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The latest research, analysed and compiled by the RAC, with the help of the DV essay, has revealed that the most responsible components for car accidents are brakes and tires.
These components in a vehicle are thought to be the most common cause of serious failure, but the most frequent reason that vehicles fail their MOT is something different.
The most common failures for MOT tests are understood to be indicators, lamps, and reflectors, thanks to new data. The data shows that 25.5% of all MOT failures in the year leading up to March 2022 were because of non-working indicators, headlights, and reflectors. In contrast, damaged or broken suspension represented 19.4% of all failings, problems with tires represented 12%, and problems with breaks represented 17%. The top five list of issues was rounded out by bad visibility, which accounted for 8.7%. It’s estimated that this was mostly due to things like cracked windscreens.
Understanding the Issue of MOT Failures
Roughly 1/3 of all MOT tests result in a fail. However, a more worrying statistic is that every one test in 10 will be because of a dangerous problem.
Broadly speaking, the biggest causes for MOT failures have remained consistent over the years, but tire problems have arisen proportionately through the years. Every car requires an MOT three years after its first registration and every year after that. The cost for an MOT test begins at just over £50 and increases depending on the vehicle.
Nicholas Lyes is the RAC Head of Roads Policy and had this to say on the subject:
“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. 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 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, to get checked at a trusted garage as soon as possible”.
It’s understood that the government has been considering making the MOT process a two-year requirement instead of one, but 55% of drivers felt this was not a sensible idea. Consequently, it is uncertain if the plans will go ahead or not, which means that people may still have to commit to an MOT each year.
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