5 ways your windscreen could cause an MOT failure
Monday 30th December 2024
Is your vehicle’s MOT coming up soon? You may wonder about the best ways to prepare for your MOT test. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what motoring components to check to prevent an MOT fail. For example, check that you have a clear view through your windscreen and remove air fresheners or any other objects that may cause it to fail.
There are many reasons why your windscreen may lead to an MOT failure. Discover what to watch out for and ways to prevent an MOT windscreen failure with this guide.
1. Visibility
Visibility is an important component that is checked during an MOT test. The examiner will test this by sitting in the driver’s seat and checking the field of vision through the windscreen and front side windows. If your visibility is significantly affected, this will cause you to fail your MOT.
The list below highlights examples of where visibility could be obstructed but these examples would only be classed as a defect if they cause the driver's view to be seriously restricted:
- Car air fresheners
- Misplaced sat-navs
- Stickers (parking permits or disability parking permits)
- Taxi signs to indicate if a vehicle is ‘for hire’
- The sun visor on the driver’s side that cannot be stowed in the ‘off-screen’ position
- Window wipers that stop in a position that obscures your view
2. The condition of the windscreen (e.g. chips or cracks)
Have you ever wondered if a cracked windscreen would cause your car to fail an MOT? The answer is ‘It depends’. If the crack or chip on your windscreen affects your visibility, such as being in the driver’s line of vision, this will result in your vehicle failing the MOT test.
This can also depend on how large the crack or chip is, which can affect the overall MOT result. However, to determine whether your windscreen crack will cause your car to fail its MOT, the windscreen is split up into different zones:
- Zone A: This refers to the section of your windscreen directly in the driver’s line of vision. If there are any chips or cracks in this zone measuring over 10mm in diameter, it can result in an MOT failure.
- Zone B: This refers to the rest of the windscreen. A crack or chip in this area is less likely to result in an MOT failure. However, cracks measuring over 40mm in diameter will cause your car to fail its MOT. A chip or crack that is less than 40mm won’t fail your MOT, but it will be noted by the tester.
3. Windscreen wipers
As windscreen wipers are essential for keeping your windscreen clean, they should be carefully examined to make sure they are in good working order.
As worn or damaged wipers would affect visibility, these should be replaced before an MOT. If windscreen wipers are not working or are missing or are not clearing the window effectively, these faults would count as a combination of minor and major defects.
Ensure that your wipers are in the best possible condition with our guides, covering when to replace windscreen wipers or how to change wiper blades.
4. Rear-view
The rear view also has a part to play with the MOT test success rate. Mandatory rear-view mirrors or indirect vision devices must provide an adequate view of the rear from the driver’s seat. If a mirror or device is missing, damaged, loose, inoperative or not providing an adequate view to the rear, it can result in either a minor or major defect.
5. Windscreen washers and wiper fluid
Lastly, the amount of wiper fluid you have can also affect whether your car passes or fails its MOT. The washers must provide enough fluid for the wipers to effectively clear the windscreen. If your washers are not working or providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, it can result in a major defect, causing you to fail your MOT test.
With our tips, you can prevent your car from failing its MOT. Has your vehicle failed its MOT? Learn more about what happens if your car fails its MOT in our guide. Ensure your vehicle is road-legal by booking your next car service or MOT at your local Formula One Autocentres garage today.
