Quick answer: The most common MOT failures are faulty lights, worn tyres, brake problems, worn suspension, poor driver visibility, emissions, steering faults, corrosion, exhaust problems and warning lights. Most can be spotted with a quick MOT check at home. Reads Mot & Repair Centre in London E13 tests and repairs all makes.
Key takeaways
- Lights, tyres and brakes are among the most common causes of an MOT fail.
- A 5-minute walk-round at home can catch many simple MOT failures.
- The legal minimum car tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters.
- A Class 4 MOT at Reads Mot & Repair Centre takes about 60 minutes.
- Reads Mot & Repair Centre is DVSA approved, site number 16397.
Reads Mot & Repair Centre is an independent garage at 6 Prince Regent Lane, London E13 8QG. It is a DVSA approved MOT test centre, site number 16397. This guide covers the failures we would expect drivers in London E13 to meet most often, based on general UK motoring knowledge, and what to do about each one. Check current rules on GOV.UK before you test, as requirements can change.
What is the quickest MOT check you can do at home?
The quickest MOT check at home is a five-minute walk-round of your lights, tyres, wipers, washer fluid, horn and dashboard warning lights. Many failures come down to small items you can see yourself.
- Switch on every light and ask someone to check them from outside.
- Look over each tyre for cuts, bulges and low tread.
- Test the horn, wipers and washers.
- Start the engine and check no warning lights stay on.
- Check the number plates are clean, secure and legible.
What are the 10 most common reasons cars fail an MOT?
The most common reasons are lights, tyres, brakes, suspension, visibility, emissions, steering, corrosion, exhaust faults and dashboard warning lights. Here is each one with symptoms, fixes and prevention.
1. Lights and indicators
Symptoms: a bulb out, a dim beam, or fast indicator flashing. Cause: blown bulbs, bad connections or misaligned headlights. Fix: replace the bulb or correct the aim. Prevention: check all lights monthly.
2. Tyres
Symptoms: bald patches, bulges, cracks or a car pulling to one side. Cause: wear, wrong pressure or kerb damage. The legal minimum tread for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Fix: replace damaged or worn tyres. Prevention: check pressures monthly and rotate if advised.
3. Brakes
Symptoms: squealing, grinding, a long pedal or vibration when braking. Cause: worn pads, scored discs, leaking fluid or seized calipers. Fix: replace pads and discs, or repair the fault. Prevention: act on noises early.
4. Suspension
Symptoms: knocking over bumps, bouncing or uneven tyre wear. Cause: worn shock absorbers, springs, bushes or joints. Fix: replace the worn parts. Prevention: avoid potholes and kerbs where you can.
5. Driver’s view of the road
Symptoms: smeared screens, streaking wipers or chips in the windscreen. Cause: worn blades, empty washer bottle or screen damage. Fix: new blades, topped-up washer fluid or screen repair. Prevention: replace blades yearly.
6. Emissions
Symptoms: smoke, rough running or poor fuel economy. Cause: a failing sensor, catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter, or a poorly maintained engine. Fix: diagnose and repair the cause. Prevention: keep to the service schedule and use the car on longer runs.
7. Steering
Symptoms: a loose or vague wheel, or noises when turning. Cause: worn track rod ends, ball joints or a steering rack fault. Fix: replace worn components. Prevention: get odd noises checked promptly.
8. Corrosion and structure
Symptoms: rust patches or holes near mounting points. Cause: age, moisture and road salt. Fix: weld repairs, depending on severity. Prevention: wash the underside after wet or salty weather.
9. Exhaust
Symptoms: a loud rumble, rattles or fumes. Cause: holes, loose mountings or a failed section. Fix: repair or replace the damaged section. Prevention: avoid lots of short trips, which let moisture build up.
10. Dashboard warning lights
Symptoms: an airbag, ABS or engine light that stays on. Cause: a sensor or system fault. Fix: have it diagnosed and repaired. Prevention: never ignore a warning light.
How long does an MOT check take at Reads Mot & Repair Centre?
A Class 4 MOT at Reads Mot & Repair Centre takes about 60 minutes. Class 4 covers cars and light vans up to 8 passenger seats. For a price, call +44 20 3015 1741. Read more on our MOT testing page.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails, you get a list of the defects and must repair them before it can pass. Defects are graded, and a dangerous one means you should not drive the car away. Check GOV.UK for the current rules on retests and driving a failed vehicle.
- Read the failure sheet.
- Get a quote for each repair.
- Book the repairs, ideally at the same garage.
- Arrange the retest.
Reads Mot & Repair Centre repairs all makes, so fixes and retest can be arranged in one place. See our repairs page.
What does it cost at Reads Mot & Repair Centre?
Prices at Reads Mot & Repair Centre depend on the job, and some are given on request.
- Major Service & MOT: from £360.00 (about 180 minutes)
- Oil and Filter Change: from £168.10 (about 60 minutes)
- Winter Safety Check: from £19.99 (about 30 minutes)
- MOT, brake pads and discs, and servicing: price on request
A regular car service helps catch worn parts before the test. Our winter check is covered in this post.
Book your MOT check in London E13
Reads Mot & Repair Centre at 6 Prince Regent Lane, London E13 8QG is open until 20:00 Monday to Friday, until 19:00 on Saturday and 10:00 to 14:00 on Sunday. Drivers rate us 4.5 out of 5 from 42 Google reviews. Book online or call +44 20 3015 1741.
Common questions
How much is an MOT check in London E13?
Call for a price. Reads Mot & Repair Centre quotes MOT prices on request on +44 20 3015 1741.
Can I book an MOT online in London E13?
Yes. You can book an MOT at Reads Mot & Repair Centre through the online appointment page, or by phone.
Is Reads Mot & Repair Centre an approved MOT test centre?
Yes. It is DVSA approved, site number 16397, at 6 Prince Regent Lane, London E13 8QG.
Does Reads Mot & Repair Centre repair cars that fail?
Yes. The garage repairs all makes of car, so failed items can be fixed at the same site.
What opening hours can I use for an MOT?
Reads Mot & Repair Centre opens 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 19:00 on Saturday and 10:00 to 14:00 on Sunday.