The DVSA has released new data revealing the most common MOT failure reasons.
The agency said that the majority of fails are recorded for problems that motorists could avoid simply by carrying out basic car maintenance like replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres.
Between April 2015 and March 2016, nearly one in five cars taken for their MOT had problems with lighting and signalling, including simple problems such as blown bulbs.
Top reasons for MOT failures between April 2015 and March 2016
- Lighting and signalling issues found in 18.9 per cent of MOTs.
- Suspension issues found in 13 per cent of MOTs.
- Brake issues found in 10 per cent of MOTs.
- Tyre issues found in 7.7 per cent of MOTs.
- Issues affecting the driver’s view of the road found in 7.2 per cent of MOTs.
The 2015 road casualties report for Great Britain shows that car defects were a contributory factor in 1,131 accidents.
Over 75 per cent of defects that contributed to accidents were either braking or tyre issues.