Can Bad Wheel Alignment Cause an MOT Failure?

Many car owners only think about the things that are visible when they book a motor vehicle for its annual MOT test, such as tyres, exhaust, lights and brakes. However, wheel alignment is one thing that is often ignored. Poor wheel alignment can be a source of direct or indirect failure at a test, and often, people are surprised to learn that this could cause an MOT failure. This blog will highlight what wheel alignment is, its importance to the vehicle, and why it is important to keep it in check when the MOT test is due.

Steering and Handling Problems

The way a vehicle steers on the road depends onwheel alignment Aberdeen. When the alignment is poor, the vehicle may pull to one side, making it more difficult to keep the vehicle straight. The steering system is inspected during the MOT test to make sure that the vehicle is safe and controllable.

If the car pulls strongly to one side or shows signs of imbalance, it can fail on steering or handling grounds. The tester may not directly connect the issue to wheel alignment, but the impact is definitely a possible cause of failure.

What Is Wheel Alignment?

Wheel alignment is about how a car's tyres are oriented in relation to the pavement. If the wheels are properly aligned, they all point in the right direction, and they all work well. Even a small alignment problem can impact handling, tyre lifespan and the safety of the driving experience.

The most common causes of misaligned wheels include driving over a deep pothole, hitting a kerb or simply normal wear and tear over time. It's not always apparent when the alignment has gone wrong, which is why many drivers only discover the issue when a professional inspection is done.

Does Wheel Alignment Directly Cause an MOT Failure?

This is the tricky part. Wheel alignment is not checked as part of the MOT test. An MOT tester will NOT take the car onto an alignment machine and then check the exact angle of each wheel. So, for that reason, poor wheel alignment will not directly cause a failure.

However, this is the crucial part: bad wheel alignment leads to other issues, which are tested during the MOT test. These secondary issues can definitely fail.

How Wheel Alignment Affects MOT Test Results?Misalignment results in several issues, such as:Uneven Tyre Wear

Bad wheel alignment is one of the most frequent issues, and it is usually indicated by uneven tyre wear. The tyres will be rubbing against the road at an awkward angle when the wheels aren't positioned properly. This causes wear on one side of the tyre more than the other side over time.

All four tyres are thoroughly checked as part of the MOT test. Uneven tyre wear can lead to a failure if it is lower than the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm in the middle third of the tyre. Most tyre-related MOT failures are due to uneven wear from bad wheel alignment.

Suspension Wear

If wheels are misaligned, they place additional stress on suspension parts. This can lead to wear and tear of various components, including ball joints, tie rods, and bushings, over time. The suspension system is carefully checked during the MOT test, and any worn or damaged suspension components are a frequent cause of failure.

If the vehicle has been badly aligned, these components may be wearing out at a higher rate than normal, and this may be part of the reason why the vehicle is failing.

Signs That Wheel Alignment May Be Off

Being aware of the warning signs can make it easier for car owners to get the problem resolved before the MOT test is due. The following are some of the most frequent symptoms:

The car wobbles from side to side when driving on a straight, flat road.
The steering wheel is not centred when driving straight ahead.
The tyres wear out unevenly or very quickly on one side.
A vibrating steering wheel, especially at high speeds.
Tyres squeal while driving, especially on slippery roads.

However, if any of these symptoms are present, it is advisable to have the alignment checked as early as possible, and definitely before the MOT test is due by a professional.

Getting Wheel Alignment Checked Before Your MOT Test

It's a good idea and a low-cost safety step to get a wheel alignment before the MOT test Aberdeen. This is a service which most garages or tyre centres provide, and it takes very little time. If the alignment is found to be incorrect, it's typically a simple job that doesn't require a lot of expense.

Fixing alignment issues in advance helps the car to pass the MOT test the first time. It can also help avoid any additional damage to tyres and suspension that could be significantly more costly if left untreated. The MOT test checks whether the car is safe to drive, so this is important to remember. The tester will consider any problem caused by misaligned wheels that makes the car unsafe or more difficult to handle.

How Often Should Wheel Alignment Be Checked?

The majority of manufacturers suggest having wheel alignment checked at least once a year, or when new tyres are installed. Motorists should also have it checked if they have hit a big pothole, a curb or have been in any kind of minor crash, even if it's only been bumped at a low speed.

Regular checks mean that minor issues can be identified early on and before they cause damage, which may result in MOT failure or a costly repair bill.

Conclusion

Although wheel alignment is not checked as part of the MOT test, its impact is definitely checked. MOT testers look for uneven tyre wear, steering issues and extra suspension wear, all of which bad wheel alignment can cause and exacerbate.

The best thing for a car owner is to make wheel alignment a part of their routine car maintenance. It may sound obvious, but having it checked before the MOT test is due can be a huge help in avoiding failure. It is one of those little things that motorists don't think about, but that can make a huge difference in road safety and vehicle performance.