Simple checks and maintenance could help drivers avoid MOT failures

27 February 2017

Story from Road Safety GB.

Nearly 50% of all faults found on MOTs could be avoided by carrying out regular, simple checks and maintenance, new DVSA figures have revealed.

The DVSA stats show that in the year ending March 2016, nearly 20% of cars taken for their MOT had problems with lighting and signalling - including simple problems such as blown bulbs. Other reasons for MOT failure included suspension (13%), brakes (10%), tyres (7.7%) and issues affecting the driver’s view of the road (7.2%).

DfT stats published in September 2016 show that in 2015, car defects were a contributory factor in 1,131 collisions. More than 75% of these defects were either braking or tyre issues. The DVSA says the MOT is there to help keep vehicles safe to drive, and is urging drivers to carry out regular, simple checks on their vehicles to avoid MOT fails and the collisions that defects cause.

The checks the DVSA is advocating include:

• making sure that brakes work smoothly and that the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side
• that tyres are correctly inflated, have no cuts or bulges, and have at least 1.6mm of tread
• that headlights and other lights work

Gareth Llewellyn, DVSA chief executive, said, “Don’t wait until your MOT to find out if your car needs attention. Make sure your car is properly maintained and safe to drive at all times. “Carrying out regular checks on lights and tyres will help you to stay safe and legal, as well as saving you time and money when your car’s MOT is due.”