Latest news with #NickMullender
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I work for the RAC and Brit drivers always ignore these 10 warning signs'
An RAC expert revealed which MOT advisories could result in you car becoming 'unroadworthy in a matter of weeks' — so rather than leaving them until next year, you should get these issues sorted ASAP An RAC employee has revealed 10 of the most common MOT advisories, which could have costly consequences if ignored. New research by the automotive services specialists reveals that a whopping 44 per cent of UK motorists received one or more advisory notices during their most recent test. Common examples include tyres approaching the legal tread limit, brake pads that are nearly worn out, minor oil leaks, faulty lights and small patches of corrosion. Despite these clear warnings being flagged, a significant number of drivers are not taking necessary action. The RAC's survey found that almost four in 10 (39 per cent) drivers who receive advisories do not plan on getting all of them resolved before their next MOT. Even among those who didn't receive any advisories at their last test, 22 per cent admitted to ignoring them in the past. Advisory notices are not just bureaucratic paperwork — they are crucial indicators of potential safety issues. Ignoring them can have serious consequences. According to the RAC's study, one in six drivers who ignored an MOT advisory in the past year ended up experiencing a breakdown or crash directly related to the unresolved issue, which works out at 17 per cent. Described by the RAC as 'troubling advisory apathy among drivers', this puts motorists, passengers and other road users at risk. What is an MOT advisory? The annual MOT test, required for most vehicles from their third year, checks essential safety components such as lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes to ensure they meet legal standards. If a vehicle has 'dangerous' or 'major' defects, it fails the test and cannot be driven until repaired. However, minor issues are recorded as advisories, meaning they don't cause an immediate failure but should be addressed quickly to keep the car roadworthy. As RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender explains: "Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven. It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items. An MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic." Most common MOT advisories According to the RAC's survey of drivers between May 2024 and May 2025, the most frequently flagged advisories were: Tyres (e.g. tread, wear, quality): 42% Brakes (e.g. pads or discs): 34% Suspension: 22% Lights: 16% Corrosion: 14% Something else: 11% Exhaust system: 9% Steering: 8% Visibility (e.g. out of windscreen): 8% Other electrical system: 4% Bodywork damage: 2% Ignoring advisories isn't just a matter of paperwork — it can lead to real danger. In addition to the 17 per cent who suffered breakdowns or crashes, drivers risk fines up to £2,500, three penalty points and invalidating their insurance if they are caught driving a car with unresolved safety issues. Department for Transport figures show that in 2023, vehicle defects contributed to 39 deaths and 1,865 injuries on British roads — the highest casualty total since 2018. While some advisories, like low tyre tread, are easy to check and fix, others including suspension or brake wear require a professional mechanic. The RAC urges drivers not to ignore these warnings: 'By running the gauntlet and not acting on MOT advisories, drivers are at risk of knowingly getting behind the wheel of an unroadworthy vehicle. This is not only dangerous—it can also invalidate motor insurance cover.' According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) records for 2023-24, 34.7 million vehicles underwent MOT testing. Of these, 7.9 million initially failed, which accounted for 28.4 per cent of cases. Notably, 2.7 million of these failures were due to dangerous defects, suggesting that 7.9 per cent of vehicles on the road had serious faults posing a real risk to owners, passengers and other road users alike. In short, while advisories may seem minor, ignoring them could lead to major repairs, legal troubles, or even a serious accident.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Top MOT fault for UK drivers and how likely it will cause you to breakdown
The RAC has revealed the most common fault flagged up on MOT tests in the UK, which could lead to an unfortunate breakdown or costly repair - and it's nothing to do with the brakes Brits are being urged to check their cars for a common fault that could leave you broken down and out of pocket. It's a yearly event that many motorists would rather skip — the dreaded MOT test. For some drivers the process is straightforward and trouble-free, but for others it can quickly become a costly calamity, revealing a long list of essential repairs. There is also a sizeable group that falls somewhere in between: their cars pass the MOT with advisories, with mechanics flagging issues that should be addressed sooner rather than later - but still allow Brits to drive off without having to deal with the problems straight away. But, ignoring these advisories can have serious consequences, as revealed by a recent RAC survey of almost 1,500 motorists. According to the findings, one in six drivers who ignored an MOT advisory in the past year ended up experiencing a vehicle breakdown or crash as a direct result of the unresolved issue flagged by the garage. The RAC described the phenomena as 'troubling advisory apathy among drivers'. READ MORE: Major MOT test changes that could impact millions of UK drivers What is an MOT? The annual MOT, which is required for cars, vans and motorcycles from their third year of registration, is a roadworthiness check covering a range of consumable parts — including lights, seatbelts, tyres and brakes — to ensure they meet legal standards. Vehicles found to have 'dangerous' or 'major' defects automatically fail the test. However, 'minor' problems are recorded as advisories because they are not severe enough to cause an immediate failure. Still, they are highlighted as issues that should be resolved in the near future to keep the car roadworthy. The RAC survey found that more than two in five drivers reported receiving one or more advisories at their last MOT. Despite this, more than half (54 per cent) admitted they did not act on the warning and neglected to get the problem fixed. