Experts have warned that failing to train your dog for car journeys could mean that your vehicle could fail its MOT.
Many people are dedicated to house-training their pets, but forget that it's also vital to make sure they are trained for car journeys as well.
Hull Live reports that dogs chewing the seatbelts and soiling the upholstery are just a few of the ways that your pet could make your car fail its annual MOT, and leaving you with an expensive bill to pay.
However, car and van leasing experts at Select Car Leasing have shared how you can protect your vehicle from your pets and avoid any pricey repair bills.
Graham Conway, managing director of Select Car Leasing, said: "Many people train their dogs in the home but neglect to prepare them for car journeys. Being in a vehicle is a new experience for a lot of pets and can cause anxiety, which can result in upholstery being scratched, seatbelts being chewed and floors being soiled.
"Not only can damage to the interior cost owners in repair bills, it can also make cars hazardous and therefore fail an MOT."
Graham recommends keeping your dog secure during car journey so they don't distract you whilst driving, or injure themselves or other passengers.
He added: "Securing your dog also helps them stay in one spot and not get their paws or mouths on anything they shouldn’t.
"You might also consider giving your pet one of their toys or treats to chew on, in case they do start to get restless. Many dogs chew on upholstery or seatbelts if there are no other options there. Damage to the upholstery can be pricey to fix, but damage to seat belts can put lives at risk.
"Even if the damage seems minor, it can be detrimental to the seatbelt’s function. And even if it’s a seatbelt you don’t use, having a faulty seatbelt can result in your car failing its MOT, which can harm your wallet and take time to get it fixed."
MOT centres may also refuse to carry out checks on your car if it's not clean - so it's important to make sure any pet fur or belongings are removed before dropping your car off.
Select Car Leasing also recommends that you take regular breaks whilst on a long car journey with your pet, and take them out on a couple of shorter journeys first so that they can get used to it.
Graham continued: "This can make sure your pet has plenty of opportunity to go to the toilet, rather than being tempted to soil themselves in the car and ruin your car’s surfaces."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
Amazon Prime customers warned to act quickly before membership price rises
Drivers warned to remove item from car before taking it for MOT
Angry tourist reviews label Scotland's best attractions as 'one star' and 'disappointing'
