Spring MOT Preparation: 10 Things to Check Before Your Test
Spring is the busiest time of year for MOT tests in the UK. Many vehicles registered in March (the most popular registration month) come up for renewal, and garages are at their busiest. After months of winter driving — salt, potholes, freezing temperatures, and short days — your car may have developed issues that weren't there in autumn.
The good news? Many of the most common MOT failures can be spotted and fixed at home before you even book your test. Here are the 10 things to check this spring.
Tyres
Winter roads destroy tyres. Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters), look for sidewall damage from potholes, and ensure pressures are correct. Uneven wear can indicate tracking or suspension problems that will also fail the MOT.
Lights
The most common MOT failure. Walk around the car and check every bulb: headlights (main and dipped), brake lights, indicators, fog lights, number plate lights, and reverse lights. Carry spare bulbs — most are cheap and easy to replace.
Windscreen & Wipers
Winter grit and salt spray takes a toll. Check for chips or cracks in the driver’s swept area (anything larger than 10mm fails). Replace wiper blades if they smear, streak, or leave unwiped patches.
Brakes
Listen for grinding or squealing. If the brake pedal feels spongy or the car pulls to one side under braking, get them checked before the MOT. Worn pads and corroded discs are common after winter.
Suspension
Potholes are the enemy of suspension. If the car feels bouncy, wallowy, or clunks over bumps, the shock absorbers, springs, or bushes may have failed. Drop test: push down hard on each corner — the car should bounce back once and settle.
Exhaust
Check for blowing (a louder-than-normal exhaust note), visible holes or rust, and excessive smoke on start-up. Diesel vehicles in particular should not produce thick black or blue smoke. A failed emissions test is an MOT failure.
Steering
With the engine running and the car stationary, turn the steering wheel left and right. There should be minimal free play before the wheels start to move. Clunking or knocking noises indicate worn components.
Horn
Simple but often overlooked. Press the horn — it must be loud enough to warn other road users. A weak or non-functioning horn is an MOT failure.
Seatbelts
Pull each belt out fully and let it retract. It should latch firmly and retract smoothly. Check for fraying, cuts, or twisted webbing. Make sure all rear belts work too — they are tested even if rarely used.
Number Plates
Both plates must be clean, legible, and correctly formatted. Faded, cracked, or non-standard fonts or spacing will fail. Give them a wipe and check they are securely mounted.
Check Your MOT Status First
Before spending time on preparation, check when your MOT is actually due. Enter your registration number below to see your exact expiry date, last test results, and any advisories that were noted.