2011 Ford Mondeo 2.0L Petrol · AD61 VUS

A consistent thread through the MOT history is the prevalence of tyre‑wear advisories and recurring brake‑system observations, culminating in a 2023 advisory that the off‑side rear service brake was binding, albeit not excessively. The car has passed every test, but each year since 2017 at least one tyre has been flagged as close to the legal limit, and front brake discs and pads have been noted as worn or pitted, indicating that the braking and tyre wear cycles have been a recurrent focus rather than an isolated fault. At 157,667 mi recorded over roughly fifteen years the average annual accumulation sits near 10,500 mi, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOTs have been logged annually without significant gaps, suggesting the mileage figure reflects regular road use rather than long periods of storage. That mileage level places the vehicle well into the wear zone for consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs and suspension bushings, so components that have already attracted advisories are likely approaching the end of their service life. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the tyre tread across all four corners; look for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking or bulges that could point to alignment or suspension issues. On a drive, monitor the brake pedal for any softening, sponginess or a high‑pitched drag, especially when applying the rear brake, and listen for any grinding or squealing that may indicate further disc or pad deterioration. The 2016 advisory about a split rear upper trailing‑arm bush suggests the rear suspension may have developed play – feel for clunks or a noticeable shift in rear wheel alignment when negotiating bumps, and check that the rear wheels track straight without pulling. Given the pattern of tyre and brake advisories, budgeting for a full set of tyres, a front brake service (disc resurfacing or replacement and pad renewal) and a thorough inspection of the rear brake caliper or pipe for binding is prudent. Additionally, have the rear trailing‑arm bush examined and, if necessary, replaced to restore proper rear suspension geometry. Addressing these items should bring the vehicle back to a condition where the recurring MOT advisories are eliminated, providing a more reliable basis for continued road use.