Quarry Service Station

10/09/2026

06/09/2026

Some interesting insight into the sheer number of MOT failures associated with relatively common vehicle defects.

eBay analysed DVSA data covering MOT failures between 1 January and 31 December 2025.

According to that analysis, some of the largest failure categories included:
935,605 failures involving tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm requirement
874,701 involving fractured or broken suspension springs
660,129 involving mechanical brake components less than 1.5mm thick
650,092 involving position lamps not working
566,272 involving wipers failing to clear the windscreen effectively
564,273 involving excessively worn suspension arm pins or bushes
545,690 involving tyre cuts deep enough to reach the ply or cords
523,944 involving exposed tyre ply or cords

If motorists were to check basic vehicle condition before an MOT, it would reduce avoidable failures.

04/09/2026

Drivers who passed their test in an automatic car could eventually be allowed to drive manual vehicles without taking another full practical driving test under proposals put forward by the AA.
The motoring organisation wants the Government to consider introducing a new conversion course that would allow automatic-only licence holders to gain manual driving entitlement after completing additional training.

Currently, a driver who passes their practical test in an automatic vehicle is restricted to driving automatic cars.
To gain a full manual licence, they must pass another practical driving test in a manual vehicle.
The AA believes that system should be reconsidered as the UK moves towards electric vehicles and automatic driving becomes increasingly common.

However, motorists should be clear: the law has not changed.
For now, anyone with an automatic-only licence must still pass a manual practical driving test before they can legally drive a manual car.

02/09/2026

The Government wants vehicles to continue meeting the emissions requirements that applied when they were manufactured and first registered and Motorists could face fines of up to £1,000 if their cars fail to meet these standards

Modern cars contain increasingly sophisticated systems designed to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

Depending on the vehicle, these can include diesel particulate filters (DPFs), catalytic converters, selective catalytic reduction systems using AdBlue and other emissions-control technology.

Problems arise when those systems are removed, deliberately disabled, modified or inadequately maintained.

The Government says there are currently gaps in the legislation covering newer vehicles.

Its proposal would strengthen the law so that road vehicles used in Great Britain from 1 January 2001 would be required to have their emissions-control systems maintained so that they continue to operate to the legal requirements applicable when the vehicle was manufactured.

30/08/2026

Here’s a tip for getting your MOT booked in! 🚗

Sort it for up to a month (minus a day) early – and keep the same renewal date for next year 😮

So – if your test date is 15 May, you could take it on 16 April – and renew in May next year 🎉

Get ahead with MOT reminders 👇

https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminderhttps://www.gov.uk/mot-reminderhttps://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder

27/08/2026

A new Dementia Support Group is coming to Audley!

We’re delighted to announce the launch of a new Audley Dementia Support Group, providing a friendly, welcoming space for people living with dementia, as well as their families, carers and friends.

Come along for a relaxed afternoon with tea, coffee, friendly conversation, support, activities and the chance to meet others who understand.

Monday 7th September
2.30pm – 4.30pm
Audley Community Centre, ST7 8DH

Whether you’re living with dementia, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to meet people and become part of a friendly local group, we’d love to see you there.

Please share this with anyone in the Audley community who may benefit.

Organised by the PPG Group of Audley Health Centre.

25/08/2026

Repair Cafe is coming to Audley!

Did out your broken items and make a note of the date 😀

20/08/2026

MOT Steering Test: What Is Checked and What Can Fail?
The steering system is a critical part of the MOT test.
An MOT tester checks the steering wheel, steering column, steering gear, steering linkages and power steering system to make sure the vehicle can be steered safely and reliably.
The MOT steering test looks for excessive wear, free play, insecure or damaged components, power steering faults and other defects that could affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
Some steering defects result in a Major MOT failure, while more serious problems that significantly affect safe steering can be classified as Dangerous.
Steering systems vary considerably between vehicles, from conventional mechanical steering racks and hydraulic power steering to electronic power assistance, rear-wheel steering and modern electronically controlled systems.

The precise inspection and applicable defect classification therefore depend on the vehicle, the system fitted and the severity of any defect.

The MOT inspection can include:
Steering wheel
Steering column
Steering rack or steering box
Steering gear mountings
Steering linkages
Track rods and steering joints
Ball joints associated with steering
Steering rack gaiters and dust covers
Power steering system
Power steering fluid where applicable
Power steering pipes, hoses and wiring
Electronic power steering (EPS)
Steering warning lights
Steering free play
Steering movement from lock to lock
Rear-wheel steering where fitted

04/08/2026

According to DVSA figures covering Class 4 vehicles – which include most cars, taxis and light vans – there were 477,914 MOT failure items directly related to the condition or legality of number plates.
The largest reason was simply that registration plates could not be read correctly.
The data shows:
389,375 MOT failure items were recorded because testers were unable to read the registration plate properly
60,451 failures occurred because the number plate itself did not comply with legal requirements
The remaining failures related to other defects affecting registration plate condition or security.
-Unreadable number plates may result from:
-Dirt or mud obscuring characters
-Damaged or cracked plates
-Faded reflective backgrounds
-Delaminated materials
-Incorrect spacing or altered characters
-Physical damage preventing accurate identification

Under the MOT Inspection Manual, registration plates must be clearly legible from the required distance and conform to legal standards.

While defective number plates account for hundreds of thousands of failures, the single biggest related issue is actually faulty number plate illumination.

DVSA data shows 513,316 MOT failure items were recorded because one or more number plate lights were not working.
Many motorists overlook these small bulbs because they are difficult to notice during everyday driving, yet they are mandatory equipment for vehicles fitted with rear registration plates requiring illumination.