The MOT test ensures vehicles on UK roads meet safety and environmental standards. Many cars fail their MOT each year due to issues that could have been prevented. Two key factors that influence test outcomes are wear and tear and vehicle age.

How Wear and Tear Affects MOT Results

Wear and tear refers to the gradual decline of vehicle components through everyday use. Even relatively new vehicles can fail their MOT if key parts are excessively worn. Common wear-related failures include:

• Tyres – Worn tread below the legal 1.6mm limit is one of the most frequent causes of MOT failures.
• Brake pads and discs – Heavy use reduces efficiency and can trigger a fail.
• Suspension components – Springs, shocks, and bushings wear out from constant road impact.
• Wiper blades – Simple but often overlooked, worn wipers can cause visibility issues that lead to failure.

Wear and tear is largely influenced by driving style, mileage, and road conditions.

How Vehicle Age Impacts MOT Failures

As a car gets older, the risk of MOT failure naturally increases. Age-related issues often include:

• Rust and corrosion – Older cars are more likely to suffer structural corrosion, particularly on the chassis and underbody.
• Outdated technology – Older vehicles may struggle to meet modern emissions standards.
• Component fatigue – Parts like clutch cables, steering racks, and electrical systems degrade with time.

While a newer vehicle may only need routine checks, an older car often requires more extensive maintenance to pass.

Wear and Tear vs Age: Which Matters More?

Both factors play a role, but wear and tear is often more immediate. A three-year-old car driven extensively with poor maintenance may fail its MOT sooner than a ten-year-old car with low mileage and careful upkeep.

In general:

• Wear and tear = affects frequently used parts like tyres, brakes, and suspension.
• Age = affects structural integrity, emissions compliance, and reliability.

Reducing the Risk of MOT Failures

To improve your chances of passing an MOT, you should:

• Regularly service your vehicle and replace worn parts promptly.
• Carry out pre-MOT checks on tyres, lights, and wipers.
• Protect older cars from rust with underbody treatments.
• Keep track of your MOT due date using tools like Check MOT.

FAQs

Do older cars always fail MOTs more often?

Not necessarily. Well-maintained older cars can still pass, but age does increase risks like rust and emissions issues.

What’s the most common wear and tear failure?

Tyres and brakes are among the top causes of wear-related MOT failures.

How can I reduce MOT failures caused by wear and tear?

Regular servicing, tyre checks, and replacing small components like wipers can make a big difference.

Does mileage affect MOT outcomes more than age?

Yes, high mileage often leads to faster wear and tear, even on newer vehicles.