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader, Nick Mullender, emphasised the importance of MOT advisories, saying they 'demand attention' because they indicate a vehicle 'isn't in the best of health'. He cautioned: "Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling advisory apathy among drivers. "Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven. It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items. An MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic." The RAC's survey found the most common advisories on MOTs arranged by drivers between May 2024 and May 2025 included issues with the tyres, brakes and suspension. Other factors included problems with the car's lights or exhaust system. Tyres (e.g. tread, wear, quality): 42% Brakes (e.g. pads or discs): 34% Suspension: 22% Lights: 16% Corrosion: 14% Something else: 11% Exhaust system: 9% Steering: 8% Visibility (e.g. out of windscreen): 8% Other electrical system: 4% Bodywork damage: 2% According to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) records for 2023-24, 34.7 million vehicles underwent MOT testing. Of these, 7.9 million initially failed — accounting for 28.4 per cent of cases. Notably, 2.7 million of these failures were due to dangerous defects, suggesting that 7.9 per cent of vehicles on the road had serious faults posing a real risk to owners, passengers and other road users. The consequences of this inaction can be severe. 17 per cent of those who ignored advisories said their vehicles subsequently broke down or were involved in a crash directly linked to the advisory defect highlighted during the MOT. But the good news is that tyre tread issues are among the easiest MOT faults to avoid. Simply check them regularly using a tread depth gauge or the '20p test' — insert a 20p coin into the tread and if the rim is visible, your tread is too low. Drivers should also ensure their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and check for signs of uneven wear. So while the word 'advisory' may make the issues seem less than pressing, ignore them at your own peril. You could wind up with a hefty repair bill — or worse, involved in an accident.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
RAC issues 'act now' warning to six million UK drivers
New research shows around 17 per cent of the UK's estimated 40 million motorists don't act on MOT advisories leading to breakdowns and even crashes A staggering one-in-six drivers (17 per cent) who didn't act on advisory notices following an MOT in the last 12 months – an estimated six million people – went on to experience a vehicle breakdown or were involved in a collision as a result, according to new RAC research. Of the 1,460 drivers who have had their vehicle recently MOT'd, 44 per cent said the test resulted in one or more advisory notices being given. These notices are early warning signs that could result in a future MOT failure – and not addressing them promptly could lead to a vehicle being unsafe and unfit for the road. Examples include tyres being close to the legal limit, brake pads being almost completely worn out, and minor (for now) oil leaks. The RAC is warning drivers of 'advisory apathy' and the risks that come with it. They say motorists are running the gauntlet by not acting on MOT advisories and that they are putting themselves at risk of knowingly getting behind the wheel of an unroadworthy vehicle. This is not only dangerous – resulting in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points if caught – it can also invalidate motor insurance cover. While a majority of drivers whose vehicles were given MOT advisories (60 per cent) said they had either already dealt with all the issues flagged, or planned to before the next test, a substantial four-in-10 (39 per cent) don't plan to get all of the problems resolved. And, of all those that weren't issued with any advisories at their most recent MOT, as many as a fifth (22 per cent) admitted to ignoring such notices in the past. The most common MOT advisories over the last year as reported by drivers in the RAC Mobile Mechanics survey were related to tyre wear (42 per cent), brake pads or discs (34 per cent), suspension (22 per cent ), lights (16 per cent ) and corrosion (14 per cent). While tyre wear and lights are simple things to check, that's not the case for many other issues that could become much bigger and more expensive if left unresolved. For this reason, it's essential drivers get their car seen by a mobile servicing and repairs mechanic or booked into a reliable approved garage before these issues get worse and become dangerous. Of those respondents whose vehicles were issued with MOT advisory notices last time around, more than a third (36 percent) got the issues dealt with at the garage before they collected their cars. But the remainder – 64 percent – delayed the necessary repairs, with one-in-10 (11 per cent) leaving it until more than a month after the MOT in question. The latest Government data shows that vehicle defects were a factor in 1,350 collisions in 2023 – the highest number in five years. Of these, 36 collisions involved one or more fatality, again the highest figure since 2018. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: 'The MOT is an annual occurrence for millions of drivers up and down the country, and serves as a vital check on a vehicle's roadworthiness. "While we all dread a failure, any advisories demand attention because they mean the vehicle isn't in the best of health. Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling 'advisory apathy' among drivers. 'Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven. 'It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items. Some things are far easier for a driver to monitor than others. Regularly looking at tyres to ensure they have enough tread and are within the legal limits is straightforward enough. But even checking how much is left of a car's brake pads can be tricky, let alone knowing when a minor oil leak could become much more serious. 'We recommend drivers remove the guesswork altogether. Alongside frequent checks at home, it's vital to get vehicles serviced at regular intervals, depending on what the manufacturer recommends. This allows any problems to be picked up early, reducing the chances of them becoming an MOT advisory or even a reason for failure further down the line. 'Garages can be regularly booked up weeks in advance, adding to the frustration for drivers, which is why mobile servicing and repairs mechanics are here. We can complete interim or full services as well as a wide range of repairs, including brake pad and disc replacement, on a customer's driveway or at their place of work. So far less disruption to their day and less dread when it comes to the next MOT. 'It's also good to remember that an MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic.'
