2017 Ford Kuga 1.5L Petrol · VO67 EPZ

Repeated instances of tyre perishing across multiple consecutive annual examinations define the ongoing maintenance narrative for this 2017 Ford Kuga, which successfully secured another MOT pass on August 12, 2026. While the overall test history shows no structural failures aside from a minor screen wash adjustment in August 2023, the recurring advisories noted for rubber degradation point to a consistent environmental factor affecting the vehicle. Specifically, the August 2025 inspection flagged perishing on both front tyres, followed by the latest 2026 test highlighting similar surface cracking on the nearside front and nearside rear tyres. This pattern indicates that the rubber components are aging faster from environmental exposure than from tread wear caused by heavy road use. With only 10,109 miles recorded by the time of its August 2026 test, this nine-year-old sports utility vehicle has averaged roughly 1,123 miles annually, confirming a very low-usage profile. Testing frequency has remained uninterrupted every summer since 2020, ruling out prolonged multi-year storage periods, yet the exceptionally light mileage accumulation means the vehicle has spent long stretches parked. Mechanically, such minimal annual usage places different demands on a vehicle compared to consistent daily commuting. Components that rely on regular movement and fluid circulation, such as brake calipers, suspension bushes, and auxiliary belts, can experience accelerated surface degradation or stiction when left stationary for extended periods. During your physical inspection and test drive, direct your primary attention to the tyres flagged in the recent MOT certificates. Inspect the sidewalls closely for deep cracking, perishing, or hardening of the rubber compound, and be prepared to budget for immediate replacements regardless of remaining tread depth if the perishing compromises structural integrity. Because the low mileage suggests the vehicle may have sat idle for weeks at a time, listen carefully for any initial brake binding, scraping sounds, or steering vibrations that could indicate corrosion accumulation on the brake discs or flat spots on the tyres. Further evaluation on the road should focus on the suspension and steering response to ensure that years of light use have not caused premature stiffening or perishing in the rubber mounting bushes and drop links. Drive over varied road surfaces while listening for any unwanted knocks, creaks, or unusual clunks from the front and rear axles. Check that the steering centres accurately and that the brakes pull straight with zero judder through the pedal. Finally, verify all routine electrical functions, fluid levels, and auxiliary controls during the test drive to ensure everything operates correctly given the vehicle's gentle life cycle.