AN MOT expert has revealed that drivers could save hundreds with vital checks.
Specialists at Macklin Motors explained how some often-ignored parts of your motor could fall foul of road laws or strict environmental standards.
GettyAn MOT expert has urged drivers to save themselves from MOT failures with some easy checks[/caption]
The team produced a list of the four most common reasons for MOT failures and urged car owners to keep an eye out for potential faults.
First of all, they strongly advised regularly checking your brakes to ensure they are in good working order.
Most problems usually stem from wear on the brake pads over time.
This can be checked pretty easily at home if you have a jack – or you can get it looked at professionally for a small fee.
Brake pad replacements are priced between £210 and £500 according to the RAC, but more serious damage caused by excessive wear could cost you even more.
Pads should be replaced between every 30,000 and 35,000 miles as a rule of thumb, but this can vary by make and model so check your owner’s manual.
They must be more than 1.5mm thick in order to pass an MOT, but this is the absolute minimum safe standard.
Similarly, Macklin’s experts recommended frequent tyre checks to make sure they conform to safety standards.
The condition, security, tread depth, size and type of your tyres will be checked during an MOT and any one of these could cause a failure.
The most common, though, is insufficient tread depth, which can severely reduce grip and stopping power, putting drivers at risk.
A minimum standard of 1.6mm is enforced, but most manufacturers recommend changing tyres between every 20,000 or 30,000 miles or when the tread reaches 3mm, whichever is sooner.
TREAD TEST
Tread depth can be roughly checked at home by inserting a 20p coin in the groove of the tyre.
If you can’t see the coin’s rim, it is likely that the tyre is within legal limits.
However, make sure to get your tyres checked and changed regularly, with standard changes costing between £45 and £70 per tyre.
Thirdly, drivers were advised to check that their lights are all functional and bright enough to be seen, without being dazzling.
Also spare a thought for the colour of your lights, which could land you in trouble with the law.
Bulb replacements can cost anywhere between £35 and £125 but are more than worth it compared to the fine you will receive for improper or broken lights.
Finally, it is essential to check your windscreen wipers, especially in terms of keeping a clear view while driving.
Worn down or split wiper blades can cause a failure, but only cost £5 for a single blade or £7.50 for two at Halfords.
All of these various repairs and replacements can be carried out for relatively low cost by local garages.
While it may be hard to find the cash amid the cost of living crisis, just remember that not making these regular checks could see you forced to splash out on repairs all at once in order to keep your car legal.
Keeping up with maintenance allows you to spread the cost year-round and save yourself from having to pay for the failed MOT, service costs and second test all at once.
Calum Thomson, Group Aftersales Director at Macklin’s parent company Vertu Motors, said: “To avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises, it’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the potential issues that could see their vehicle fail its MOT.
“We recommend regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year, which will help drivers keep a better eye on the condition of their car.
“This will not only increase the likelihood of passing your MOT but may also save you money in the long run by catching any potential issues before they become more expensive to fix.
“If you have any concerns about the health of your vehicle, or you’d like guidance on how to complete basic maintenance checks, it’s always a good idea to speak to an expert first.”
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