2014 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · CE14 AFY

Recurring advisories regarding the offside rear shock absorbers represent the most significant mechanical trend in this vehicle's recent inspection history. While the car passed its most recent test on 16 February 2026, the presence of light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber has been noted in two consecutive annual inspections, specifically in February 2025 and February 2026. This indicates a persistent, albeit currently minor, leak from the damping unit that has not been rectified. Aside from a single failure in March 2023 involving an ineffective offside windscreen wiper, the recent testing trend shows a vehicle that consistently meets minimum roadworthiness standards but is showing early signs of component degradation in the suspension system. The recorded mileage of 50,729 miles against a 2014 registration suggests a low annual usage pattern of approximately 4,227 miles per year. For a vehicle of this age, such low mileage typically implies infrequent road use, which can result in less mechanical wear on high-friction components like brake discs and engine internals compared to higher-mileage counterparts. However, this specific usage profile means that components such as rubber suspension bushes, seals, and various gaiters are subject to more age-related perishing and drying out rather than wear from heavy mileage, which may contribute to the observed oil misting on the shock absorber. During a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension performance and the condition of the offside rear shock absorber. The light oil misting noted in the DVSA records should be visually inspected to determine if the leak is progressing or if it has left significant residue on the spring or surrounding chassis components. On the road, listen for any rhythmic knocking or thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this could indicate that the damping efficiency has diminished or that the internal seals have failed further. Additionally, monitor the vehicle for any unexpected bouncing or instability on the rear offside corner, which would suggest the shock absorber is no longer effectively controlling the suspension movement. Beyond the suspension, the lack of recorded defects in the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests that other major systems like braking, steering, and emissions have remained within acceptable limits. However, given the low annual mileage, it is prudent to check that all rubber components and seals throughout the engine bay and undercarriage do not show signs of cracking or brittleness. Ensuring the windscreen wiper assembly is fully functional is also advised, following the previous failure recorded in 2023, to confirm that the mechanism and blade have been adequately maintained since that time.