How does the brake affect the MOT test? A simple guide to understanding its effects

For car owners and drivers, problems related to brakes are a major concern. In a vehicle, the brakes are the most crucial safety feature that contributes to preventing accidents and protecting your life and vehicle. Understanding the significance of brakes and regular brake servicing for your vehicles is essential. Timely Brake Repair Tottenham ensure that your vehicle stops at the right time, but you never stop moving forward. For optimal safety on the road, your brakes should work reliably. Any sign of brake malfunctioning calls for immediate servicing. Plus, faulty brakes are a common reason for MOT failure in the UK. For a better understanding of your brakes, and their function in a vehicle, continue reading this guide. Also, find out how the braking system might affect your vehicle’s MOT testing, and how to prevent it. 

The braking system explained.

Before moving on to the effect of the braking system on the MOT, understanding the functions of the braking system is crucial. The first and foremost function of a braking system is to ensure safety on the road. With an intricate design and various components, the braking system controls the vehicle’s speed. It also plays an important role in bringing the vehicle to a stop when required. This, in turn, prevents collisions and accidents on the road.

Now that you are familiar with the functions of a braking system, how does it work? The system converts the car’s kinetic energy into thermal energy. When you push the brake pedal, pressure is applied to the brake rotors. This causes friction to slow down the wheels, reducing speed and stopping the car. The braking system as a whole could not perform this efficiently. It is made up of different parts such as brake pads, calipers, brake rotors, and brake fluid. All of these components play crucial roles in the efficient braking of a vehicle. 

There are different types of braking systems too. Each of them has their own features, functions, and advantages. 

• Disc brakes: They are usually found on the front wheels. Disc brakes are known for their superior stopping ability. 

  
  

• Drum brakes: The rear wheels typically contain the drum brakes. They have a comparatively simpler design, are cost-effective, and dissipate heat effectively. 

  
  

• ABS: The Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a crucial technology for maintaining vehicle control. Hard braking could lock the wheels. However the ABS prevents such locking and is vital in emergency braking situations. 

Can malfunctioning brakes lead to MOT failure? 

The MOT test is an extensive inspection to check your car’s safety and roadworthiness. When the braking system is a crucial part of your vehicle’s safety, they are examined during the MOT too. But, it is a common concern among drivers whether a faulty braking system could lead to failure. While a minor fault may be passed with advisory, extremely worn-out brake pads can cause MOT failure. The following are some points that can be classified as ‘Major’ and ‘Dangerous’ defects, along with a ‘Fail’ report:

Major Defect.

During the MOT, a ‘Major’ defect means that your car has issues that need to be resolved immediately. These issues might affect your vehicle’s performance, but they do not make your vehicle unroadworthy. The following brake faults are considered ‘Major’ defects during the MOT test Tottenham. These could cause your vehicle to fail the test: 

• Worn-out brake pads until visible wear indicators. 

• Worn-out brake lining with visible wear indicators. 

• Oil or grease-contiminated brake pads. 

• Oil or grease-contanimated brake lining. 

• Highly worn-out brake disc or brake drum. 

• Oil or grease-contaminated brake disc and drum.

• Loosely fitted brake drum back plate. 

Dangerous Defect. 

Dangerous defects are those issues that make a vehicle unroadworhty. These must be repaired immediately. Driving with such defects is illegal and always results in a ‘Fail’ MOT report. The following are some ‘Dangerous’ defects in your braking system that could make your vehicle unsafe and unroadworthy: 

• Worn-out brake pads below the limit of 1.5mm.

• Worn-out brake lining below the limit of 1.5mm. 

• Missing brake pad or lining.

• Incorrect fitting of the brake pad or lining. 

• Fractured brake disc or drum. 

• Missing brake disc or drum. 

How to prevent such brake defects? 

The above defects are highly common reasons for failing the MOT test. On-time brake repairs Tottenham are therefore a necessity for your safety and efficient testing. Besides repairing, maintaining and caring for them is important too. Follow the given tips to care for your vehicle’s braking system: 

• Routine check-ups are a must for every vehicle component. This includes your braking system too. Regular servicing from professional technicians ensures early detection and repair of minor issues. 

• Unusual noises such as screeching or grinding while braking are warning signals. Any such noise should be reported immediately and timely repairs should be performed. 

• Check your braking system’s responsiveness regularly. If you feel any slight changes in the sensitivity of the brakes, service them immediately. 

• Maintain the level of brake fluids. Brake fluids are essential for the proper functioning of the brakes. Hence, they should be kept at the recommended level always.

• Check your brake pads regularly. Their thickness must be maintained for proper functioning. Any brake pad thickness of less than 1.5 mm should be replaced. 

Worried about your next MOT test Tottenham? Ensure that your brakes are never a cause of MOT failure. Maintain the proper functioning of your brakes with our tips. Secure your road trips with timely brake repairs and services.