Difference Between Minor, Major, and Dangerous MOT Faults

If you have appeared for the MOT test, you should already know that it is a compulsory inspection of your vehicle to ascertain its roadworthiness, whether your car can still be used or not. As such, if you pass the MOT test in Newton Le Willows, you can keep driving without many problems. However, if you do fail, it will not only invalidate your current MOT certificate but also cause legal issues if you are found driving with a major or dangerous fault. In most cases, you might even be fined up to £2500 and get points on your driver's license. But what are these faults, and how are they judged during an MOT? 

It is crucial to learn more about these faults as it will allow you to better prepare yourself by going to a car service in Newton Le Willows before taking the MOT test. This is why we have come up with the following blog that talks extensively about these faults that are found during an MOT and their significance on your ability to drive. 

Various MOT Defect Categories Explained

First, let us learn a bit about these faults or defects. As you already know, the purpose of the MOT test is to ensure that your vehicle is safe and fit for driving on the road. It is done by testing the car to check whether it has any glaring problems or not, that can jeopardize the safety of others. However, not all problems can be judged on the same scale. You can't put a flickering light bulb on the same level as worn-out tyres or faulty brakes. This is why various defect categories are used. 

When you go for the MOT, depending on how well you have maintained your car, any faults will be further categorized as minor, major, or dangerous. But what does this signify? These defect categories help determine the result of your MOT. You can think of them as the criteria for passing the test. Hence, if you don't get any defects, you can pass the MOT without worries. However, if you do, then not only will you lose your current MOT certificate, but you have to first pass the subsequent test if you want to continue driving your car.

Minor faults

Minor faults or defects are the smallest problems in the vehicle. They are typically not serious enough to fail the MOT test. Moreover, in most cases, you can even pass the test even if you have 3 or 4 minor defects. However, this doesn't mean that you can ignore these problems. If you go for another MOT in the subsequent year, and it is found that the car still retains those minor faults or that the number of defects has increased, you may fail the test. Ultimately, minor faults are still recorded on the MOT passing certificate, so it's best to take care of them before they grow into something much more troublesome.

Major defects

Now, let’s talk about major problems that are apparently more serious, as they are directly related to the safety of the vehicle and its roadworthiness. You should know that even a single major defect found during an MOT can lead to a direct failure. As such, you have to make sure that your car doesn't have any major issues; if not, passing the MOT in a single go will be much more difficult. Moreover, it will lead to expensive repairs, as you will be unable to drive the car without first resolving the major defects.  

Dangerous faults

Finally, there are dangerous faults, which, as the name suggests, are problems that make your car not only unfit for the roads, but also a safety hazard. If you get any dangerous faults on the vehicle, you won't be allowed to drive. If you are found driving with such a car, you will have to face serious consequences. Such problems are mostly related to brakes, tyres, suspension, or transmission faults. Thus, if you continue driving with such a car, sooner or later, you are bound to end up in an accident.

What are advisories?

Other than these MOT fail categories, sometimes the tester can present the car owner with an advisory. These are not current faults present in the car; rather, they are potential problems in the vehicle. Since the vehicle doesn't have any issues at present, the MOT tester can not directly fail it; rather, he can only present an advisory for the benefit of the car owner so that he can take time and get the potential problem resolved before it's too late. 

Some Common Dangerous Defects

Now, let us look at a few common reasons or causes of dangerous defects. This will not only allow us to learn more about it, but also make us more perspective, so if we do spot some problems with the car, we will be able to take immediate and appropriate action not only to ensure our safety but also to pass the MOT. 

• Problems with the braking system
  • Worn-out brake components
  • Faulty brake pads, rotors, and pedals, 
  • Leaking of brake fluids
  • Loud noise
  • shorter stopping distance
• Issues with the structure of the vehicle
  • Damaged rim or axle
  • Rusting outer body
  • Protrusion or any sharp parts
• Problems with the driver’s line of sight
  • Any major cracks in the windscreen
  • Cracked side mirrors
  • Any accessories that prevent or hinders the driver’s line of sight.