Roadside safety checks 2019
Figures released from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency highlight that mechanical flaws that led to thousands of vehicles being banned from the road after roadside checks throughout Great Britain in 2019 could have been minimised. In other words, motorists need to carry out regular servicing and maintenance of their vehicles to keep them legal, safe, reliable, and primed for adventure.
Thousands of vehicles were assessed in roadside checks in various categories from April to June 2019. Note the light goods vehicles category. This, of course, included light goods vehicles plus cars, motorcycles, taxis and private hire cars.
Of the 3,039 vehicles inspected in this category, 1,535 had mechanical faults that excessively compromised safety. That was equivalent to 50.5%. In extreme cases, the vehicles were removed from the road immediately. Alternatively, if the faults were less alarming the motorists were given a few days to have them repaired.
Top 10 mechanical flaws
The DVSA also revealed its Top 10 Fault Categories. Consider cars specifically. 24.72% had issues with tyres. Structural failures and lack of tread depth, for instance. Tyres was the most prolific category. It was followed by:
- engine and associated equipment - exhaust system (13.48%)
- bodywork - windscreen and windows (9.83%)
- running gear - road wheels and hubs (6.48%)
- lamps and reflectors - direction indicators (5.62%)
- transmission - uncategorised defects (5.34%)
- brakes - warning systems (4.49%)
- seatbelts and supplementary restraint system (3.37%)
- brakes - mechanical components (3.09%)
- lamps and reflectors – headlamps (2.81%)
However, there is no need for your car to fall foul of roadside inspection. Why? Because servicing ensures that many faults can be spotted before they get serious. The mechanic can note any issues with your tyres, for instance. Broken lights can be swapped. Seatbelts can be replaced. The brakes can be checked and optimised.
More reasons to service your car
Servicing does more than keep your car safe. For starters, knowing it has been maintained to a high standard inspires confidence behind the wheel. This is particularly important in tough conditions. Autumn and winter driving, for example. It feels good to know that the vehicle is ready for whatever your lifestyle demands.
Furthermore, servicing creates a paper trail that maximises your car's resale value. Why? Because a nicely maintained vehicle is more likely to be reliable (and work at its best). That makes it worth more than neglected counterparts. For such reasons, many motorists perceive servicing as an investment – rather than a cost.
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