Overview

• The analysis across HiQ autocare centres over six weeks found a 19% first-time MOT failure rate for vehicles aged up to five years.
• Failure rates rose with age to 31% for cars aged six to ten, 50% for those 11 to 15, and 53% for 16 to 20, while 21 to 24-year-old vehicles achieved a 53% first-time pass rate.
• HiQ retail director Craig Sprigmore said the results indicate complacency among drivers who assume newer vehicles remain roadworthy without routine checks.
• The most frequent MOT faults identified were worn tyres, faulty lamps, and wipers or washers not functioning correctly.
• Drivers who keep using a vehicle after an MOT failure risk fines up to £1,000, or up to £2,500 for dangerous faults, along with possible penalty points or bans, and HiQ is promoting free safety checks to help prevent failures.