A survey conducted by Auto Express has revealed that 15% of drivers are ignoring MOT advisories, indicating potential safety risks. Based on Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data, this translates to over 1.5 million vehicles on UK roads with unaddressed defects.
The survey of 500 drivers, using data from Auto Express’ MOT checker service, found that nearly one in three MOTs (29%) result in at least one advisory. The most common advisories relate to faulty lights and electrical equipment (25%), with 30% of these classified as ‘major’ defects. Suspension issues account for 20% of advisories, with 22% classified as ‘major’. Brake problems represent 16% of advisories, with 29% deemed ‘dangerous’.
Tyre-related advisories, while accounting for only 13% of all advisories, are a significant concern. 60% of tyre advisories are classified as ‘dangerous’, indicating potentially more than 116,000 cars driving with dangerously worn tyres.
Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, highlighted the dangers of ignoring tyre advisories, noting that the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm. He also emphasised that ignoring any advisory can lead to more significant and costly repairs, as well as potential MOT failures in the future.
The Auto Express survey, based on 34,714,326 MOTs across all vehicle classes for 2023-24, highlights the importance of addressing MOT advisories promptly to ensure road safety.
Source: Nottingham Post
