Ashton's Garage

Ashton's Garage

Car advice from the workshop

Straightforward guidance on MOTs, servicing, warning lights, repairs and looking after your car.

Mechanic explaining a major MOT defect report to a motorist in an independent UK garage
MOT

What Does a Major MOT Defect Mean?

A major MOT defect means the vehicle has failed because the tester found a problem that could affect safety, the environment or compliance. Here is what the result means and what to do next.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic explaining a dangerous MOT defect result to a motorist in an independent UK garage
MOT

What Does a Dangerous MOT Defect Mean?

A dangerous MOT defect means the vehicle has failed because the issue poses a direct and immediate road-safety risk or affects the environment. Here’s what to do next.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic checking a car’s rear number plate light before an MOT
MOT

Do Number Plate Lights Matter for an MOT?

A failed number plate light can affect your MOT result. Find out what the light does, what you can check safely and when a garage should investigate the fault.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic inspecting a noisy car exhaust in an independent UK garage
MOT

Will a Noisy Exhaust Fail an MOT?

A noisy exhaust can lead to an MOT failure, but the outcome depends on why it is noisy and whether the exhaust is secure, leaking or affecting emissions. Here is what to check before your test.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic inspecting a cracked windscreen on a UK-market car in an independent garage
MOT

Does a Cracked Windscreen Fail an MOT?

A cracked windscreen does not automatically mean an MOT failure. The result depends on the crack’s size, position and effect on the driver’s view, as well as whether other windscreen defects are present.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic inspecting front brake pads on a car in an independent UK garage
MOT

Can Brake Pads Cause an MOT Failure?

Yes, worn, damaged or contaminated brake pads can contribute to an MOT failure. Find out what testers look for, what an advisory means and when your brakes need professional attention.

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Mechanic inspecting the tread and sidewall of a worn car tyre during an MOT check
MOT

Can Worn Tyres Fail an MOT?

Worn, damaged or incorrectly fitted tyres can lead to an MOT failure. Learn what the tester checks, what an advisory means and when your car should be inspected before driving.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic checking a dashboard warning light before an MOT in an independent UK garage
MOT

Do Warning Lights Cause an MOT Failure?

A dashboard warning light does not automatically mean an MOT failure. Find out which warning lights may be checked during the MOT, what an illuminated light could mean and when professional advice is sensible.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic carrying out a pre-MOT check on a family car in an independent UK garage
MOT

Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT

Find out why cars commonly fail their MOT, what you can check safely beforehand and when a garage should investigate the problem.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic checking MOT appointment details and vehicle paperwork in an independent UK garage
MOT

What Documents Do You Need for an MOT?

Find out what paperwork is usually needed for an MOT, when a V5C or other evidence may matter, and what to check before taking your car to the test.

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Mechanic preparing a UK-market car for an MOT inspection in an independent garage
MOT

How Long Does an MOT Take?

Wondering how long an MOT takes? Here is what normally happens, why the timing can vary and how to plan your visit without unnecessary waiting.

Ashton's Garage
Mechanic carrying out an MOT inspection on a UK-market car in an independent garage
MOT

What Is Checked During an MOT?

An MOT checks key parts of your car against UK road safety and environmental standards. Here is what the tester looks at, and what the test does not cover.

Ashton's Garage