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Nearly a half of all faults found during MOT tests the previous year could have been avoided
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed that nearly a half of all faults found during MOT tests the previous year could have been avoided by owners undertaking some routine maintenance tasks.
The latest MOT testing data for Great Britain shows that 30% of all faults recorded during MOTs in 2014/15 related to lighting and signalling, while a further 10% related to tyres and 8.5% to the ‘driver’s view of the road’.
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38% failed the annual MOT test in the year 2014/15
Out of the 28m MOTs carried out on vehicles the previous year, 38% failed the annual test at the first time of asking. Nearly one in five of all cars (18.4%) taken for MOT had a problem with lighting and signalling, including simple problems such as blown bulbs that could have been remedied by the owner before going to the test centre. The other most common causes of failure were because of the suspension system (12%), brake problems (9.6%), faulty tyres (7.4%) and issues with the driver’s view of the road (6.6%).
In reaction to these figures, the DVSA is encouraging motorists to carry out regular, simple checks on their vehicles in order to escape MOT fails and save on retest costs.
DVSA chief executive, Paul Satoor, said: “You shouldn’t wait for your MOT to check if your car needs maintenance. All drivers have a responsibility to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained and safe to drive at all times.
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Check that the headlights and other lights all work
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Make sure that the windscreen wipers and washers work
“Carrying out simple checks on items such as lights and tyres will help motorists to stay safe and legal, as well as saving time and money when their vehicle is due its MOT.”
The DVSA is also offering some top tips to help your car pass its MOT, which include:
- Check that the headlights and other lights all work: give them a tap to check they are not loose or damaged – and check the colours are right and match.
- Make sure brakes run smoothly and that the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side.
- Check tyres are the same size, with no cuts or bulges, and that they all have at least 1.6mm of tread.
- Make sure that the windscreen wipers and washers work, and that the driver’s view of the road is clear of any stickers, toys or air fresheners.
- Daily Express