2012 Audi A5 1.8L Petrol · AX12 BVM

Brake pad wear and front‑tyre edge wear dominate the MOT record, signalling that the principal consumables are approaching the end of their service life. The latest test on 3 August 2026 recorded a pass but flagged rear brake pads as thin and both front tyres as close to the legal limit, echoing a similar tyre advisory from 2020 and a front‑brake pad advisory from 2024. Apart from these recurring advisories the vehicle has otherwise cleared every MOT without failures, indicating a generally stable roadworthiness profile aside from the expected wear items. With 42,486 mi logged over fourteen years the average annual accumulation is roughly 3,000 mi, well below the typical UK usage rate for a vehicle of this age. The consistent yearly MOTs suggest the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods, yet the low mileage also means many drivetrain and suspension components will have experienced relatively little cumulative stress. Consequently, while major wear on engine or transmission parts is unlikely, age‑related degradation of rubber seals, bushings and electronic connectors should still be inspected. The brake advisories merit immediate attention. Verify the actual pad thickness on both front and rear assemblies and inspect the discs for scoring or glazing; any pulsation in the pedal, squealing on light application or a spongy feel could indicate worn pads or contaminated surfaces. Given the rear pads were flagged as thin in the latest test, budgeting for a complete pad set replacement, and possibly disc resurfacing, would be prudent before the next MOT. Front tyre wear on the edge points to both tread depletion and a potential alignment or suspension issue. Measure tread depth across the width of each front tyre to confirm they remain above the 1.6 mm legal minimum, and look for uneven wear patterns that might reveal mis‑alignment, worn front‑end bushes or damaged steering components. Also examine the sidewalls for cracks or dry‑rot, common in older tyres even with low mileage. If the tyres are close to replacement, a tyre rotation and alignment check should be performed concurrently to maximise the life of the new set and to ensure balanced handling.