2019 Mercedes-Benz A 1.5L Diesel · AF69 UDW

The most recent DVSA MOT on 10 November 2025 was passed, but it carried the same advisory as the three previous years – both front tyres are worn close to the legal limit with edge wear on the inner and outer shoulders. The earlier failure recorded on 10 November 2022 for an ineffective nearside windscreen wiper appears to have been remedied, as subsequent tests have all passed. Overall the maintenance trend is mixed: the vehicle is now consistently passing, yet the persistent front‑tyre wear advisories indicate that a key area of wear has not been addressed and could be deteriorating if left unattended. At 43 636 miles the car has averaged roughly 6 200 miles per year over its seven‑year life, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. There are no obvious gaps or periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe short‑term abuse, so the wear on consumables is likely to be a function of normal, moderate use rather than extreme loading or high‑speed touring. This mileage level also means that many wear items – such as brake pads, clutch discs and suspension bushings – are approaching the point where they may need inspection or replacement, especially if the vehicle has spent any extended periods idle. The recurring front‑tyre advisory warrants immediate visual inspection of both front tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracks and any signs of delamination. Edge wear on both inner and outer shoulders often points to mis‑alignment, worn or damaged suspension bushings, or uneven tyre pressures, so a professional wheel‑alignment check and a review of the front suspension components (coil springs, shock absorbers, ball joints and control arm bushings) are advisable. On a test drive listen for any steering pull, vibration through the steering wheel, or clunking when negotiating bumps, as these symptoms can confirm underlying alignment or bush‑wear issues. Given the tread is near the legal minimum, budgeting for replacement tyres within the next few thousand miles is prudent to avoid a repeat MOT advisory or a potential safety hazard. Beyond the tyres, the vehicle’s age suggests a focus on time‑related items. Verify the health of the 12‑volt battery – a load test or checking for corrosion on terminals – as batteries over seven years often lose capacity, especially if the car has been stationary for periods. Inspect the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear; standing for long intervals can cause disc corrosion that leads to shudder or reduced braking efficiency. Examine all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) for colour change, sediment or low levels, and consider a full service if the last oil change exceeds 10 000 miles or 12 months. Finally, look for any signs of under‑car corrosion on the chassis, exhaust hangers and suspension mounts, and ensure the service book is stamped at regular intervals, as a well‑documented maintenance history adds confidence to the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness.