Every year, thousands of UK cars fail their MOT for avoidable reasons. At Gorse Motors in Thetford, we see the same issues time and time again -and many could have been fixed in minutes. Here are the top failure causes and what you can do to stay road-safe and MOT-ready.
1. Lighting and Signalling Faults
Headlights, brake lights, and indicators are among the most common MOT issues. Always do a walk-around light check before booking your test.
2. Tyres and Wheels
Bald or damaged tyres can fail instantly. Uneven wear often points to poor alignment or suspension issues, which we can check and fix before testing.
3. Brakes
Brakes account for around 10% of MOT failures. If you hear grinding, squealing, or feel vibration, book a pre-MOT brake inspection at Gorse Motors.
4. Suspension
Thetford’s uneven rural roads can be tough on suspension components. Any worn-out bushings, springs, or shocks can cause a fail. Regular servicing helps catch these early.
5. Windscreen & Wipers
A cracked windscreen or worn-out wipers make it hard to see and will likely fail. Replace them ahead of time for a quick win.
Expert Tip
A pre-MOT check can save you time, money, and hassle. We offer affordable pre-MOT inspections right here in Thetford.
👉 Book your MOT or pre-check with Gorse Motors today.

