Ensuring your car is roadworthy is not just essential for the safety of its passengers but also mandated by law. Having an MOT clearance is legally binding and failure to do so will incur a hefty fine and a host of other penalties. Whenever you intend to get a mandatory MOT or want it done voluntarily, the vehicle should be in a proper condition to meet the minimum standards as per the MOT checklist enforced by the DVSA. We share some of the most common reasons for MOT failures and how to prevent them, so that car owners can clear the MOT in the first attempt. Lights: The lighting and signalling qualities of a vehicle are critical for safety. They are essential to communicate with others on the road at night and in poor visibility conditions. Not surprisingly one of the leading causes of MOT failures is signalling and lighting problems. Ironically this could be avoided just by replacing a blown light. Before going for the MOT check the front and rear light, the indicators, brake and fog lights and the number plate light. While at it clean the lens as well for better visibility. Brake pads: The brakes of any vehicle must function properly at all times for the safety of those on the road and the vehicle passengers. Any squealing or grinding sounds when hitting the brake could lead to MOT failure. FOR the brake pads to be inspected thoroughly, the wheels need to come off. Take the car to a garage where they will examine the brake pads for wear and tear or any damages. If essential they may need replacement to clear the MOT. Similarly, the handbrake has to be in good working condition and adjusted if not. Defective suspension: Unsurprisingly the potholes on Britain’s roads lead frequently to suspension issues that cause MOT failures. Identifying suspension problems visually is challenging and the best way is to have them examined in a garage or keep an eye out when driving on uneven surfaces or around corners. The suspensions may be too low or too high. To examine press the car corners and if it does not return to its normal position smoothly there might be issues. It would need to be checked at a garage. Tyre tread: The tyre tread with pressure is vital for road safety with low tyre tread among the top causes for MOT failures. The penalties are severe with a fine of £2,500 and 3 driving points deducted per tyre. The treads must be a minimum of 1.6 mm in depth and anything less will lead to MOT failure. Any kind of damage like bulges or large cuts can also lead to failing the MOT. They will need to be fixed or replaced before the MOT. Windscreen: The windscreen must offer a clear unobstructed view of the road at all times. There should be nothing on the dashboard to block the view of the driver. Any chips or cracks in the driver’s visual zone will lead to MOT failure. Any minor damage should be fixed before the MOT. The wipers and washers must work properly with sufficient washer liquid in the tank as well.