Top Reasons Why Brakes Fail an MOT and How to Prevent Them
Top Reasons Why Brakes Fail an MOT and How to Prevent Them
Your vehicle’s braking system is one of the most critical components for ensuring safety on the road. During an MOT test, brakes are thoroughly inspected to verify that they function correctly and meet legal standards. However, brake-related issues are among the most common reasons for MOT failures.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we understand how essential your brakes are for both safety and compliance. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons why brakes fail an MOT test and what you can do to prevent these issues, ensuring your vehicle passes with flying colours.
Why Are Brakes So Important in an MOT Test?
The MOT test is designed to ensure that vehicles on UK roads are safe, roadworthy, and compliant with environmental standards. Since brakes are essential for controlling your vehicle and avoiding accidents, they are a major focus of the test.
During an MOT, the following aspects of your braking system are checked:
- Brake performance (efficiency): Tested on a rolling road to measure how effectively the brakes stop the wheels.
- Brake components: Inspected for wear, corrosion, and damage, including pads, discs, calipers, and brake hoses.
- Warning lights: Checked for proper operation, including the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light.
Top Reasons for Brake-Related MOT Failures
1. Worn Brake Pads and Discs
🚫 The Problem:
Brake pads and discs wear down over time due to the friction involved in stopping your vehicle. If the pads are too thin or the discs are excessively worn, the braking system’s efficiency is compromised.
🚗 MOT Impact:
Excessively worn brake pads and discs will result in an MOT failure, as they significantly affect braking performance and safety.
🛠 Prevention:
- Have your brakes inspected regularly and replace pads when they are less than 3mm thick.
- Replace discs if they are warped, cracked, or have deep grooves.
- Book a brake check at Andrews Car Centre to catch wear before it leads to an MOT failure.
2. Brake Fluid Contamination or Leaks
🚫 The Problem:
Brake fluid is essential for transmitting force from your brake pedal to the brake components. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated or develop leaks, reducing braking effectiveness.
🚗 MOT Impact:
If the MOT tester finds that your brake fluid is contaminated or there are leaks in the system, your vehicle will fail the test.
🛠 Prevention:
- Replace brake fluid every two years to ensure it remains effective.
- Check for and repair any leaks in the brake lines, hoses, or calipers.
- Have a professional brake inspection to ensure fluid levels are adequate and free of contaminants.
3. Brake Imbalance
🚫 The Problem:
Brake imbalance occurs when one side of the vehicle’s brakes applies more force than the other. This can cause the car to pull to one side during braking, affecting control and safety.
🚗 MOT Impact:
The MOT includes a brake balance test. If there’s a significant difference in braking force between the wheels, the vehicle will fail.
🛠 Prevention:
- Have your brakes checked regularly to ensure even wear on both sides.
- Replace or adjust brake pads, discs, or calipers if they cause uneven braking.
- Include brake inspections in your routine servicing at Andrews Car Centre.
4. Corroded or Damaged Brake Components
🚫 The Problem:
Rust, corrosion, and physical damage to brake components—such as calipers, discs, and pipes—can severely affect brake performance. Corroded brake pipes, in particular, are a common reason for MOT failures.
🚗 MOT Impact:
Any significant corrosion or damage that compromises the structural integrity of brake components will result in an MOT fail.
🛠 Prevention:
- Inspect your vehicle regularly for signs of rust, particularly in the brake lines.
- Replace any components that show signs of significant wear or corrosion.
- Consider using rust protection treatments for underbody components.
5. Faulty Brake Warning Lights
🚫 The Problem:
Modern vehicles are equipped with various warning lights that indicate issues in the braking system, including the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light. A malfunctioning or illuminated warning light is a sign of an underlying issue.
🚗 MOT Impact:
If a brake-related warning light is on or the system isn’t working correctly, your vehicle will fail the MOT.
🛠 Prevention:
- Don’t ignore warning lights on your dashboard.
- Have your braking system professionally inspected if any warning lights appear.
- Address ABS issues promptly to ensure the system functions correctly.
How to Ensure Your Brakes Pass the MOT
1. Regular Brake Inspections
Routine brake inspections are key to preventing issues before they cause an MOT failure. At Andrews Car Centre, we recommend getting your brakes checked every 6 months or whenever you notice any changes in braking performance.
2. Replace Worn Components Promptly
If you notice squealing noises, reduced braking power, or a spongy brake pedal, have your brakes inspected and replace any worn parts immediately. Don’t wait until your MOT is due.
3. Keep Up with Brake Fluid Maintenance
Regularly changing your brake fluid is essential for maintaining proper braking performance. Ensure it’s topped up and free from contaminants.
4. Address Warning Lights Immediately
Don’t ignore brake or ABS warning lights on your dashboard. Immediate diagnosis and repair can prevent more significant issues down the line.
Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Your Brake Checks and Repairs?
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialize in comprehensive brake inspections, repairs, and replacements to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy. Here’s why you should trust us with your braking system:
- Experienced Technicians: Our team is skilled in diagnosing and repairing all types of brake issues.
- High-Quality Parts: We use premium brake components to ensure reliability and safety.
- Transparent Pricing: We provide clear quotes with no hidden costs.
- Customer-Focused Service: We aim to get your vehicle back on the road quickly and safely, with minimal disruption.
Book Your Brake Inspection Today
Don’t let brake issues cause an MOT failure. Call Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln today to book a brake inspection or repair. Our experts will ensure your vehicle is in top condition, so you can drive with confidence and safety.
📞 Contact us now or visit our website to schedule your appointment. Make sure your brakes are ready for the road—trust Andrews Car Centre for professional, reliable brake services!