If you’re booking an MOT in Hastings, St Leonards or Bexhill, it’s natural to wonder what might cause your car to fail. Every year thousands of vehicles across East Sussex fail their MOT due to relatively simple issues that could often be avoided with a quick check beforehand.
For drivers in Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Bexhill, Battle and Rye, knowing the most common MOT failures can help you prepare your car and avoid unexpected repair bills.
In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons cars fail their MOT, the typical repair costs, and how drivers across the Hastings area can find reliable local garages.
An MOT checks that your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. The test covers key components such as tyres, brakes, suspension, lights and emissions.
Many MOT failures happen because of normal wear and tear, especially on older vehicles or cars that are driven regularly along busy coastal routes in East Sussex (beware of the potholes!).
Fortunately, many of these issues are quick and relatively inexpensive to fix if they’re spotted early.
Tyres are one of the most common reasons vehicles fail MOT tests.
In the UK, tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If the tread is too low or the tyre has visible damage, the car will fail.
Typical repair costs
Drivers in Hastings and Bexhill often experience faster tyre wear due to potholes and uneven road surfaces.
Worn brake pads or discs are another frequent MOT failure.
During the MOT test, the braking system is checked to ensure it works safely and evenly across all wheels.
Typical repair cost
Brake issues should always be fixed immediately, as they affect the safety of your vehicle.
Many cars fail MOT tests simply because a bulb has blown.
The tester will check:
Typical repair cost
This is one of the easiest MOT failures to avoid by checking your lights before the test.
Suspension problems are common, particularly on roads that suffer from potholes and surface damage.
Worn suspension components can affect handling and braking performance, which will lead to an MOT failure.
Typical repair cost
Drivers in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill sometimes notice suspension wear sooner due to uneven road conditions.
Cracks or chips in the windscreen can cause an MOT failure if they obstruct the driver’s view.
A crack within the driver’s line of sight larger than 10mm will usually result in a fail.
Typical repair cost
Cars must meet emissions standards during the MOT test.
If the exhaust system is damaged or the vehicle produces too many emissions, it may fail.
Typical repair cost
Loose steering components or worn parts can cause an MOT failure.
Steering issues are taken seriously because they directly affect vehicle control.
Typical repairs can cost between £150 and £400+ depending on the exact issue.
It might sound surprising, but incorrect or damaged number plates can cause a failure.
Plates must be:
Typical repair cost
Drivers across Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill can reduce the chance of failing an MOT by doing a few quick checks before the test.
Simple things like checking tyre tread, lights and windscreen damage can help you catch problems early.
Regular servicing can also help identify issues with brakes, suspension or steering before they become serious.
If your car does fail its MOT, the next step is finding a reliable local garage to carry out the repairs.
With Compare Repair, drivers in Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Battle and Rye can compare MOT garages, check prices and choose the best option for their repair.
Comparing local garages helps ensure you get a fair price and trusted service before booking.
How much does an MOT cost in Hastings?
The maximum price for a standard car MOT in the UK is £54.85, although many garages offer tests for £25–£45.
How long does an MOT test take?
Most MOT tests take 45–60 minutes, depending on the garage and how busy they are.
Can I drive my car after an MOT failure?
You can only drive your car if your previous MOT certificate is still valid and the vehicle does not have any dangerous faults.
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