2015 Renault Kadjar 1.5L Diesel · LB65 AAE

The vehicle presents a mixed roadworthiness profile characterized by recurring tyre and suspension wear issues that necessitated remedial work prior to the most recent test. While the 2026 January inspection returned a clean pass, the record reveals a deterioration pattern over the preceding 18 months, specifically involving the front and rear braking components and the lower suspension arms. The 2024 failure highlighted dangerous tyre tread depths and excessive wear on the offside front lower suspension arm bush, whereas the subsequent tests in 2025 and 2026 indicate these critical components have been replaced or repaired, resulting in a current roadworthy status. With 115,635 miles recorded on a 2015 registration, the annual mileage accumulation of approximately 10,500 miles falls within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and usage profile. This steady usage suggests consistent operation rather than a history of prolonged periods of inactivity, which would typically correlate with different types of mechanical degradation such as battery sulfation or seal hardening. The testing timeline shows a consistent annual check pattern, with no significant gaps in service that would suggest extended storage or heavy commercial usage. Given the history of suspension arm wear, a thorough inspection of the front lower suspension arms is required to ensure the replacement or repair work has been executed to a high standard. Pay close attention to the condition of the ball joint dust covers, which were noted as severely deteriorated in the 2025 test; if these are missing or torn, moisture ingress could accelerate corrosion of the ball joint itself, leading to play in the steering. On the test drive, listen for any knocking noises over speed bumps or during cornering, which would indicate worn suspension bushes or joints, and check for any abnormal steering pull that might suggest an imbalance in the front suspension geometry. Regarding the braking system, the advisories for worn and pitted brake discs in the 2025 test indicate the friction surfaces are approaching the end of their service life. Inspect the discs for deep scoring or excessive run-out, which can cause brake judder or vibration through the pedal, and verify that the rear brake calipers are not binding, as this would accelerate rear disc wear. Although the current tyres passed the 2026 test, the history of rapid tread loss suggests a need for close monitoring of tyre pressures and alignment, as under-inflation or incorrect tracking is a common cause of the edge-wear patterns previously observed.