Should You Fix Car Problems Before an MOT Test?
It’s quite common for drivers to suspect their car might fail its MOT on something specific.
In most cases, it is better to carry out the MOT first. The test checks the entire vehicle, so repairing one suspected issue beforehand may not prevent the car from failing on something else. If the vehicle does fail, most MOT test centres offer a free retest within 10 working days, meaning there is usually no advantage in repairing faults before the test.
Perhaps the brakes are worn, a tyre is close to the limit, or there’s a light on the dashboard. Because of this, some people choose to repair the suspected fault first and then book the MOT afterwards.
On the surface this might seem logical, but in many cases it isn’t the most practical approach.
Does an MOT Advisory Mean the Car Will Fail Next Time?
Often, the assumption that a vehicle will fail its next MOT comes from advisories listed on the previous test. However, it is important to understand that an advisory does not automatically mean the component will fail the following year.
Many advisories are recorded to highlight wear or deterioration that should be monitored, but the item may still remain within acceptable limits for some time. In some cases, the same advisory may appear on consecutive MOT tests before the condition progresses to the point where it becomes a major defect.
What Does an MOT Test Actually Check?
An MOT test looks at a wide range of safety and environmental components across the entire vehicle. These include areas such as:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Tyres
- Lights
- Seatbelts
- Exhaust and emissions
- Structural condition
Because the test covers so many systems, a vehicle may fail on something completely different from what the driver suspected.
If a repair is carried out before the test, there is always the possibility that another unrelated issue will still cause the vehicle to fail.
By carrying out the MOT first, the vehicle is assessed fully and the result provides a complete picture of what needs attention.
Do You Have to Pay for Another MOT if Your Car Fails?
Another reason people sometimes repair a suspected fault first is because they believe they will need to pay for a second MOT if the car fails.
In most situations this isn’t the case.
If a vehicle fails its MOT, it is normally entitled to a free retest within 10 working days, provided the necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle is returned to the same test centre.
This means there is generally no financial advantage in trying to repair suspected faults before the MOT.
Why Doing the MOT First Can Help You Plan Repair Costs
Having the MOT carried out first can also help when planning repairs.
Once the test has been completed, the driver knows exactly what needs to be addressed for the vehicle to pass. This allows them to understand the total cost required to make the car roadworthy.
From there, decisions can be made about what to repair immediately and what work might be delayed if appropriate.
For example, if a car is also due a service, some drivers choose to prioritise MOT repairs first so the vehicle can legally return to the road.
Final Thoughts: Is It Better to Do the MOT First or Repair the Car First?
For this reason, many drivers choose to put the car through its MOT before arranging repairs they suspect may be required.
Rather than guessing what might fail, the MOT provides a clear and structured assessment of the vehicle’s condition.
With that information, any necessary work can then be planned with a better understanding of what the vehicle actually needs.