Motoring experts say the dangers of neglecting basic vehicle checks including tyres are the most common cause of failure in MOT tests
A tyre hack costing just 20p is often overlooked by motorists and could save them hundreds of pounds on their MOT.
Around one in five vehicles in the UK failed the essential test last year and researchers say 9.9 million out of 43.7 million tests were fails. Experts say the dangers of neglecting basic vehicle checks are the most common cause of failures. There are a multitude of reasons why your car may fail its test including brakes steering locks.
But one of the most obvious reasons is because of worn tyre threads which can be checked for just 20p. A motoring expert from BigWantsYourCar said: “The legal tread limit for tyres is 1.6mm, and using a 20p coin is an easy way to check if your tyres meet the requirement. “Simply insert the coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, it’s time to replace the tyres.”
This quick tip can help drivers avoid MOT failures due to tyre tread and save hundreds on unexpected repair costs. A spokesman for the motoring website was surprised to learn of some of the reasons, saying: “It’s shocking to see cars with such serious issues, like missing brakes or malfunctioning steering locks, still being driven to MOT centres. These faults are not only avoidable but potentially life-threatening. We always advise that regular maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle safe.”
In addition to tyres, MOT tests examine other crucial components such as lights, seatbelts and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards. Drivers’ vehicles fail if dangerous or major faults are found which can mean your job and income being affected. The motoring spokesman added: “Failing an MOT is more than just an inconvenience. These tests are vital in preventing accidents caused by mechanical issues. It’s alarming that some cars are coming in with 24 or more major faults.”
Statistics in the research uncovered bizarre reasons for failure such as having missing front brake discs or spare wheels at risk of detachment. Professionals in the industry say it is vital to keep up with vehicle maintenance or you could fail your MOT test and be sidelined while repairs are carried out. There is aalso the matter nofnthe car being dangerous to you, pedestrians or other broad users.
A spokesman said: “These kinds of problems highlight how important it is to stay proactive with vehicle maintenance. A regular check-up might seem like an expense, but it’s nothing compared to the potential dangers.” The Mirror reported earlier how UK drivers could save billions on tyres each year because of new European regulation.
The R117-04 rule could result in 400 million tyres being removed prematurely from UK roads and streets each year. New regulations are designed to encourage the use of “reliable tyres” until they reach the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm, making them “even more essential”. The test could lead to a reduction of a staggering 128 million units of tyres, resulting in a decrease in CO2 emissions of approximately 6.6 million tonnes.
