You know that looking after your car keeps it running smoothly. It also keeps you and others safe. Brake says safe vehicles save lives, and they’re right. Many road accidents are linked to faults that regular care could have prevented.
When a worn tyre, faulty brake or missed service leads to a collision, the impact can be severe. Working out who is responsible can be confusing. If you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, knowing your rights and duties around vehicle care matters. With clear advice and the right support, you can make confident choices about safety and accountability.
How poor vehicle maintenance causes road accidents
When cars are not properly maintained, the risk of an accident rises sharply. Simple issues such as worn tyres, weak brakes or faulty lights can turn an ordinary journey into a dangerous situation.
According to data from the Department for Transport, mechanical failure is a contributing factor in hundreds of collisions every year in the UK. The message is clear. Preventive care keeps everyone safer on the road.
Poor maintenance affects how your car performs in several ways.
- Braking distance increases when pads or discs are worn.
- Steering and suspension faults make vehicles drift or react unpredictably.
- Tyre defects reduce grip and increase the chance of skidding or aquaplaning.
- Light failures make it harder for you to see and be seen at night or in poor weather.
Every one of these faults can cause a serious collision. A blown tyre at motorway speed or failed brake lines on a steep hill can be catastrophic. This why regular servicing, MOT and roadworthiness checks are essential.
Organisations like Brake and RoSPA remind drivers that safe vehicles save lives. Keeping your car in good condition protects not only you but everyone who shares the road.
Regular checks, prompt repairs and careful records are simple steps that could prevent tragedy and support you if you ever need to make vehicle maintenance accident claims.
Common maintenance failures that increase accident risk
Even small faults can lead to serious accidents if they are ignored. Understanding what to look for helps you stay safe and avoid problems with vehicle maintenance negligence. Here are the most common issues that contribute to collisions in the UK.
Tyres – worn tread and poor inflation
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touch the road. If they are worn, underinflated or damaged, you lose grip and control. In wet conditions, this can cause aquaplaning or blowouts.
Key points to check:
- Legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre.
- Keep tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Look for cracks, bulges or uneven wear that might signal a problem.
Many worn tyre accidents happen simply because these easy checks are missed.
Brakes – stopping safely when it matters
Faulty brakes are one of the most dangerous issues a driver can face. They affect how quickly you can stop and can be the difference between a near miss and a collision.
What to watch for:
- Grinding noises or a spongy pedal can mean your brake pads or fluid need attention.
- Brake warning lights should never be ignored.
- The MOT and roadworthiness test will fail a car with unsafe brakes.
If a faulty brakes accident occurs because maintenance was delayed, it could form the basis of a defective vehicle accident claim.
Lights and visibility systems
Seeing clearly and being seen by others is vital. Faulty lights and wipers can cause confusion and reduce reaction times.
Check regularly that:
- Headlights, brake lights and indicators all work properly.
- Windscreen wipers clear effectively and have enough washer fluid.
- Mirrors and windows are clean and free from cracks or chips.
Many road accidents in the UK involve drivers who simply could not see or be seen.
Steering and suspension
Problems with steering or suspension can make your car unstable and unpredictable. Misalignment or worn components often cause uneven tyre wear and difficulty keeping straight.
You should:
- Check for vibrations or pulling to one side.
- Listen for knocking sounds over bumps.
- Have your alignment checked after hitting a kerb or pothole.
Maintaining these systems improves car maintenance and safety overall. Staying alert to changes in how your car feels can prevent accidents and keep you in control.
The law on vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness
In the UK, every driver has a legal duty to keep their vehicle safe and roadworthy. This duty is part of the Highway Code and supported by the annual MOT and roadworthiness test.
An MOT checks essential safety features but only confirms that your car met the minimum standard on that day. Regular checks between MOTs are just as important.
Here is what the law expects from drivers and professionals:
Your responsibilities as a driver
- Keep your vehicle in a safe condition at all times
- Arrange repairs promptly when warning lights appear
- Replace worn tyres, pads or bulbs before they fail
- Keep service and maintenance records as proof of care
When things go wrong
- Driving an unsafe car can lead to criminal penalties and liability if an accident occurs
- Ignoring visible faults can result in contributory negligence, which might reduce compensation
- Accidents linked to poor upkeep are often classed as vehicle maintenance negligence
Responsibilities for garages and manufacturers
- Garages must complete repairs to a safe standard and warn you of serious faults
- If poor workmanship causes harm, you may have grounds for a garage liability road accident claim
- Manufacturers can be liable for vehicle defect injury claims if a part was faulty when sold
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we help people understand legal responsibility vehicle maintenance and who may be at fault after an accident.
Who is liable when poor maintenance causes an accident
When an accident happens because of poor vehicle upkeep, working out who is legally responsible can be complex. Liability depends on who had the duty to keep the vehicle safe and whether that duty was breached. Several parties could be involved.
The driver
- Drivers are legally responsible for keeping their cars safe to use on public roads.
- If they ignore warning signs or delay essential maintenance, they may be held liable.
