Most Dangerous MOT Failures Caused By Brake And Tyre Issues

5 Apr 2023

According to recent data, brakes and tires are the leading causes of dangerous MOT failures. Although lamps, reflectors, and indicators are the most frequent reasons for vehicles failing their MOT tests, problems with brakes and tires are more likely to result in the most serious failures.

In the 12 months leading up to March 2022, failures for non-working headlights, indicators, and reflectors accounted for 25.5% of all MOT failures, while faulty or broken suspensions represented 19.4% of all failures. However, brakes and tires were responsible for 17% and 12% of MOT failures, respectively, and represented 88% of all failures where the examiner stated that the vehicle could not be driven until the defect was repaired.

The proportion of tire failures has slightly increased from 10% in 2018-19 to 12% in 2021-22. All cars require MOTs three years after their initial registration and annually thereafter, with the cost of a car MOT test (class 4 vehicle) up to £54.80. Drivers who neglect routine maintenance may end up paying much more later for repairs, falling into a false economy trap. 

Routine checks on brakes and tires are critical to ensuring vehicle safety, as these components are responsible for the majority of dangerous MOT failures.

There are several benefits to buying used car parts over new ones, when taking on repairs to pass an MOT inspetion, these include:

1. Cost Savings: Used car parts are often significantly cheaper than new ones. This can be especially beneficial for older or rare vehicles where new parts may be hard to find or more expensive.

2. Environmentally Friendly: By buying used car parts, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste generated from the manufacturing and disposal of new parts.

3. Availability: Sometimes, new car parts may not be immediately available, especially for older or less common models. Used parts may be more readily available and can help get your vehicle back on the road faster.

4. Quality Assurance: While it's important to inspect used parts carefully before purchasing, many reputable salvage yards and auto parts stores offer warranties or return policies to ensure customer satisfaction.

You can search over 50,000 of our used and new car parts our 'used car parts page' here.