Common MOT Failures in the Vauxhall Antara

Let's face it, the MOT can be a scary thing for many car owners, even for those who own newer models. Many think of the MOT as a test they can't hope to pass. Even if they've taken their car to the mechanic and attempted to make an effort to ensure regular maintenance has been kept up on, they believe the MOT is designed for them to fail.

It really isn't. The MOT is designed to keep you safe. It was created to ensure your car is in the best condition for the road so you can feel confident and secure behind the wheel. It was also designed to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our planet a safe and beautiful place.

The truth is, many MOT failures don't stem from 'hidden' or 'invisible' problems you might not be able to find yourself or even with the help of a professional. Most problems and most failures can be avoided. If you own a Vauxhall Antara, past MOT research has shown this to be true in almost every case.

Common Reasons the Vauxhall Antara Fails the MOT

MOTangel.co.uk has compiled real statistic on real Vauxhall national MOT data, as well as Pass Guarantee claims to help show you why Vauxhall Antaras have failed their MOTs in the past and how you can prevent yours from failing in the future. According to their data, 46.58% of Antaras have failed the MOT. These are the five most common reasons behind those failures.

Light Signal Fails: 17.3%

It doesn't take a car expert to understand that lights are one of the most important safety car parts on your vehicle. They help you see in the dark and in fog, help others see you, and assist other motorists in understanding your actions before you turn, stop, or change lanes. They may not be responsible for ensuring your Vauxhall is working properly, but they play a major role in keeping everyone safe on the road.

According to the research, they are also the biggest reason for MOT failures in the Vauxhall Antara. Don't take a chance with your car. This is a simple fix that can be determined quickly before you MOT exam. Test your brakes, indicator lights, and headlamps before driving to the testing centre. Make sure you have a few spare bulbs on hand, just in case one of your lights is out. This can help you avoid paying for a re-test and get you through the testing process much more quickly.

Suspension Issues: 17.05%

Some suspension issues aren't as visible or noticeable as others, so you may arrive at the MOT centre and be completely surprised to find your car doesn't pass the exam. That doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare for the test altogether, however. To check your suspension, visit your local mechanic or take a few steps on your own, such as:

• Evaluate all suspension car parts. Look for split pins, missing nuts, or broken components. Check to make sure these Vauxhall parts aren't worn down so much that they need to be replaced.

• Take a look at your shock absorbers. Are they leaking? Are they secure? Car parts that are loose or leaking fluid will need to be replaced or repaired before your MOT.

• Listen carefully and pay attention to what your car is trying to tell you when you're driving. It can be easy to get caught up when your favourite song is playing or when your passenger is talking to you, but stop to listen every once in a while. Clunking noises or squeaks can indicate problems with your suspension, especially if they occur when you're driving over a bump or turning the steering wheel.

Brake Failures: 12.65%

It goes without saying that brakes are essential car parts, not only to efficiency in driving, but also to your safety. During the MOT exam, the inspector will look at the physical brake components to ensure they are in-tact, aren't leaking, and are not broken. The inspector will also check the brake pedal to see if there is any free play.

To ensure you pass this part of the exam, you'll need to take care of these Vauxhall parts yourself- on a regular basis. Because brakes are so important, they should be examined often when you're doing other routine maintenance tasks. Check for leaks, broken car parts, and worn pads. All of these could hurt your chances of passing the MOT and make driving your Antara unsafe.

Fuel and Emissions Failure: 8.36%

Having your Vauxhall thoroughly inspected by a mechanic prior to taking the MOT is a good idea, and not just because it will help you avoid having to pay for a retest. Some problems, like fuel mileage issues and higher emission rates can be caused by a number of car parts and sensors. Finding the ones behind these issues requires the right tools and know-how.

Once you are able to determine what Vauxhall parts are causing high emissions and low fuel mileage, you can fix it before taking the MOT. This gives you a much better chance of passing the inspection.

View of the Road Failure: 3.93%

If there is anything preventing you from seeing what is in front of you on the road, it puts your life, and the life of others, at risk. The inspector isn't going to take any chances with your life, so why should you?

Before the MOT, take a look at the condition of your windscreen and windscreen wipers. They should be intact and operational. If the windscreen is cracked and obstructing your view, replace it. If the windscreen wipers are torn or aren't able to remove rain and dirt from your windscreen easily, replace them. You should also check your windscreen washer fluid reservoir to ensure it is full and able to deliver fluid to the windscreen properly.

Want to pass your MOT with your Vauxhall Antara? Understand what Vauxhall parts are most likely to fail and fix them before your test.