Data shows that over one in five vehicles fail their MOT every year. However, experts insist most failures are avoidable if motorists are able to spot small issues with their vehicles before they become worse.
Many people feel anxious ahead of their MOT test each year as it can often prove to be costly if serious problems are found with their car. According to Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, Europe's leading online marketplace for used car parts, drivers should think about the condition of their vehicle long before their MOT date.
He said: "Drivers usually only think about their car's condition as the MOT date approaches. By that point, small issues have often developed into bigger problems that could have been spotted and fixed months earlier."
According to the expert, faulty lights is the most common reason for MOT failures. However, they're also among the easiest to check and fix.
Urbonas said that a blown bulb results in an automatic test failure. He recommends drivers to stand outside of their vehicle while someone else tests all of their lights.
This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and fog lights. If you haven't got anyone to help, you can use a reflective surface like a garage door.
Urbonas warned: "Replace any blown bulbs immediately. Most are inexpensive, and many can be changed at home with basic tools."
As well as faulty lights, the expert recommends drivers to check their tyres, breaks and windscreen wipers ahead of their MOT. These are all frequent causes for a test failure.
Urbonas also likened fluids to "your car's lifeblood". He urges people to check their oil level regularly and top it up if needed.
The best time to check it is when the engine is cold and on level ground. Meanwhile, brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluid should always be kept within the vehicle's recommended boundaries.
Urbonas said: "The annual MOT needn't be a source of anxiety if you adopt a year-round maintenance mindset. Most failures stem from issues that develop gradually and could be spotted and fixed inexpensively if caught early.
"A blown headlight bulb might cost just £10 to replace yourself, but failing the MOT means paying for a retest and potentially being without your car."
He added: "I always tell drivers to create a simple monthly checklist covering the basics; lights, tyres, fluids, and a visual inspection for anything unusual. This twenty-minute routine could save you hundreds in repair bills and prevent the stress of unexpected breakdowns.
"Remember, the MOT is a basic safety check, not a comprehensive health assessment. Responsible ownership means going beyond the minimum requirements and addressing small issues before they become major problems."