Top 10 Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT in Felixstowe (and How R & J Car Services Can Help)
- Shane Smy
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Every year, thousands of cars across the UK fail their MOT – and many of the reasons are simple issues that could be fixed beforehand. At R & J Car Services in Felixstowe, we see the same problems come up time and again. Here are the top 10 causes of MOT failure and how you can avoid them:
Lights and signalling – Blown bulbs, faulty indicators, or brake lights not working. Quick check before your MOT can save you failing instantly.
Tyres – Worn tread depth (below 1.6mm), cracks, or damage are common causes of failure. Regularly check your tyres and replace them when needed.
Brakes – Uneven wear, low brake fluid, or ineffective braking systems. Have them inspected during servicing.
Suspension – Broken springs and worn shock absorbers reduce road safety and are picked up during MOT tests.
Windscreen and wipers – Chips, cracks, and faulty wipers can all cause an MOT fail.
Exhaust emissions – Excessive smoke or faulty catalytic converters are common culprits.
Steering – Issues with steering alignment or power steering fluid can result in failure.
Seatbelts – Frayed or faulty seatbelts are a serious safety concern and an automatic fail.
Registration plates – Plates that are damaged, dirty, or not displayed correctly can surprisingly fail your MOT.
General visibility – Cracks in mirrors, missing washers, or objects blocking the driver’s view.

How R & J Car Services Can Help
At R & J Car Services, we offer pre-MOT checks and expert servicing to make sure your car passes the first time. Our experienced team in Felixstowe will inspect the common failure points and fix any issues before your test.
Book your MOT or pre-check today with R & J Car Services – keeping Felixstowe drivers safe and road-ready.
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