- Failing to maintain a car properly can lead to vehicle maintenance negligence and reduce compensation under contributory negligence rules.
The garage or mechanic
- Garages have a professional duty of care to carry out repairs safely and correctly.
- If they overlook a clear fault or fit parts incorrectly, they could be responsible for a garage liability road accident.
- Keep all receipts and service reports, as these can be vital evidence if a claim is needed.
The manufacturer
- If an accident is caused by a design or production defect, the manufacturer may be liable for a defective vehicle accident claim.
- Recalls and safety notices should always be taken seriously. Ignoring them can put you at risk.
Can poor maintenance reduce or void a personal injury claim?
Yes, it can. If your own vehicle’s condition contributed to the crash or your injuries, your compensation could be reduced. This is known as contributory negligence. However, every case is different.
The solicitors at Injury Lawyers 4u understand how to assess complex liability cases. Our road traffic accident specialists can explain who may be at fault and what evidence is needed to make a strong vehicle maintenance accident claims case.
Preventive maintenance: what drivers should check
Good maintenance is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents and protect yourself from costly repairs or claims. Keeping your car in top condition supports safe driving and vehicle care and reduces the chance of a serious collision.
Use this simple checklist to stay road safe:
Tyres
- Check tread depth and pressure every few weeks.
- Replace tyres that are cracked, bulging or worn.
Lights
- Test all lights, including indicators, brake lights and headlights.
- Replace bulbs immediately if they fail.
Brakes
- Listen for grinding noises or a spongy pedal.
- Book an inspection if the car pulls to one side when braking.
Steering and suspension
- Watch for vibrations, knocking or drifting.
- Check alignment after hitting kerbs or potholes.
Visibility and mirrors
- Keep mirrors and windows clean.
- Replace worn wiper blades and top up washer fluid.
Fluids and warning lights
- Check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels regularly.
- Never ignore dashboard warning lights.
Drivers can also use the official MOT checklist from the DVSA as a guide to ongoing maintenance. Keeping a log of all checks and repairs is useful evidence if you ever need to make a claim for vehicle maintenance negligence or vehicle defect injury claims.
Technology and the future of vehicle safety
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced systems designed to prevent crashes and protect everyone on the road.
Features such as anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) all rely on regular servicing and accurate calibration. Without proper care, these systems can fail and increase the risk of an accident.
Future technology is taking car maintenance and safety even further.
- Predictive maintenance systems use sensors to spot faults before they become dangerous.
- Telematics monitor driving behaviour and vehicle health, helping drivers make safer choices.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles need specialist checks to keep high-voltage systems safe.
These innovations support the Safe System approach promoted by Brake and Vision Zero. They remind us that road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers, garages and manufacturers. By keeping technology well maintained, we help ensure that safe vehicles save lives — today and in the future.
Staying safe and knowing your rights
Safe, well maintained vehicles really do save lives. A few quick checks could stop a serious crash and protect you, your passengers and other road users. Keeping your car in good condition is not only part of safe driving and vehicle care but also a legal responsibility.
If you have been injured because someone failed to maintain their vehicle or a garage carried out poor repairs, you may be able to make vehicle maintenance accident claims. Knowing your rights and acting quickly can make a big difference to your recovery and your case.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, our experienced solicitors can guide you through the process with clear, compassionate advice.
If you have been injured because a poorly maintained vehicle caused an accident, contact Injury Lawyers 4u for a free, no obligation consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I service my car to stay roadworthy?
Most vehicles should be serviced at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular servicing helps spot worn parts and safety issues before they lead to a crash.
Always follow your manufacturer’s service schedule and keep records. These can support any vehicle maintenance accident claims or insurance reports later.
Can I claim compensation if a garage failed to fix a problem properly?
Yes, you can. If a garage’s poor workmanship or missed fault caused an accident,you may have grounds for a garage liability road accident claim. Garages have a duty of care to carry out repairs safely. A solicitor can help gather expert evidence to prove negligence.
Does passing an MOT guarantee my car is safe?
Not necessarily. The MOT confirms your car met minimum safety standards on the day of the test. It is not a full inspection. Parts can wear out between MOTs, so regular checks are vital for car maintenance and safety all year round.
Who pays if poor maintenance caused the crash?
Liability depends on who was responsible for the maintenance failure. A driver who ignored known faults may share some blame, but if a garage fitted faulty parts or made mistakes, they could be liable. Our team can assess the details and explain legal responsibility vehicle maintenance in plain English.
Can poor vehicle maintenance affect my personal injury claim?
Yes, it can. If your own vehicle’s condition contributed to the crash or made your injuries worse, your compensation could be reduced. This is called contributory negligence. Our solicitors can review your situation and give clear guidance on your options.
What are the most common maintenance issues that lead to accidents?
The main culprits are worn tyres, faulty brakes, broken lights and steering or suspension problems. These faults can cause loss of control, poor visibility and longer stopping distances.
Many worn tyres accident UK cases involve vehicles that failed basic safety checks, highlighting how regular inspections can prevent avoidable collisions.