Ready for your next MOT?
Shop our MOT essentials and be ready for your next MOT
MOT essentials
Getting ready for your MOT doesn’t have to be stressful, and preparing in advance can help you avoid common failures and unexpected repairs. Arnold Clark Autoparts has everything you need to check, fix and prepare your vehicle before test day.
Lighting
essentials
Lighting issues account for 11% of MOT failures – so don’t let a blown bulb or faulty electrics catch you out.
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Oil
Essentials
Oil-related issues are responsible for a significant number of preventable engine problems. A quick oil check now could save you costly repairs later.
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Vision
essentials
5% of MOT failures are due to poor visibility, so make sure your view of the road is crystal clear.
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Find the
right parts, fast
Use our registration look-up tool for a perfect match every time.
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Which car parts are most likely to fail a MOT?
The most common MOT failures come down to a few key areas:
- Lights and indicators – blown bulbs or faulty headlights
- Tyres – worn tread (below 1.6mm) or visible damage
- Brakes – worn pads, discs, or fluid leaks
- Suspension – broken springs or worn shock absorbers
- Windscreen and wipers – cracks or ineffective wipers
- Exhaust and emissions – leaks or excessive smoke
By checking these parts before your MOT, you can help avoid an MOT failure.
Why buy MOT car parts from Arnold Clark Autoparts?
When it comes to preparing your car for its MOT, Arnold Clark Autoparts has everything you need. We stock high-quality, trusted brands at competitive prices, with fast delivery to garages and trade customers across the UK. Plus, our expert team is on hand to help you find the parts you need first time.
From brakes and bulbs to filters and wipers, we have everything you need to pass your MOT with confidence.
Choose Arnold Clark Autoparts for quality, reliability and unbeatable service every time.
According to an analysis of the DVLA MOT testing data for Great Britain in 2025 when it comes to common reasons for a failure:
- 11% of failures were due to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment.
- 9% were due to suspension.
- 7% were due to braking issues.
- 6% were due to tyres.
- 5% were due to visibility issues.
- 3% due to noise, emmisions and leaks.
- 2% due to steering.
- 1% due to seat belts and restraint systems.
There are three types of MOT failure: minor, major and dangerous. A minor means there’s a problem, but it’s not serious enough to fail the MOT.
- You still pass the MOT.
- It’s basically an advisory with a bit more weight.
- You’re not legally required to fix it immediately – but you should soon.
Major: This means the car doesn’t meet legal standards, but it’s not immediately dangerous.
- You fail the MOT.
- The car shouldn’t be driven except to a garage for repairs or a pre-booked MOT retest.
- You could be fined if you keep driving it normally.
Dangerous
This is the serious one. It means the car is unsafe to drive right now.
- You fail the MOT.
- You must not drive the car at all.
- Driving it could lead to points, a fine or invalid insurance.