The road safety experts etyres have warned motorists thinking about buying a used car that they could risk a £1,000 fine if they do not make a necessary check.
With the average price of a used car continuing to fall, many drivers may be tempted to act quickly when they find a bargain for sale.
However, Richard Croft, Operations Director at etyres, urged drivers to make a number of checks on any model they are considering buying to avoid the risk of spending thousands more in the long run.
He advised: “When considering buying a used car, it’s essential to undertake thorough checks. Begin by verifying the MOT status through the gov.uk MOT history service to prevent a potential £1,000 fine.
“Don’t forget to find out the tyre condition of a vehicle before agreeing on the sale to avoid having to unexpectedly pay out on average £400 for a new set of mid-range tyres. Pay close attention to tyre tread, pressure and examine the general tyre condition, including signs of wear, bulges, or punctures.”
In particular, etyres suggested that all motorists should check that the car they are interested in has a valid MOT.
Many of the cheapest cars on the used car market do not have a current MOT, meaning that unaware drivers could face a £1,000 fine if they take it out on the road.
A number of sites, including the DVLA’s webpage, have free MOT checking services that not only state how long the current status is valid for but can show any previous failures and advisories, which could help raise awareness of any hidden issues the model may have.
In addition, the company warned that drivers should also pay attention to the tyres fitted to the vehicle, which could cost hundreds more to put right.
Tyre tread depths should be no less than 1.6mm in order to effectively sweep away dirt and water to prevent the vehicle from skidding off the road.
Again, driving a car with worn out tyres comes with serious consequences, with motorists facing a maximum penalty of £10,000 and a driving ban if the whole set is considered unroadworthy.
Finally, etyres recommended that drivers always ask to see the service history of the vehicle, which can indicate if the seller has taken care of it during their time behind the wheel.
According to a study published by the company, a staggering 70 percent of used cars do not have details on how it was maintained.
Used cars are typically worth 20 percent less without a full-service history, with etyres recommending that drivers thinking about buying a model without this information should ask for a lower price.
