A warning has been issued to drivers over common MOT mistakes that could come with a hefty fine.
The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has reminded motorists to make safety checks on their cars.
The DVSA warned that lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment have been the most failed MOT items for the last three years.
Drivers are responsible for checking if their car is 'roadworthy' - and the vehicle can be deemed unsafe even if you have a current MOT certificate.
You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
The DVSA tweeted: "Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment have been the most failed MOT items for the last three years.
"Evenings are still dark so it makes sense to check all the lights on your car regularly."
Drivers must carry out these checks
Every time you drive you should check:
- The windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
- All lights work
- The brakes work
Your vehicle’s handbook will tell you how often to check the:
- Engine oil
- Water level in the radiator or expansion tank
- Brake fluid level
- Battery
- Windscreen and rear window washer bottles - top up with windscreen washer fluid if necessary
- Tyres - they must have the correct tread depth and be free of cuts and defects
The handbook will also tell you when your vehicle needs to be serviced.
Tyre tread
Tread must be a certain depth depending on the type of vehicle:
- Cars, light vans and light trailers - 1.6 millimetres (mm)
- Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles - 1mm
Mopeds only need to have visible tread. There must be tread across the middle three-quarters and around the entire tyre.
