Drivers are being urged to check their MOT certificates to see if their car needs to be urgently recalled, with new services allowing Britons to check more easily.
Posting on social media, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) urged motorists to ensure they are aware of new changes to its services.
It stated that drivers would now see any outstanding safety recalls for their vehicles on their MOT reminder when they receive their letters.
In the event that drivers do have to deal with a vehicle recall notice, the manufacturer of the impacted vehicle should inform the owner.
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Drivers can sign up for DVSA services to receive reminders about when their MOT tests expire
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This will include what the fault with the vehicle is, what they need to do next and who they should contact to find out more information.
Drivers are able to get reminders about their MOT tests either by text message or email when their vehicle check is due.
When someone signs up, they will receive a reminder one month before their car, van or motorcycle MOT is due, or two months for lorry, bus and large trailer owners.
However, motorists must be aware that the service cannot be used if they live in Northern Ireland. They will instead receive a reminder by post seven weeks before the MOT is due.
The DVSA website warns Britons that they could be slapped with a £1,000 fine if they drive a vehicle without a valid MOT.
While an MOT certificate will tell drivers if they have an outstanding vehicle recall, motorists can also check on the GOV.UK website.
Through this service, they can find out whether a manufacturer has recalled a vehicle, part or accessory because of a serious safety problem.
Britons can use the car registration number to check if it has been recalled, as well as see safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed and the car’s MOT history.
When a number plate is put in, the website shows whether there are recalls available. If the driver believes the recall information is wrong, they are advised to contact their local dealership.
When a driver has been sent a letter stating that their vehicle has been recalled, they will be instructed what to do and they will usually not need to pay for the repairs.
In many cases nowadays, a system or software issue can be fixed with an over-the-air update, meaning motorists do not need to bring their vehicles to their local dealerships.
According to data from the DVSA, a total of 695 recalls have been made so far this year, with this comprising of vehicles and vehicle equipment like tyres or child seats.
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Almost 700 recall notices have been submitted through the DVSA so far this year
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In comparison, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dealt with 1,000 recalls for vehicles, car seats, tyres, recreational vehicles and other equipment in 2023 alone.
This included almost 35 million vehicles being impacted, with the NHTSA highlighting how important it is for motorists to check for recalls.
