Half of all MOT faults could be avoided with simple checks

New figures show that nearly 50 per cent of all faults found on MOTs last year could have been avoided by routine maintenance such as replacing bulbs, windscreen wipers and tyres.

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; a further 10% related to tyres and 8.5% to ‘Driver’s view of the road’.

Out of the 28 million MOTs carried out last year, 38% resulted in an initial fail. Nearly one in five of all cars taken for MOT had a problem with lighting and signalling – including simple problems such as blown bulbs.

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The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging motorists to avoid MOT fails and save on retest costs by carrying out regular, simple checks on their vehicles.

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.

“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.”

Top tips to pass your MOT:

*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

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*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

DVSA has also published a series of short videos on YouTube showing how to carry out simple maintenance checks:

*Tyre checks

*Oil checks

*Fluid checks

*Brakes, lights, indicators and horn checks

The most common reasons for MOT failures in 2014/15 were:

*Lighting and signalling (18.4% of tests)

*Suspension (12.0% of tests)

*Brakes (9.6% of tests)

*Tyres (7.4% of tests)

*Driver’s view of the road (6.6% of tests)

The full MOT testing data for 2014/15 is available on GOV.UK

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