South Wales Guardian
6 days ago
- Automotive
- South Wales Guardian
Warning to UK drivers as one in six guilty of MOT mistake
Introduced in 1960, MOTs are a legally required service to ensure vehicle safety, from checking brake and fuel systems to seatbelts, lights and exhausts. A vehicle with major problems will fail the test. Drivers often also receive a list of advisories for minor issues they are not required to resolve immediately. Examples include tyre tread close to the legal limit, brake pads almost worn out, and small oil leaks. (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire) The RAC, which commissioned the poll, said it is 'vital drivers keep a close eye' on any issues raised. Some 44% of the 1,460 drivers surveyed who had a vehicle put through an MOT in the previous year said the test resulted in one or more advisories. The warnings were not acted on by 54% of these respondents. Some 17% of this group went on to suffer a vehicle breakdown or collision as a consequence. Separate Department for Transport figures show 39 people were killed and a further 1,865 were injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which vehicle defects were a contributory factor. The total number of casualties was the highest since 2018. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender warned that MOT advisories 'demand attention' because they mean a vehicle 'isn't in the best of health'. He said: 'Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling advisory apathy among drivers. 'Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven. 'It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items.' He added: 'An MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic.' As soon as your car hits three years-old, it will need an MOT before its birthday each year. You can easily check when your MOT is due using your number plate on You can undertake your MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before its expiry date while still preserving its annual due date. Simply set a reminder on your email calendar - or in Great Britain, you can sign up online to get a free text or email reminder one month before your vehicle's MOT is due. In Northern Ireland you'll get a letter in the post seven weeks before your MOT is due. Cars are expensive – there's no denying that – and MOTs can throw up unexpected repair costs in order to pass. It's a good idea to set up a car contingency savings account; putting aside a little each month to spread the costs and make sure you can afford any unexpected nasty surprises. Just as you should shop around for a cheaper premium on your car insurance, you can also compare prices for your MOT. The maximum price of an MOT is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. But many garages will offer it cheaper than this – especially if bought in conjunction with your regular servicing.
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Warning to UK drivers as one in six guilty of MOT mistake
Introduced in 1960, MOTs are a legally required service to ensure vehicle safety, from checking brake and fuel systems to seatbelts, lights and exhausts. A vehicle with major problems will fail the test. Drivers often also receive a list of advisories for minor issues they are not required to resolve immediately. Examples include tyre tread close to the legal limit, brake pads almost worn out, and small oil leaks. (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire) The RAC, which commissioned the poll, said it is 'vital drivers keep a close eye' on any issues raised. Some 44% of the 1,460 drivers surveyed who had a vehicle put through an MOT in the previous year said the test resulted in one or more advisories. The warnings were not acted on by 54% of these respondents. Some 17% of this group went on to suffer a vehicle breakdown or collision as a consequence. Separate Department for Transport figures show 39 people were killed and a further 1,865 were injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which vehicle defects were a contributory factor. The total number of casualties was the highest since 2018. RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender warned that MOT advisories 'demand attention' because they mean a vehicle 'isn't in the best of health'. He said: 'Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling advisory apathy among drivers. 'Advisories indicate the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven. 'It's crucial that drivers keep a close eye on any flagged items.' He added: 'An MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic.' How you can avoid MOT fines Find out when your MOT is due As soon as your car hits three years-old, it will need an MOT before its birthday each year. You can easily check when your MOT is due using your number plate on You can undertake your MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before its expiry date while still preserving its annual due date. Set up a reminder Simply set a reminder on your email calendar - or in Great Britain, you can sign up online to get a free text or email reminder one month before your vehicle's MOT is due. In Northern Ireland you'll get a letter in the post seven weeks before your MOT is due. Create a car contingency account Cars are expensive – there's no denying that – and MOTs can throw up unexpected repair costs in order to pass. It's a good idea to set up a car contingency savings account; putting aside a little each month to spread the costs and make sure you can afford any unexpected nasty surprises. Shop around for your MOT Just as you should shop around for a cheaper premium on your car insurance, you can also compare prices for your MOT. The maximum price of an MOT is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. But many garages will offer it cheaper than this – especially if bought in conjunction with your regular servicing.
