Why cars fail the MOT on brakes (and what to check beforehand)

By RPM Autocare, Newton Abbot · Published 26 October 2026

Few things are more annoying than failing an MOT on something you could have dealt with earlier. Brakes are one of the areas where it happens most. This guide explains what the test looks at, the faults that typically cause a failure and what you can check yourself in advance. It is general guidance about the MOT, not a guarantee of a pass.

A quick note on how we handle MOTs: RPM Autocare does not carry out the MOT test itself. The test is done at a test station, and we can arrange one for you alongside a service if you ask. Where we come in is the work: checking brakes beforehand, or fixing what an MOT flags.

What does the MOT check on brakes?

The tester looks at the braking system as a whole, not just the pads. In broad terms they check:

• Brake performance. How well the car stops, typically measured on a roller brake tester, and whether braking is balanced between the wheels.
• Condition of components. Pads, discs, calipers, brake hoses and pipes, and whether anything is excessively worn, damaged, leaking or corroded.
• Brake fluid. Level and any leaks.
• The parking brake (handbrake). Whether it holds the car effectively and operates properly.
• The pedal and controls. Their condition and travel.
• Warning lights. Such as the brake or ABS lights.

Common reasons brakes fail

Worn pads and discs. Friction material that has worn too far, or discs worn below their minimum thickness, scored or badly corroded. Pads wear gradually, so it is easy not to notice until they are noisy.

Uneven braking. If one side brakes noticeably harder than the other, the car can fail on balance. Typical causes include a seized or sticking caliper, a collapsed hose or contaminated pads.

Seized or sticking calipers. A caliper that does not release properly can overheat the brake, wear pads unevenly and pull the car to one side.

Corroded brake pipes or damaged hoses. Steel pipes can corrode, particularly on older cars and those that have lived through wet, salty winters. Rubber hoses can perish, swell or crack. Leaking fluid is a fail.

Weak handbrake. A parking brake that is stretched, corroded or poorly adjusted may not hold the car properly.

Warning lights. A brake or ABS warning light that stays on is likely to be flagged and should be investigated rather than ignored.

Signs your brakes may need attention before the MOT

• Squealing or grinding when you brake.
• The car pulls to one side under braking.
• Vibration through the pedal or steering wheel.
• A soft or long pedal.
• A brake warning light on the dash.
• A handbrake that needs to be pulled up much further than it used to.

If you notice any of these, do not leave it for the test. Worn pads soon start damaging the discs, and that makes the job dearer. A brake problem is also a safety matter: have it checked promptly.

Simple checks you can do yourself

None of these replace a proper inspection, but they take a few minutes:

1. Brake fluid level. Look at the reservoir under the bonnet; it should sit between the minimum and maximum marks. If it is low, there may be a leak or very worn pads, so get it checked rather than just topping it up.
2. Warning lights. Switch on the ignition and check the brake and ABS lights come on, then go out after starting.
3. Handbrake. Does it hold the car on a slope without needing to be pulled up to the top of its travel?
4. Listen and feel. On a quiet road, brake gently and see whether the car pulls, vibrates or makes noise.
5. Look at the wheels. Heavy brake dust is normal, but fluid marks around a wheel or hose are not.

While you are at it, a quick look at lights, tyres, wipers and the washer bottle is worth it, since these cause plenty of avoidable MOT fails too.

What to do if your car fails on brakes

First, do not panic. The test station will give you a list of the defects. Brake failures flagged as dangerous mean the car should not be driven, so ask the test station how to proceed. Check the retest rules with the test station, as they depend on how and when the repair is done.

We can carry out the repair. At RPM Autocare in Newton Abbot, Russ checks and replaces brake pads and discs on all makes using OE matching quality Pagid parts. We check pad and disc wear and look at the calipers, hoses and fluid, then tell you what needs replacing. If the pads are fine, we will say so, and you get a price before any parts are ordered. All work is carried out with warranty on parts and labour.

If rust has been flagged on the underside as well, our welding page explains how Mark can help, so mechanical and body repairs can be done under one roof.

Beating the rush

The cheapest MOT failure is the one you avoid. If your car is due a test, book a service or a brake check before the test date, and ask us to arrange the MOT alongside it if that suits you. See our brakes page for more, and our guide on how often to service your car.

You can book in or contact us whether you are in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Teignmouth or Torbay, and we will tell you honestly what the brakes need.

Related services: Brakes · Repairs · Servicing · Diagnostics