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MOT Consumable Checklist
| Item | MOT Tested? | Common Failures | Fix Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiper Blades | Yes | Streaking, torn rubber, not clearing | £15–25 |
| All External Bulbs | Yes | Blown bulbs, wrong colour | £3–25 per bulb |
| Headlight Aim | Yes | Misaligned after bulb change | £20–30 at garage |
| Battery (indirect) | Partial | Loose terminals, corroded connections | £5 (terminal cleaning) |
| Exhaust Emissions | Yes | Worn spark plugs, wrong oil, DPF issues | Varies |
Pre-MOT Walkaround
A week before your MOT, do this 10-minute check:
- Turn on every light and walk around the car — headlights, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, reverse, fog, number plate.
- Test wipers on both speeds plus the washer.
- Check screenwash is topped up.
- Look at wiper blade rubber for tears or cracks.
- If your car is diesel, take it for a 20-minute motorway run to regenerate the DPF before the emissions test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common MOT failure?
Lighting and signalling defects are the single most common MOT failure category. A £3 bulb can save you a retest.
Can I fail the MOT for wrong engine oil?
Not directly, but the wrong oil can cause high emissions (especially with DPF-equipped diesels), which will fail the emissions test.
Should I get a pre-MOT check?
If you’re not confident checking lights and wipers yourself, many garages offer a free or cheap pre-MOT visual inspection.
For what the rest of the year costs — servicing, consumables and the wear items — see UK car maintenance costs.
If your car has a towbar, that is an MOT item too — including the vehicle structure within 30cm of its mounting points. See towbar compatibility and towing limits.
Recommended Products
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →