A top motoring expert has revealed the one simple check motorists may miss which could lead to a major MOT failure this autumn. Previous data has shown October to be one of the most popular months for MOT tests all year, making the next couple of weeks crucial for road users.
MOT test certificates are legal requirements, with motorists required to have a check to stay legally on the roads. Road users are likely to be aware that important safety features such as tyres, brakes, and lighting are checked during the test. But experts at Fixter have stressed that motorists could overlook topping up the washer fluid.
As expert at Fixter explained: “Winter driving puts extra strain on your windscreen wipers and washer system. Wiper blades are often pressed into heavier use during rain, snow and icy mornings, and in cold conditions, the rubber can become brittle, cracked or torn. Washer fluid is also prone to freezing if it hasn’t been topped up with the correct winter-grade solution.”
According to the RAC, issues affecting drivers’ vision of the road account for 7.2% of all MOT test failures. Though this can range from anything such as a faulty bonnet latch or restricted view of the road, the breakdown experts stress that windscreen washer fluid is also a cause for concern.
The expert at Fixter explained that road users could limit their risk ahead of an MOT test by making sure their washer fluid was properly topped-up.
They added: “Always keep your washer bottle topped up with screenwash rated to at least -10°C, or even -20°C in particularly cold regions.
“Lift wipers away from the screen overnight or use a windscreen cover to stop them sticking to the glass, which can damage the motor. If wipers are leaving streaks, replace them before they become a hazard.”
Motorists desperate to secure an MOT pass at their annual check can take advantage of pre-MOT exams to sniff out possible issues. For a small fee, mechanics will go over the vehicle with a fine-tooth comb and pick out possible reasons why cars can fail ahead of an exam. This is particularly important for those with high-value cars, with a series of MOT failures unlikely to look good when trying to sell vehicles later down the line.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “Vehicles can fail an MOT for more than 600 different reasons. Some of these might well be difficult for owners to spot ahead of time but what’s concerning is that drivers are taking cars for a test with such obvious defects as missing brakes.”