Failed MOT Advice?

Car_54

JSCB wrote: »

Perhaps saying 2.2mm was the wrong figure, but it was just for example. I assumed you'd regularly check for difference in tread across the wheel, for example, if it was even across the wheel, you know they were still aligned fine, but if it'd become slightly uneven, FOR EXAMPLE, 2.2mm on the outside and 2mm on the inside, or 4.4mm on the outside and 4mm on the inside then you'd know you need to keep an eye on that difference and perhaps take them in to be realigned before they got ruined again (like this set have been). Regardless of the figures, the 2 or the 4, the question is the same.

Usually this forum's pretty helpful, especially the finance parts, but the motoring sections disappointed me with some of the unhelpful answers (if you can even call them that!) that I've had.

I don't want to appear unhelpful either, but ....

How do you plan to measure tread depth with that degree of accuracy?

arcon5

There isn't a legal limit on the inside or outside edge. The only requirement is no cord or damage. Tread is only measured across the central 3/4.
So unless he's entered the wrong fail on the system it shouldn't have failed for the reason stated.

If you have to ask whether two faulty brake lights is ok though you need to rethink your stance on maintenance.

Noree

arcon5 wrote: »

There isn't a legal limit on the inside or outside edge. The only requirement is no cord or damage. Tread is only measured across the central 3/4.
So unless he's entered the wrong fail on the system it shouldn't have failed for the reason stated.

If you have to ask whether two faulty brake lights is ok though you need to rethink your stance on maintenance.

I agree with Arcon5.

Also, if you are that conscious of the outcome, then you could get the vehicle tested elsewhere. NOT re-tested. You dont have to tell the garage it failed elsewhere either.

Also, it may be worth checking the brakes report on the imbalance. If any of those wheels locked on the axle of which it failed, then it should have passed. I hope you have a copy of the print out.

If not, the garage can give you it. Again, if you are conscious of the garages approach and you feel unsure of what they are doing without explanation, then ask. It is their duty to give you an explanation and also a common expectation of customer standards. If you do ask and still dont seem assured, then go elsewhere and do some homework on where to go.

I always recommend that people use garages that are approved by a code of practice which is Trading Standards approved.

If you decide to go elsewhere, you can find what!!!8217;s in your area here:

https://www.trustmygarage.co.uk The TMG approved garages are backed by Trading Standards.

Please remember that if you are driving this vehicle, assuming you may have a couple weeks left before MOT runs out and it has failed a MOT, then you could be in trouble as you are now driving it knowingly unroadworthy. If this is the case, then I hope the garage informed you of this. Not loads know to do this. Some even say it!!!8217;s fine to drive as the MOT has not expired; this advice is extremely poor!

For example, a vehicle has 3 weeks left on their MOT, a seat belt fails a test, the owner of that vehicle knows this and someone sits in that seat with a faulty belt and as a result of an accident, the belt fails. That person is in a lot of trouble.

Ectophile

If both brake lights have failed, it's always possible that it's the switch that's gone wrong. It's probably lurking in the footwell behind the brake pedal in the most inaccessible position possible.

It is possible to replace them yourself, but mine was a pig of a task.

If you drive around with no brake lights, don't be surprised if you get stopped by the police. Once they have stopped you, they are bound to have a better look at the car, and will realize you have one or two bald tyres as well. At that point, you're in trouble.

Rolandtheroadie

Noree wrote: »

https://www.trustmygarage.co.uk The TMG approved garages are backed by Trading Standards.

The garage I use isn't on there.

I've used them for 28 years (damn I'm getting old), they've never done me a bad turn, will answer any questions I have and are reasonably priced for any work done.

takman

JSCB wrote: »

I'm not talking about the issue of the tyres being low of tread!! Have you read the rest of the thread at all? I have no issue with them needing to be replaced, I just wasn't expecting them to need to be so soon (due to them becoming unaligned) and wanted to know how I can check the alignment at home so I can do so in future before the next set of tyres get ruined within 12 months of being new.

Perhaps saying 2.2mm was the wrong figure, but it was just for example. I assumed you'd regularly check for difference in tread across the wheel, for example, if it was even across the wheel, you know they were still aligned fine, but if it'd become slightly uneven, FOR EXAMPLE, 2.2mm on the outside and 2mm on the inside, or 4.4mm on the outside and 4mm on the inside then you'd know you need to keep an eye on that difference and perhaps take them in to be realigned before they got ruined again (like this set have been). Regardless of the figures, the 2 or the 4, the question is the same.

Usually this forum's pretty helpful, especially the finance parts, but the motoring sections disappointed me with some of the unhelpful answers (if you can even call them that!) that I've had.

