In January 2019 over half a million cars had a late MOT with more than 70,000 failing with a dangerous fault, according to new figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
To help drivers stay safe on the road and avoid breakdowns, DVSA urges drivers to ensure their car has an up to date MOT and carry out the following simple road safety checks:
Tyres: prior to setting off on a long/significant journey, check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and the condition of your tyres, including the spare. Look out for cuts or wear and make sure the tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit.
Engine oil: use your dipstick to check oil regularly and before any long journey, and top up if needed. Take your car back to the garage if you’re topping up more than usual.
Water: to ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
Lights: if your indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights or brake lights are not functioning properly, you are putting yourself and your family at risk. In addition, light malfunctions can be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.
Fuel: before setting out, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination.
Highways England has also issued five basic safety tips to follow if your car does break down on a motorway:
- Get away from the traffic. Exit the motorway or get to an emergency area or hard shoulder and use the free phone provided.
- If that’s not possible, move left onto the verge.
- Get out of the left side of your car and behind the barrier if you can and it is safe to do so.
- Get help – contact your breakdown provider or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
- If you break down in moving traffic and cannot leave your car, keep your seatbelt and hazard lights on and call 999.
