Defects in suspension are being flagged up as a major concern as they are currently the leading cause of MOT failures across the UK, according to a new study by HiQ Tyres and Autocare.
It found that suspension problems, often involving broken springs or leaking shock absorbers, were cited in 38.1% of all failed tests.
Electrical and lighting faults, such as blown bulbs or faulty headlights, were the second most common reason for failure, appearing in 37.4% of reports, while tyre defects and braking issues were each recorded in roughly a quarter of reports. Steering faults featured in nearly one-in-four failure reports.
The findings highlight the deteriorating state of the UK’s roads. Poor road surfaces and potholes place additional strain on vehicles’ suspension and steering systems.
Craig Sprigmore, retail director UK and Ireland at HiQ Tyres and Autocare, says rather than the simple issues, such as lighting faults, they are increasingly seeing hidden mechanical faults that develop slowly and can go unnoticed.
“Suspension problems are a prime example,” he said. “Drivers may not feel any immediate change in the way the vehicle drives, yet these faults pose a serious safety risk.”