Measuring the difference between the inside and outside tread of the tyres is NOT checking the alignment. To check the alignment you need to take it to a decent garage with Hunter Alignment Equipment and get four wheel alignment done correctly. You say you have only had the tracking done in the past and that is only one part of aligning the wheels and sometimes they only do it on the front. So get to somewhere with Hunter equipment and get it setup properly as a first step.

Then you need to look at what tyres your getting fitted, some last longer than others so read some reviews online.

You can measure your tyre tread depths but as it's rubber then you won't get very accurate readings. I have a digital depth micrometer and if I measure around the tyre in the same groove I even get slightly different readings. It will also be slightly deformed due to the cars weight and where it is parked. But your best bet is just to measure them every few thousands miles and keep an eye on the overall wear if your concerned.

You may think these replies are unhelpful but you have turned up at an MOT with an illegal tyre which you claim to no know about (which is your responsibility to check) and both brake lights not working. You really need to take more responsibility for the condition of your car and it blame the person who serviced it 3 months ago when YOUR the one who should be checking it!.

JSCB

arcon5 wrote: »

There isn't a legal limit on the inside or outside edge. The only requirement is no cord or damage. Tread is only measured across the central 3/4.
So unless he's entered the wrong fail on the system it shouldn't have failed for the reason stated.

If you have to ask whether two faulty brake lights is ok though you need to rethink your stance on maintenance.

I took it to the local garage at the end of my street for some advice and they said exactly that, that they would pass its tyres as an advisory only, as the wear is outside the central 3/4s and theres no cord or damage showing.

I think the question on brakes lights came out a bit wrong, was more of a rhetorical question (really meaning, why did the guy at garage say I'd be fine), not the literal question everyone seems to of taken it as. The way of the internet sometimes though.

Ectophile wrote: »

If both brake lights have failed, it's always possible that it's the switch that's gone wrong. It's probably lurking in the footwell behind the brake pedal in the most inaccessible position possible.

It is possible to replace them yourself, but mine was a pig of a task.

Thanks for the advice. It was the switch as you suggested, as after some research I found Kia are notorious for it and some models were recalled for it a few years ago. My local garage was able to get one overnight and fitted it today, which is impressive as even the main Kia dealer themselves couldn't get one until next week!

Noree wrote: »

I agree with Arcon5.

Also, if you are that conscious of the outcome, then you could get the vehicle tested elsewhere. NOT re-tested. You dont have to tell the garage it failed elsewhere either.

Also, it may be worth checking the brakes report on the imbalance. If any of those wheels locked on the axle of which it failed, then it should have passed. I hope you have a copy of the print out.

If not, the garage can give you it. Again, if you are conscious of the garages approach and you feel unsure of what they are doing without explanation, then ask. It is their duty to give you an explanation and also a common expectation of customer standards. If you do ask and still dont seem assured, then go elsewhere and do some homework on where to go.

I always recommend that people use garages that are approved by a code of practice which is Trading Standards approved.

If you decide to go elsewhere, you can find what!!!8217;s in your area here:

https://www.trustmygarage.co.uk The TMG approved garages are backed by Trading Standards.

Again thanks for the advice,

I did end up taking it to my local garage, at the end of my street actually which was perfect and where I should of gone in the first place. They actually failed it on just the brake lights and exhaust brackets, but with only advisories on the brakes and tyres. They've welded the exhaust and fitted a new brake light switch this morning, and said I should look at getting my brakes checked out and tyres sorted in the future, but there's no immediate rush nor reason for it to fail on them or to stop me being on the road.

Personally, I think they're serious advisories, but national just wrongly pushed them into fails in order to put a hard sell on me returning their to get them changed with them. But me being stubborn, I've sorted it elsewhere now and will get the other things checked/sorted in my own time, at places of my choice, without the MOT date on my back and the sales person at National knowing it.

Thanks again

System

JSCB wrote: »

I've sorted it elsewhere now and will get the other things checked/sorted in my own time, at places of my choice, without the MOT date on my back and the sales person at National knowing it.

So that'll be at the next MOT given you drove around without brake lights and thought there was nothing wrong with doing so.

Words fail me when someone says that "they can just get around to sorting out problems when they can be bothered" on the two items that keep you on the road and stop you piling into the car in front or an object such as a wall or lamp post.

DCFC79

Rolandtheroadie wrote: »

The garage I use isn't on there.

I've used them for 28 years (damn I'm getting old), they've never done me a bad turn, will answer any questions I have and are reasonably priced for any work done.

Same with the 1 I use.