Official UK Specialist Distributor | Lifetime Guarantee on all Fuel Caps
Will my vehicle fail an MOT with a faulty fuel cap?
Yes, a faulty or missing fuel cap can cause an MOT failure in the UK if it doesn’t seal properly, isn’t secure, or allows fuel vapour to escape.
MOT testers we’ve spoken to will check that the fuel system is sealed, leak-free, and securely fastened. A missing fuel cap, damaged seal, or cap that doesn’t tighten correctly can result in a Fail or at best, a Pass & Advise. Full MOT guidelines can be found on the official UK Government website.
Reasons for an MOT Failure
Fuel Cap Not Securing: The cap must tighten fully and hold pressure in the fuel tank.
Damaged Fuel Cap Seal: A worn or cracked rubber O-ring prevents the cap from sealing correctly.
Fuel Leaks: Any visible fuel leak from the filler cap area or fuel system will fail the MOT.
Missing Fuel Cap: This will result in an MOT failure due to the risk of spillage.
What to Check Before Your MOT Test
Check the Fuel Cap Seal: Look for cracks, flattening, or deterioration in the rubber seal.
Check for Fuel Smells or Leaks: Strong fuel odours can indicate vapour escape.
Test the Locking Mechanism: Ensure the fuel cap locks if required for your vehicle.
Quick Fix Solutions to keep you on the Road
Replace the Fuel Cap: A new, correctly fitting fuel cap is inexpensive and often fixes the issue.
Avoid Temporary Solutions: Improvised caps increase the risk of an MOT failure and are potentially dangerous.
We offer replacement fuel caps with a lifetime guarantee
The Fuel Cap Company have helped thousands of drivers around the world replace their lost or damaged fuel caps. We pick, pack and dispatch orders within 24 hours. Whether you drive a petrol vehicle or a diesel vehicle we can help get you back on the road.
Manufactured in Italy to OEM standards, the fuel caps we supply come with a Lifetime Replacement guarantee. Want to know more, please get in touch.
What VOSA told us about Locking and Non-Locking fuel caps
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your email enquiry concerning a fuel cap. This requirement is only in place for vehicles that have locking fuel caps. If you don't have a locking fuel cap then provided it doesn’t fall under the following ’Reason for Rejections’ then it will pass the MOT on this item:
a. Fuel tank cap does not fasten securely by a positive means, and such that pressure is not maintained on the sealing arrangement
b. fuel cap sealing washer torn, deteriorated or missing, or a mounting flange/sealing method defective such that the leakage of fuel is possible.
I hope this information has assisted you with your enquiry, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Kind Regards, VOSA Contact Centre
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Customer Reviews | Delivering fuel caps and filler necks to drivers and manufacturers in 58 countries.
The Fuel Cap Company experience was ...
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