Bump out MoT failures

According to statistics from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), around 30 per cent of cars fail their annual MoT because of damaged suspension, with common faults including leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs and worn steering joints.

What's to blame? Expert mechanics at Car Parts Direct say the faults are down to the thousands of traffic bumps sprouting up on the UK’s roads.

Broken parts are normally detected during the compulsory annual test, but numerous motorists are driving potentially dangerous vehicles without realising that their suspension is faulty in any way.

With that in mind, Car Parts Direct has put together an online video guide showing you how to check the condition of your springs and dampers. Log on to www.carparts-direct.co.uk for details.