10 Simple Car Jobs and Fixes That Could Land You with a Big Fine
Here are ten car jobs and fixes you might be putting off that could end up costing you more than just a trip to the mechanic. Maintaining your car isn’t just about keeping it running smoothly—it’s also essential for staying on the right side of the law. Neglecting simple car jobs and fixes car maintenance tasks can lead to hefty fines, penalty points, or even your car being deemed unroadworthy. Lets look in to these car Jobs and fixes simple maintenance.
1. Replacing Worn-Out Tires
Driving with worn-out or damaged tires isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. If your tires don’t have the legal minimum tread depth (usually 1.6mm in most countries), you could face a substantial fine per tire and even points on your license. Regularly check your tire tread and replace them as needed to stay safe and compliant.
Potential Fine: £2,500 per tire (up to £10,000 in total)
Penalty Points: 3 points per tire (up to 12 points, risking a 6-month driving ban for repeat offenses)
Driving on worn tires with tread depth below the legal limit of 1.6mm is both dangerous and illegal. To avoid hefty fines and points on your license, regularly check your tire tread using the 20p test—if the outer band of a 20 pence piece is visible when inserted into the tread, it’s time for new tires.
2. Fixing a Cracked Windshield
A small chip in your windshield might not seem urgent, but it can quickly turn into a large crack, impairing your visibility. Driving with a cracked windshield can result in fines and may even fail a vehicle inspection. It’s best to repair any chips or cracks as soon as they appear to avoid larger, costlier issues.
Potential Fine: £2,500
Penalty Points: 3 points (a 6-month driving ban for repeat offenses)
Small chips and cracks in your windshield can quickly expand, impairing visibility and compromising safety. If not repaired, they could result in a fine and points on your license.
Solution: Repair minor chips with a windshield repair kit or seek professional help for larger cracks. Addressing these issues early can prevent more costly repairs later.
3. Replacing Burnt-Out Bulbs
Headlights, brake lights, and indicators are all critical for safe driving, especially at night or in poor weather conditions. If one of these bulbs is out, you risk getting pulled over and fined. Replacing a burnt-out bulb is a simple fix that can save you from unnecessary trouble.
Potential Fine: £100
Penalty Points: 3 points
Burnt-out bulbs in your headlights, brake lights, or indicators are a safety risk and can lead to fines and penalty points. Regularly checking and replacing faulty bulbs is crucial for staying legal and safe on the road.
Solution: Replace any burnt-out bulbs as soon as you notice them. If you’re unsure how to do it yourself, visit a local garage for assistance.
4. Repairing a Faulty Exhaust System
A damaged or noisy exhaust system can lead to a fine, as well as a failed emissions test. If you notice unusual noises or increased emissions from your exhaust, it’s important to get it checked and repaired promptly. Not only will this avoid potential fines, but it will also help your car run more efficiently.
Potential Fine: £1,000
Excessive or dark exhaust emissions can fail an MOT and result in fines. Unusual noises or smoke from your exhaust system indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
Solution: If you notice any signs of emission issues, like smoke or unusual noises, take your car to a mechanic. Regular servicing can help you stay within legal emission limits.
5. Broken Number Plate VRM
Your number plate must be clearly visible at all times, day or night. A broken number plate light can lead to fines, as it makes your registration difficult to read, especially in low-light conditions. This is a quick and inexpensive fix that you shouldn’t delay.
Potential Fine: £1,000
A cracked, obscured, or missing number plate can result in a significant fine. Your number plate must be clearly visible at all times for identification purposes.
Solution: Clean any dirt or debris that might be covering your number plate. If it’s damaged or missing, replace it immediately with a legally compliant plate.
6. Addressing Brake Issues
Squeaky or unresponsive brakes are a major safety hazard. If your brakes are making noise or not functioning correctly, they could be illegal and dangerous to use. Failing to fix brake issues can result in a fine and potentially cause an accident. Regular brake checks and maintenance are essential.
7. Replacing Worn Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are crucial for maintaining visibility during rain or snow. If your wiper blades are worn out and not clearing your windshield effectively, you could be fined, especially if poor visibility contributes to unsafe driving conditions. Replacing wiper blades is a quick and inexpensive job that significantly improves safety.
Potential Fine: £2,500
Penalty Points: 3 points (a 6-month driving ban for repeat offenses)
Faulty windshield wipers can impair visibility, making driving dangerous and illegal. If your wipers aren’t clearing your windshield effectively, you could be charged with operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition, leading to fines and penalty points.
Solution: Replace worn or damaged windshield wipers immediately. It’s a quick and inexpensive fix that can prevent a serious safety hazard.
Windscreen washers not operational:
Potential Fine: £100
Penalty Points: 3 points
Driving without enough washer fluid to keep your windshield clear is against the law. The ability to maintain clear visibility is crucial for safe driving, and failing to do so can result in fines and points on your license.
Solution: Regularly check and refill your washer fluid reservoir. It’s an easy task that can save you from unnecessary fines.
Clearing Snow and Ice from Your Windscreen
Potential Fine: £2,500
Penalty Points: 3 points (a 6-month driving ban for repeat offenses)
Driving with snow or ice on your windshield is illegal and dangerous. It obstructs your view, increasing the risk of accidents and leading to significant fines and points on your license.
Solution: Before driving, always clear your windshield, windows, and roof of snow and ice. Use a scraper and de-icer to ensure full visibility.
8. Fixing Malfunctioning Indicators
Indicators are essential for signalling your intentions to other road users. If your indicators aren’t working correctly, you could be fined and pose a risk to others on the road. Make sure your indicators are functioning properly and replace any faulty bulbs immediately.
Potential Fine: £100
Penalty Points: 3 points
Burnt-out bulbs in your headlights, brake lights, or indicators are a safety risk and can lead to fines and penalty points. Regularly checking and replacing faulty bulbs is crucial for staying legal and safe on the road.
9. Repairing a Faulty Seatbelt
A seatbelt that doesn’t work properly can result in a significant fine, as it’s one of the most important safety features in your car. If your seatbelt is frayed, won’t retract, or doesn’t click into place, get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
10. Replacing Cracked or Missing Mirrors
Driving with cracked or missing mirrors reduces your visibility and can lead to fines. Mirrors are essential for safe driving, allowing you to see other vehicles and pedestrians. Make sure all your mirrors are intact and providing a clear view, and replace them if necessary.
Potential Fine: £2,500
Penalty Points: 3 points (a 6-month driving ban for repeat offenses)
Wing mirrors are vital for safe driving, providing visibility of vehicles and cyclists around you. A broken wing mirror can lead to fines and penalty points if deemed a safety hazard.
Solution: If a wing mirror is loose or damaged, repair or replace it promptly. DIY fixes might work for minor issues, but for significant damage, it’s best to consult a professional.
Conclusion
Putting off car jobs and fixes in simple car maintenance tasks might save you time in the short term, but it could lead to significant fines and safety issues down the road. Regularly checking and maintaining your vehicle ensures it remains roadworthy and compliant with legal requirements. By addressing these small jobs promptly, you can avoid hefty fines, keep yourself and others safe, and extend the life of your car. Don’t let procrastination cost you—take care of these simple Car Jobs and Fixes fixes before they become a bigger problem.
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