Drivers are being warned about a problem with their mirrors which could result in a £109 charge on their MOT. The annual MOT test, which costs £54.85, is mandatory for all UK drivers with vehicles over three years old and may incur additional costs if problems are found.
The DVLA requires MOT to ensure the overall safety and roadworthiness of vehicles in Great Britain, protecting other road users from dangers such as falling exhaust or broken headlights.
Chris Jevons, commercial director at JTAPE*, offers advice on crucial mirror checks drivers should carry out to stay safe on the roads and potentially avoid an MOT failure, which could cost between £109 and £54.85 for the failed MOT and another £54.85 to have it retested once repaired.
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JTAPE highlighted that “Unsecured, broken or poorly adjusted car mirrors can not only make it difficult for drivers to see their blind spots correctly, but can also lead to other hazards and MOT failures in some cases. To make sure you avoid these mistakes while driving and contribute to the safety of yourself and others, here are some common car mirror mistakes to watch out for, reports Express.
Whether your car mirror has recently taken a hit or the glass has been replaced, it is essential to make sure the mirror is securely attached. If your car mirror is damaged, lost or stops working, these defects could lead to a failed MOT.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the mirrors every few months, especially if you suspect that they might have been bumped. Strong mounting tape can be used to secure a loose mirror and keep it in place.
It goes without saying that if your mirrors are not adjusted correctly, you will not be able to see most blind spots while driving. While this will not necessarily lead to a failed MOT, as adjustments vary for each person, broken mechanisms for adjusting the mirrors could result in a failure.
If the mechanisms are not working, this could mean that maximum visibility cannot be achieved, which can be dangerous when changing lanes, turning corners, and watching for hazards.
If your car is fitted with indicator lights in the mirrors, they must be working properly, otherwise you could fail an MOT. This is because a malfunction that causes the light to flash continuously or not flash at all could fool other drivers who might be relying on the lights to understand when you are changing direction.
You can check if yours is working properly by looking at the reflection of the indicator lights when it is parked.
