Motorists are being urged to check their tyres and brakes more regularly as these faults were behind 2.1 million 'dangerous' MOT failures.
DVSA data analysed by the RAC found that a third of all initial MOT tests of cars, vans and small passenger vehicles - the equivalent to 7.3m vehicles - resulted in a fail in the 12 months leading up to March 2022. This meant millions of drivers had to fork out for remedial repair work.
Lamps, reflectors and indicators continue to be the most frequent reasons for failure, but it was the more serious problems with brakes and tyres which the motoring group is concerned about.
Here is a breakdown of all MOT failures in the 12 months leading up to March 2022:
- Non-working headlights, indicators and reflectors: 25.5 percent
- Faulty or broken suspensions: 19.4 Percent
- Problems with brakes 16.4 percent
- Problems with tyres 12 percent
- Bad visibility, cracks on windscreens: 8.7 percent
Nearly eight percent of tests - equivalent to 2.4m vehicles - worryingly result in a fail where at least one dangerous defect had been found.
In these most serious cases, where an examiner states a vehicle cannot be driven until that defect is repaired, brakes and tyres represent 88 percent of all such failures. This emphasises just how critical it is for drivers to carry out routine checks on these items.
Although the biggest causes of MOT failures have remained consistent over many years, the proportion of tyre failures has increased slightly from 10 percent in 2018-19 to 12 percent in 2021-22.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: "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 are working 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."
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