MOT failures increase as cash-strapped motorists cut back on new tyres and repair costs
By Denna Bowman
More cars are failing their annual MOT test because cash-strapped car owners are cutting back on new tyres and repair costs in a bid to save money.
MOT failure rates rose to a record 37 per cent for cars and small vans last year, with most vehicles failing on simple elements such as tyres, lights, brakes and suspension, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation.
The faults relate to parts which all need replacing periodically regardless of the reliability of the vehicle.
The Retail Motor Industry Federation pointed out how the recession has impacted on the road worthiness of our nation’s cars, and also said it shows just how important the annual MOT test is.
John Ball, chairman of RMI MOT, said: “People are running to a strict budget and getting pressures everywhere with the price of fuel rising as it has, you are having to absorb that extra cost.
“It adds to the cost of running the car, you think where can you make economies, so drivers may ignore rattles when they shouldn’t.
“Given it is a small cost, relative to the expense of running an average car, the MOT remains a real bargain, saving countless lives and injuries,” he said.
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
