Vehicle Recalls Added to MOT Test Certificates

Every driver knows that the annual MOT can be a concerning experience. 

While a necessary evil to ensure your car is safe and roadworthy, it can be a hold-your-breath moment as you wait to see if your vehicle will pass or fail.

And now, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that oversees MOT regulations has introduced something new to look out for on your MOT certificate.  

• [YouTube CARWOW] The worst SAFETY recalls for each major car brand! OMG!

The addition of vehicle recalls to MOT test certificates joins real-time updates to the digital MOT history database, as well as the offer of MOT alert reminders for vehicle owners. The new warning will be added to the advisory notes section of your test certificate. 

In this article, The Windscreen Company will take a closer look at the introduction of vehicle recall advice, providing you with all the information you need on the new development. 

What are MOT advisories?

First, let’s establish exactly what MOT advisories are. 

Following the completion of an MOT, the advisory notes section may include some information on actions you should consider taking in relation to your vehicle’s condition.  

While vehicles cannot fail an MOT based on an advisory warning, it does indicate issues that may cause MOT failure in the future if they’re not addressed. 

Typically, tyre health, brake pads and rusty parts may be things that show up on an advisory note. 

What is being added to MOT advisories?

Now, vehicle recall information is set to be added to MOT advisories. 

Over the last few years, a whole host of vehicle manufacturers have announced recalls on certain models. Usually, a vehicle recall suggests there is a potential safety problem with a component on the car.

However, despite the warnings, it’s been reported that many people don’t act on these recall announcements, meaning there may be numerous cars out on the road that may be at risk.

With this in mind, the DVSA has made the decision to add recall notices to advisory notes after MOT tests have been completed. 

This means drivers will be informed of any recall information relevant to their vehicle and, hopefully, prompted to take action.

Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and the Volkswagen Group have all agreed to share live data with the DVSA, with these brands accounting for more than half of the manufacturers on British roads.   

How to make sure you pass your MOT

If your car fails an MOT, it could mean you lose access to your vehicle and face costly repairs to make it roadworthy.

With this in mind, it’s important to keep your car in good working order to give your vehicle the best possible chance of passing the test.

There are a number of things you can do to maximise your chances of a successful MOT.

This includes:

• Checking tyre tread depth – Your tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so it’s important they’re safe to drive on. The legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, and anything less will see you fail a MOT. The tread depth is easy to test yourself, simply grab a 20p coin and insert it into the groove of your tyres. If can see the outer band of the coin, it suggests the tyres are unsafe and you should have them changed before the MOT takes place.   

• Making sure headlights work – Visibility is also tested in a MOT, and if any of your car’s lights are not working it will fail. Therefore, take the time to test all of your car’s lights, replacing any that need changing before your test.

• Testing windscreen wipers –  Sticking with visibility, if your windscreen wipers are not working properly then rainwater can obscure your view of the road ahead. The MOT will test windscreen wipers so they must be working correctly at both the front and the rear. 

• Fixing damaged windscreens – Damage to your windscreen can be extremely dangerous and, depending on the size and location, even illegal to drive with. Therefore, any scratches, chips or cracks on your windscreen should be fixed before an MOT. At The Windscreen Company, we’ll be able to provide windscreen repairs or full replacements that ensure your windscreen will be in the very best condition come test day. 

For more information on common MOT failures, check out our previous blog on the subject.    

Whether you have an upcoming MOT or not, repairing windscreen damage is essential for the road safety of you, your passengers and other road users. For more than 20 years, The Windscreen Company has helped maintain the safety of customers across the West Midlands and the South East. To book a windscreen repair, windscreen replacement or to receive a free quote for the work, get in touch with our team today. 

The Windscreen Company

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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