Mechanic explains most common cause of MOT failure that costs £1 to prevent

Faulty lights are a common failure during MOTs

A motor expert has urged all drivers to perform a specific check before taking their car for its MOT.

The annual inspection, which determines if a vehicle is roadworthy, often leaves drivers anxious as many cars fail due to the same issue. Iain Ferguson, a car and repair specialist at Glasgow Kelvin College, suggests that drivers should always take a few moments to ensure all of the vehicle's lights are functioning correctly.

He said: "Faulty lights are a common failure during MOTs. During lighter nights, drivers often fail to properly check their lights and just assume they are all working as they should. Checking your lights regularly, even during those summer months, can make all the difference when your MOT comes along. Replace any bulbs that are not working with the appropriate type."

Before the MOT test, drivers should individually switch on their vehicle's lights. This includes side lights, low and high beam headlights, indicators, rear lights brake lights and fog lights. For some rear lights, drivers may need assistance from someone else to press the brake pedal, reports the Express.

Drivers should also ensure that smaller lights, such as the high-mounted third brake light or repeater indicators, are fully operational. If any lights are broken, drivers can purchase replacement bulbs online or at most automotive accessory shops, with many bulbs priced at just under £1.

A car expert has warned drivers to check their suspension due to the increase in potholes and the impact they are having on cars. He advised: "Suspension faults have quickly moved into second spot for common test failure. This is due mostly to the condition of the road surfaces. With so many potholes, it puts a huge increased strain on suspension components."

He added: "You should periodically inspect your suspension system for signs of wear or damage, as well as uneven wear patterns on your tyres, which can indicate suspension issues."

Drivers should keep an eye out for several tell-tale warning signs, as there is no foolproof method to determine whether a car's suspension would cause it to fail its MOT. Tyre wear is one of the most typical indicators of a suspension issue, with one side having significantly less tread than the other.

Before the test, drivers should also take their car for a spin, listening for any unusual noises and seeing if the ride is harsher or bouncier than usual.