Expert reveals how ignoring key issue flagged in MOT could cost drivers thousands & what to do about it

The Sun

a day ago

DRIVERS are being warned not to ignore a key warning during MOT to avoid paying thousands later.
An expert has also warned they may face legal issues if it isn't tackled straight away.
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A motoring expert has warned that ignoring a braking advisory during an MOT could have dire financial consequences.
Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, Steve Walker, warned: "Ignoring MOT advisories on brakes is a serious risk that too many drivers take lightly."
"If left unchecked - as 15 per cent of drivers admit they do - these minor issues can quickly escalate into major, costly repairs.
"Worse still, if a fault causes an accident and it's found you ignored a brake advisory, you could face significant financial liabilities - and potentially legal consequences."
Problems with breaks are hardly uncommon, as they make up 16 per cent of all advisories during MOTs.
Worse still, 30 per cent of brake advisories are categorised as " dangerous."
Advisories in MOTs are early warnings of car faults.
make your car unsafe and unable to pass its MOT.
A survey by Auto Express found that the most common advisories were faulty electric equipment and lights - making up 25 per cent of such warnings.
" It's vital to address brake advisories promptly to keep yourself and others safe on the road," Walker added.
Moment lorry with no brakes smashes tiny family hatchback off bridge
Beyond just financial and legal problems, braking problems can leave you in the extremely dangerous situation of driving while at serious risk of brake failure.
If you find yourself driving without the use of your brakes, the first action to take is to put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you have a problem.
Then, Walker has explained that there are some actions you can take to help your car slow down.
He said: "You've got more options than you think – from engine braking to the handbrake – but the most important thing is not to panic and never make any sudden moves.
"If you're calm, deliberate and aware of your surroundings, you'll give yourself the best chance of getting the car safely stopped – and avoiding injury to yourself or others.
"Try repeatedly pumping the brake pedal with firm, rapid presses.
"This can help build pressure back up and may restore some braking function."
This comes after the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) began cracking down on fraudulent "ghost MOTs" earlier this year.
To avoid this, testers at MOT centres could soon be required to take pictures of the cars while they are being checked for the passed certificate.
The pictures should show the front or rear of a vehicle and the number plate must be clearly visible.
Testers would then be required to submit the pictures to the official MOT website.
In addition to this, classic cars could face MOT tests for the first time to remain on UK roads.
At the moment, vehicles above the age of 40 are not legally required to undergo the annual safety check.
This is provided that the motors have not been substantially modified from when they were new.
But more than two in five who responded to a Department for Transport (DfT) public consultation agreed that safety checks should be introduced for cars more than 40 years old.
The consultation, which had just over 1,000 respondents, asked whether MOTs or similar checks should be made mandatory for classic and historic cars.
Although no decision has been made, it is a sign the older vehicles could in future be subject to the checks.
Full MOT checklist
THIS is the one-stop checklist that will make sure you are prepared to pass your next MOT.
Tyres and wheels - Look out for damage to the sidewall of your tyres and make sure they're sufficiently inflated.
Use the 20p coin test to make sure your tyres have the right tread depth, which should be 1.6mm all the way around across the central three-quarters of the tread pattern.
The outer edge of a 20p coin will be completely obscured if the tread is deep enough.
Also, be careful space-saver spare tyres could catch you out in the test, so replace them with standard tyres of the right type and size that fit properly before the test.
Lights - Check all of the car's lights are working properly and are the right colour to pass an MOT test.
Have someone walk around the car and make sure they don't flicker when tapped which could mean they need tightening or replacing.
This includes headlamps, parking lights, reversing lights, indicators, registration plate bulbs and, on more recent vehicles, daytime running lights.
Wipers and windscreen - Replace wipers that smear because they are probably worn out and top up the washer bottle.
Check your headlight washers if you have any.
Make sure there are no chips or cracks longer than 1cm on your windscreen and remove any stickers that could obstruct your view.
Number plates - Registration plates legally have to be in good condition, tightly fastened to the car and easily read from 20 metres away, so checking these is a must if you want to pass your MOT test.
Doors - Fix any broken doors or ones that don't stay properly closed.
Front doors need to be openable from inside and out for safety reasons.
General condition - Make sure the exterior of your car is up to scratch.
Any sharp edges or pieces of metal sticking out could cause a danger to other road users and will definitely fail the MOT test.
Inside a car - Your dashboard will pop up with flashing warning lights if anything needs to be fixed under the bonnet like power-steering or brake-fluid warnings.
Make sure you have a fully functioning speedometer or you will fail the MOT test
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