2021 Renault Megane 1.8L Petrol · KV21 EXJ

Tyre wear and a nascent wheel‑bearing issue dominate the mechanical narrative of this 2021 Renault Megane, with the latest MOT on 23 January 2026 confirming front brake pads approaching the minimum thickness, rear tyres already close to the legal limit and a near‑side rear bearing showing slight play. Earlier in October 2024 the front tyres were flagged as near‑limit, and the same bearing concern was recorded then, indicating a consistent pattern of tyre depletion and early bearing wear rather than any catastrophic failure. The vehicle has passed all three tests without a failure, but the accumulation of wear‑related advisories suggests that components critical to safety will require attention in the near term. With only 23 559 miles logged over roughly five years, the annual average sits at about 4 700 miles, well below the typical UK usage rate. Such low mileage often points to lighter use or periods of inactivity, which can mask wear on rubber components while still allowing mechanical parts such as bearings to develop play through age‑related fatigue. The MOT schedule shows regular annual testing with no significant gaps, confirming that the vehicle has been regularly inspected despite its modest mileage, and that the wear observed is not a product of high‑kilometre stress but rather of time‑related degradation. Prospective buyers should inspect the rear tyre tread carefully, confirming that the depth exceeds the 1.6 mm legal minimum and looking for uneven wear that could signal alignment or suspension issues. During a test drive, listen for a low‑frequency hum or growl from the rear left side that may intensify under cornering or when applying the brakes, which would corroborate the slight play noted on the bearing. Verify that the front brake pads still retain sufficient material by feeling for a firm, consistent pedal response and listening for any squeal that could indicate pad wear beyond the advisory threshold. The TPMS warning light should be investigated; ensure that all four tyres hold the recommended pressure and that the sensor system re‑activates correctly after any pressure adjustment. Given the current advisories, the front brake pads will likely need replacement within the next few thousand miles, and the rear tyre set should be budgeted for replacement soon to avoid a future failure. Monitoring the rear left wheel bearing for any increase in play or audible noise is prudent; if symptoms progress, a bearing replacement will be required. Finally, address the small windscreen chip to prevent potential propagation, and confirm that the TPMS sensor functionality is restored after tyre pressure correction, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and avoiding repeat advisories at the next MOT.