MOT and Brake System: What You Need to Know for a Safer Drive

Brakes are extremely important for the safety and performance of a vehicle. When you press the pedal and slow down your vehicle, you do not realize that a whole system is working hard to keep you safe. The MOT test checks your car with a list of vital components. These components include the brake system due to its importance for safety.

In this blog, we will explore the link between the MOT Darlington test and the brake system.

Let us begin the blog with a brief description of the MOT test.

What is an MOT Test?

If your vehicle is over three years old in the UK, it legally needs an MOT certificate every year. This test checks whether your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. You will get the certificate if your car has no mechanical faults. You have to repair your car urgently if it fails the test due to defects.

MOT is a safety check. Therefore, they will not allow your car on the roads if it has safety issues. Your certificate is proof of your car’s roadworthiness.

The MOT test does not improve your car’s condition. It is about making sure it is safe to drive.

The MOT testers check the following components during the test:

Brakes

Tyres

Lights

Suspension

Exhaust

Windscreen

Seat belts

Emissions

If any of these components have serious faults, your car would not get the MOT certificate.

Why the Brake System Matters Most

It is not surprising that car brakes are one of the top reasons for MOT failure. MOT testers include brakes in the MOT check due to their importance in safety. Your car will crash into another vehicle if it does not stop at the correct distance after you apply your brakes. Moreover, brakes wear out slowly. They do not show signs of damage in the initial stage. So, MOT testers do not skip the brake system while they check your car for the test.

During the test, the technicians check the following:

Brake pad thickness

Disc condition

Brake fluid level

Brake responsiveness

Parking brake (handbrake) efficiency

Hydraulic leaks

If any of these areas do not meet the safety standards, your vehicle will not get the MOT certificate.

Common Brake Issues That Lead to MOT Failure

1. Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads wear out due to friction over time. These thinner brake pads should be replaced immediately if they are below 1.5mm. The MOT tester will surely check the brake pads for wear and tear.

2. Damaged Brake Discs

MOT technicians will check the brake discs for uneven wear, cracks, and corrosion. Therefore, it is better you get your brakes checked with a car mechanic before the test.

3. Brake Fluid Leaks
Fluid leak is a serious safety issue. The tester will check your car for this dangerous fault.

4. Ineffective Handbrake
Your handbrake should hold the car firmly on a slope. If it does not function properly, your vehicle is more likely to lose its MOT.

5. Brake Light Faults
If the brake light is illuminated during the test, it may be a cause of failure. It indicates a fault in the system.

Signs you have to consider before MOT

If you want to avoid MOT failure, you have to look at the following signs before the test.

Squealing or grinding noises

Vibration when braking

A soft or spongy brake pedal

The car is pulling to the left or right

Burning smell while driving