The RAC has claimed that the vast majority of ‘dangerous’ MOT failures are down to issues with tyres and brakes.
It was revealed by RAC’s study that problems with lights and reflectors cause mot failures, but faulty brakes or tyres are the cause of most serious failures.
Analysing Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) figures, the RAC’s analysis revealed 25 per cent of all MOT failures in the 12 months to March 22 were down to lights, indicators and reflectors. Making up just under a fifth (18.3 per cent) of failures was faulty or broken suspension.
However, designated ‘dangerous’, the most serious category of MOT failure was most commonly caused by brake or tyre defects.
Tyres or brakes related defects made up nine in every 10 ‘dangerous’ faults (88 per cent) recorded by MOT stations. The proportion of MOT failures caused by tyre defects has risen slightly, up from 10 per cent in 2018-19 to 12 per cent in 2021-22.
Causing 17 per cent of all MOT failures were brake problems, making them the third most common problem.
When defects are categorised as ‘dangerous’ it means that the car cannot be driven again until remedial work has been carried out. According to the RAC’s figures, almost one in 10 MOT tests (eight per cent) find at least one dangerous fault.
A third of initial MOT tests are failed for one reason or another, DVLA figures reveal.
Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, stated that although MOTs could be expensive for motorists, getting issues sorted as soon as they arise could prevent bigger bills in the future. He also said to reduce the chances of failing an MOT, routine servicing should be done.
“Many drivers dread taking their vehicle for its annual MOT for fear they could end up having to spend lots of money on repairs in order to get it to pass,” he said. “This is no doubt the case for an unlucky third of owners whose vehicles fail their MOTs initially.
“Drivers should never ignore dashboard warning lights as they could end up putting themselves or others at risk and costing themselves a lot of money with a bigger repair bill than necessary had they acted straightaway. Additionally, routine servicing helps reduce the chance of a vehicle failing its MOT as it includes a host of important basic checks.
“It’s also advisable to have someone check rear lights and indicators are working if the vehicle does not have modern dashboard warning lights. Keeping tyres properly inflated and having a smooth driving style will often help prolong the life of the rubber. And if something doesn’t sound or feel right, get it checked at a trusted garage as soon as possible.”
