I’m a mechanic

AN expert has revealed the facts around whether a car seat can result in an owner failing their MOT.

When a car is over three years old it has to go in for an MOT test, which checks to see it is road safe.

The test also checks that the car's emissions are in line with current standards.

However some people are under the impression that child seats can result in a failed MOT if they are not removed prior to the test.

Now Simon Cheatle at Walsall Wood Tyre and Service has said that where a seat belt passes through a child seat, it means the garage cannot carry out a full test on the belt.

In this scenario the owner will receive an advisory note on the MOT pass certificate. The note will make reference to the car seat but the car will have still passed the test.

The expert also advised owners that the safest place for a car seat was always on the back seat and not in the front of the vehicle.

Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Regular MOT checks are vital in ensuring that a vehicle is road safe and meets environmental standards.

Shockingly, however, 29% of cars and vans on UK roads failed their MOTs last year.

The number one reason that cars fail an MOT is due to an issue with the brakes, most likely the brake pads or discs.

Tyres are another common culprit for MOT failure.

The test will check the condition, security, tread depth, tyre size, and type of your tyres to ensure they are road safe.