergency repairs. Regular maintenance is important if you’re looking for car servicing in Wolverhampton, as it can prevent all the common MOT failures and let you have a smooth driving experience.

Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT and How Regular Servicing Helps

A MOT certificate is to have a valid one on your vehicle if it's on the road, as it must pass safety and environmental tests. Unfortunately, many cars fail their MOT because the problems could have been avoided with regular servicing. Routine maintenance helps prevent minor problems from becoming larger and costly repairs and MOT failures by addressing them before they are major problems. Whether you need an MOT test or you are just looking to stay on top of regular maintenance, then these checks are important. There are a few of the most common reasons for cars to fail their MOT and why regular servicing will help prevent those.

Lighting and Visibility Issues

Faulty lighting is one of the most common reasons for MOT failure, such as a good example of headlights, brake lights, indicators, and number plate lights. All of those lights may fail their MOT if they are not working properly or are misaligned. In addition, issues of visibility that include chipped or cracked windshields in the driver’s field of view or worn-out wipers that cannot adequately clear the windshield will manifest as a failure. All lights are checked and bulbs that are failing are replaced to avoid an issue.

Tyres and Suspension Problems

Vehicle safety relies heavily on tyres and they must satisfy the legal requirements for an MOT to pass. Any tyres that are excessively worn, bulging or showing visible damage will automatically fail, with the minimum tread depth being 1.6 mm. Similar reasons for MOT failure include worn-out shock absorbers, broken springs or differences in ride height.

Mechanics examine tyre tread depth, pressure and condition while at a regular service to see that they meet legal requirements. Suspension parts are also inspected for wear and tear, allowing for fixing these potentially bigger problem parts before they start causing harm. By increasing the chances of passing an MOT and giving an increase in driving safety and comfort to the standard, preventative maintenance on tyres and suspension should be carried out.

Brake System Defects

Of all the safety components of any vehicle, brakes are one of the most critical, and MOT failures can occur because of worn brake pads, damaged discs, leaking brake fluid or imbalanced braking performance. In the case of a malfunctioning car’s braking system, it is extremely dangerous both for the driver and other road users.

Brakes should be serviced regularly, which includes checking for wear and faults during thorough brake checks. The thickness of brake pads and discs is measured, for example, and leaks are checked as well as braking efficiency. Not only does addressing minor brake problems avoid the risk on the road, but it can also prevent the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Exhaust and Emission Failures

During an MOT test, the exhaust system and emissions of a car are carefully examined to make sure that environmental regulations are matched. The vehicle will fail the test if the emissions are above the legal limits or are visible leaks in the exhaust system. Also contributing to emission failures can be faulty catalytic converters or malfunctioning oxygen sensors.

Routine servicing will include checking the exhaust system for leaks, checking the efficiency of the catalytic converter and determining whether the emission levels are within the required limits. Regular oil changes and engine maintenance also control emissions. The earlier issues with the exhaust and emissions are dealt with, the more likely it is to avoid unnecessary repairs and to meet MOT requirements.

Seatbelt, Steering, and Other Safety Features

Boxing faults such as excessive play in the steering wheel, power steering fluid leaks, etc. can result in an MOT failure. Likewise, seatbelts must be fully functional, securely fastened and without damage. If there is any issue with these essential safety features, then we will fail MOT.

Checking steering components for wear and topping up fluid levels during regular servicing are also included. The seat belt mechanisms are also tested to ensure they operate functionally. Maintaining these key safety features in good shape will tend to prevent failures and improve overall vehicle safety.