2014 Hyundai I10 1.2L Petrol · LD64 FSL

The most recent MOT, conducted on 6 November 2025, was passed, with only an advisory concerning the rear registration plate’s condition. Over the preceding five years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, the failures being driven by front‑off‑side tyre wear, a malfunctioning tyre‑pressure monitoring system and, in 2023, critically thin front brake pads and a scored front disc. While the latest test shows the car currently meets the legal standards, the pattern of recurring tyre and brake wear indicates that the underlying maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive, and the overall trend is only marginally improving after a period of deterioration. At 25 092 miles on a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 2 100 mi, which is exceptionally low for a twelve‑year‑old vehicle. Such limited use usually points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle driving, both of which can conceal age‑related degradation even when component wear appears minimal. Low mileage reduces the mechanical load on engine, transmission and suspension parts, but it also raises the risk of tyre dry‑rot, battery sulphation, rubber seal hardening and corrosion developing unnoticed during long storage intervals. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front tyres, especially the off‑side outer tyre that has been flagged repeatedly for being close to the legal tread limit. Examine the tread depth uniformly across the tread face and look for uneven wear that could signal mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or a sticking steering rack. Verify that the TPMS sensors are operational by checking that each wheel shows a stable pressure reading on the dashboard display; a dead sensor often indicates a dead battery in the sensor or a fault in the control unit. On a test drive, listen for any high‑pitched squeal or feel a soft, spongy pedal when applying the brakes – both are classic signs of worn pads or a disc that is excessively scored. If the pads are indeed below 1.5 mm, they will need immediate replacement together with a resurfaced or new disc, as further use risks reduced braking efficiency and increased stopping distances. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, also scrutinise items that deteriorate with time rather than use. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, bulges or chalky surface degradation; tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Test the 12 V battery with a load tester or have it checked at a garage, as prolonged inactivity often leads to reduced cranking power. Inspect the under‑body for any rust on the chassis, suspension mounting points and exhaust system, and look for signs of fluid leaks around the engine, gearbox and brake calipers. Confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, coolant flushes and brake‑fluid replacements – the latter should be refreshed at least every two years. Finally, ensure that the steering and suspension feel solid, with no clunking over bumps, which would indicate worn bushings or deteriorated coil‑spring mounts that can become problematic even on low‑mileage cars.