Drivers could face penalties of up to £10,000 for neglecting routine vehicle maintenance during the summer months, in a fresh warning to millions.
Experts have warned that basic oversights such as inadequate tyre tread, depleted screen wash reservoirs and dirty registration plates may result in substantial fines, licence points and “immediate” MOT test failures.
Drivers have been warned that failure to maintain their vehicles could land them in hot water
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GETTYEach defective tyre could incur a £2,500 penalty plus three licence points, while an empty windscreen washer reservoir might trigger a £100 fine. Even vehicles in otherwise excellent condition risk failing their MOT test if washer fluid levels are insufficient.
John Wilmot, chief executive and founder of Lease Loco, stressed that the summer period represents a particularly hazardous time for unwary motorists.
“Summer is one of the busiest times on UK roads, but it’s also when many drivers let basic maintenance slide,” he stated.
Mr Wilmot added: “Simple checks like tyre tread, washer fluid, and working lights can easily be forgotten, but they’re legal requirements, not just good practice.”
Drivers can get fined for having an empty windscreen washer reservoir
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GETTYBut he cautioned that what catches motorists out is “how small issues can lead to serious consequences”. “You could be fined £2,500 for each illegal tyre, or fail your MOT just because your washer fluid is empty,” he said.
To help drivers avoid penalties, Mr Wilmost suggested following the five-minute check on a car before a journey, which “could save you thousands and potentially prevent an accident”
The 10 crucial maintenance areas identified by the experts begin with tyre condition and inflation levels. Hot weather accelerates tyre deterioration, particularly during extended journeys or when vehicles carry additional loads.
Meanwhile, legal requirements mandate a minimum 1.6mm tread depth across three-quarters of the tyre’s central width. Insufficient pressure affects both stopping distances and fuel consumption.
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Screen cleaning fluid represents another mandatory requirement frequently ignored by motorists. Summer conditions create particular visibility challenges through accumulated dust, pollen deposits and insect debris, experts explained.
Deteriorating wiper blades pose additional risks, potentially causing MOT failures if they streak or fail to clear screens effectively.
Under UK law, all vehicle lighting must function correctly, including often-forgotten number plate illumination, while defective lights risk fixed penalties or court appearances.
Engine cooling systems require particular attention during warmer months. Extended motorway driving and stationary traffic place additional strain on coolant systems, with insufficient levels potentially causing catastrophic overheating.
Drivers are required to get an MOT yearly to ensure vehicles maintain their roadworthiness | PABut more worryingly, insurance coverage might become void following engine damage attributed to inadequate maintenance. While air conditioning functionality isn’t legally mandated, its importance extends beyond comfort.
Excessive cabin temperatures contribute to driver fatigue and irritability, while malfunctioning systems compromise windscreen demisting capabilities.
Registration plate cleanliness represents another frequently overlooked obligation. Road grime, dead insects and accessories like bicycle carriers can obscure plates, attracting penalties up to £1,000 despite an otherwise pristine vehicle.
Seasonal vehicles, including convertibles, classic cars and motorhomes, require valid MOT certificates, taxation and insurance regardless of usage frequency. Overlooking these requirements risks prosecution when vehicles emerge for summer excursions.
