A motoring expert has shared the most common causes of vans failing their MOT, urging all drivers to carry out a number of checks before having their vehicle inspected.

Many drivers dread the annual MOT, which all road vehicles aged three to 40 years must pass, with around 28% of all models inspected failing by 2023.

Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select van rentalnoted that more vans are failing than cars, with owners having to carry out additional checks to avoid having to pay for a retest.

He explained: “It is telling to see much higher rates of initial MOT failures for vans compared to conventional passenger vehicles, and our statistics highlight the need to improve standards.

“By their very nature, light commercial vehicles must work hard for the businesses they serve and must withstand the rigors of constant use. With all this in mind, it is essential that vans are maintained to a high standard or replaced when age catches up. with them.”

According to Select Van Leasing, which analyzed DVSA data, the most common reason for MOT failures was failures of lighting or other electronic systems.

Of the commercial vehicles that failed tests during the 12-month period, 47% had at least one electrical fault that could have made driving more dangerous.

However, in many cases, motorists can avoid this risk by checking electrical components, including walking around the vehicle to evaluate the lights, including the turn signals and third brake light.

Select Van Leasing also highlighted that 34% of commercial vehicles failed their last technical inspection due to problems with the suspension system.

In addition to making the vehicle less comfortable, driving with faulty suspension can lead to steering problems, uneven tire wear, longer braking distances and an increased risk of rollover.

Although it is more difficult to check specific suspension components, drivers should take their vehicle for a spin before its next inspection, looking for defects that could help motorists avoid a breakdown during inspection.