Can Your Car Fail its MOT Test Due to Its Brake System?

by Fastfitservice Centre Automotive dealer

MOT is an essential test for every vehicle in the United Kingdom. A driver with a valid MOT certificate ensures that the vehicle is safe for use on roads.

During the test, MOT Basingstoke testers check the components of your vehicle to declare the results. The vehicle will fail its test if its components have dangerous, major, or minor faults.

In this article, we will talk about Car brakes and MOT tests. Car brakes are included in the list of components that a tester checks during the test.

There is no doubt that brakes are extremely essential for the performance of a vehicle. Therefore, you must drive your car with a fault-free car brake system.

The MOT tester checks the brakes of your vehicle for efficiency, response, and balance. Generally, the tester uses a roller brake tester to check the brakes.

The tester will check all the mechanical components that they can locate under the bonnet, inside the car, and beneath the car. During the under-bonnet examination, the tester will check the master cylinder and servo unit for leaks by applying brakes when the car engine is on.

There should be no signs of corrosion, leaks, fouling, or tears in the brake pipes. The tester generally looks for the following faults during this session:

Defective or inoperative brake servo Defective, insecure, leaking master cylinder Brake fluid is below minimum mark / seriously below minimum mark, not visible

During inside-the-car checkups, the car examination, tester is going to check the anti-lock brake system warning lamp for functioning and sequence of operation.

The tester will check the footbrake and he will declare a fail if it touches the floor.

The failure is possible in the condition of wear and tear in the brake pedal rubber and the car will get the same results for faulty operations of the servo assistance system.

Other parts like the brake pedal pivot and hand level are also covered in the test for wear and tear. The tester checks the parking brake for reserve travel and the lever’s mountings for security and corrosion.

Underneath the vehicle, checkups include flexible and metal brake pipes, discs and drums, brake pad plates, calliper securing dev, condition of linkages, and cables. As you see, the tester will check your brake system thoroughly for dangerous, major, or minor faults.

You can simply avoid the failure in the MOT test because of the brake system with proper maintenance. Brakes have a simple mechanism but they are extremely important for the safety of your vehicle. Therefore, a tester would not allow you to have even a single fault in car brakes.

Your objectives to keep the brake system should not only include passing the MOT test but you have to consider a long life for your brake system as well. You can check the following list to keep your car brakes safe and effective for a long time:

Do not overload your vehicle

Overloading your car may cause serious wear and tear in your brake system. An overloaded vehicle puts more strain on brakes when you turn or stop your vehicle. Therefore, if you want your brakes to function comfortably, you need to reduce the level of stress that comes from loading the vehicle.

Do not use your brakes unnecessarily

Experienced drivers use brakes smoothly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Sometimes using brakes is not necessary and just reducing the speed is enough to maintain the rhythm of driving. New or inexperienced drivers use car brakes suddenly again and again to keep the vehicle in control. This condition increases unnecessary pressure on the car brakes and they face wear and tear over time.

Check the brake lines

Brake lines are responsible for the transmission of brake fluid. You have to check brake lines for leakage signs since they are crucial for the functions of the brake system.

Check the rotors

If you hear a loud screeching noise or you feel vibrations in the steering wheel while using your brakes, you have to brake rotors for damage. You have to replace your brake rotors instantly after observing these signs.

Check the brake fluid

If you want your brakes to perform for a long time, you should include checking brake fluid in your brake service schedule. You must always keep the top of your brake fluid reservoir clean to enhance the performance of your brake system.

Moreover, you have to ensure that the brake fluid level is always lower than the maximum and higher than the minimum level. You have to check the brake system for the signs of brake fluid leakage. Moreover, you have to observe the brake fluid for its changing colour as well.

Check the brake pads

Brake pads function as a point of contact between car tyres and the braking system. They wear out because of heat over time. Therefore, you have to consider your brake pads when you check the vital components of car brakes.

Conclusion

Car brakes wear out because of several driving habits. You have to leave these habits to keep the brake system fit and fine. Moreover, Car brakes face wear and tear because of some natural reasons as well. Therefore, you have to inspect your brake system regularly to detect the signs of wear and tear.