Hi, initially I was told my car (Nissan Qashqui) had failed its MOT due front brake pads, but then also advised that brake discs were below min spec and need to be replaced. I asked was this MOT spec or manufactures spec. They advised it was manufacturers spec, I asked if not MOT spec can I just get pads done (yes I know there are circumstances why you should do both at the same time but humour me for a moment) i.e. will it still pass MOT. First I was advised yes, so I said for the time being just do brakes, but then I was advised no. So I went ahead and got both done.
When I got the MOT cert it had the discs down as “advisory†. When I raised the issue again the written response was.
• The MOT failed on the pads been worn.
• The Centre then Carried out a brake inspection and found the brake discs to be below Manufactures recommendations.
• Minimum specifications are 24mm for this braking system.
• One side of the vehicle was at 22.89 and the other reading 23.40 so both brake discs were below the required limit hence why the discs needed changing.
In a telephone conversation I was told they would not have checked the discs had they not had to take the wheels off to replace the brake pads. To me this means that you could have below spec discs but ok pads and no one would be any of the wiser.
The questions I have are
1. Did I need to get disc replaced to pass MOT.
2. How can something be advisory yet effectively still fail the vehicle
3. Am I missing anything ?
Also if the brakes are tested using a guage does it matter what the spec is as long as the pads have the minimum required and the gauge show brakes meet the standard required ?
I have asked for a copy of the MOT regulations as I assume this will be written down somewhere official, but as yet it is not forth coming
I should add that the centre in question is Kwik Fit which always seems to mention disc spec (so assume this is a selling strategy), though haven’t always needed to get discs replaced, hence my suspicion.
Finally from this website “A brake disc or drum will only fail if it is significantly worn. Being worn below the manufacturer’s recommended limits isn’t a reason in itselfâ€
There just seems to be so many contradiction here, so any help would be appreciated
Cheers
