2010 Nissan Micra 1.2L Petrol · A27 LCM

Recurring issues with tyre degradation and intermittent oil leakage define the mechanical profile of this Nissan Micra, despite its most recent pass on 20 November 2025. While the 2024 failure regarding the supplementary restraint system warning lamp was resolved, the MOT history shows a persistent pattern of tyre advisories related to cracking, perishing, or wearing close to the legal limit, specifically affecting the offside rear and nearside front over several testing cycles. The presence of an oil leak advisory in 2023, followed by a recorded front oil leak in 2024, suggests a continuing requirement to monitor engine compartment cleanliness and seal integrity. The vehicle has covered 77,950 miles over its sixteen-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 4,872 miles. This relatively low mileage suggests the car has been used for short-distance trips rather than sustained motorway driving. Mechanically, such a usage pattern can often lead to more frequent tyre perishing due to age rather than tread wear, which aligns with the recorded advisories for cracking and perishing. It also means components like suspension bushes and seals may experience more frequent thermal cycling and less consistent lubrication compared to higher-mileage vehicles. During a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the engine area to assess the severity of the recorded oil leaks. Look for any active dripping or heavy oil misting around the front of the engine bay, and listen for any unusual tapping or rhythmic ticking sounds that could indicate oil pressure issues or seal failures. Although the SRS fault was cleared, a thorough check of the dashboard for any illuminated warning lights, particularly the airbag or seatbelt indicators, is essential to ensure the system is fully functional and that no intermittent electrical faults remain. Tyre condition and steering response require close scrutiny due to the repeated advisories for uneven wear and perishing. Check that the tyres do not show signs of sidewall cracking or unevenness that could lead to handling instability. On the road, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds from the suspension when driving over uneven surfaces, which could indicate that the low usage has led to the hardening of rubber components. Additionally, ensure the steering is straight and the vehicle does not pull to either side, which would help confirm that the recurring tyre wear issues are not linked to underlying geometry or alignment problems.