2011 Vauxhall Astra 1.6L Petrol · DY61 TPU

The most recent MOT on 2025-08-22 recorded a pass with two key issues: the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and showed edge cracking, and there was a non-excessive oil leak. These findings align with recurring tyre wear and minor fluid leaks observed in earlier MOTs, suggesting ongoing maintenance needs. The 2024-08-01 MOT failure revealed more severe concerns, including a fractured offside rear coil spring, a fractured nearside front road wheel, and multiple tyres with cracking or perishing. These issues were not repeated in subsequent checks, implying they may have been repaired. However, the 2024-08-06 MOT (before the failure) already noted tyre damage and brake wear, indicating a pattern of gradual component degradation. Brake components show consistent attention: front brake discs were pitted or scored in 2024, and pads were wearing thin in the same period. These issues were not mentioned in the 2025 MOT, which may reflect repairs or temporary mitigation. However, the recurring tyre problems—cracking, perishing, and edge wear—suggest either insufficient maintenance or inherent susceptibility to wear, possibly due to alignment or suspension issues. The vehicle’s mileage of 103,552 miles over 15 years equates to roughly 6,900 miles annually, which is typical for its age. This suggests no extreme under-use or heavy usage, but the cumulative effect of average driving could still lead to wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and seals.