My mk1 was in for it's MOT yesterday and it failed on...

[XitUp]

NOTHING!

This is the first time I've had a car pass an MOT without needing some work.

All I've done since buying it in the summer is have it serviced and had a new water pump and cam belt fitted.

I was shocked.

[covmutley]

I was thinking handbrake.

[XitUp]

Nah, it's not been that icy here yet so I've not been over using it.

[Mx5guy]

How do you mean overusing the handbrake when it's icy? Here in Norway most people don't use the handbrake and leave the car in gear when parked, because of it sticking when freezing (although temperatures go down to -25C where I am). Or do you just mean that you don't use the car much when it's icy and so the handbrake stays on for longer and so sticks?

[JamesHayward]

Or he could mean drifting.... looking at the choice of previous cars I'd say that's a safe bet. Good on ya lad, private roads of course

[snotrag]

I never leave the handbrake on tight when car is parked flat, it's always in gear. Handbrake is used in winter more as a diff lock and the occasional parking manoeuvre!

[anonymous-user]

last time I used my handbrake the pads stuck to the disc and it took 10 minutes of bouncing back and forth before they came unstuck (with a large bang). Just leave it in gear now.

[MX-5 Lazza]

JimSuperSix said:

last time I used my handbrake the pads stuck to the disc and it took 10 minutes of bouncing back and forth before they came unstuck (with a large bang). Just leave it in gear now.

You probably need to sort your rear brakes out then. The handbrake on an MX5 is no better or worse than on any other car as long as it's all working properly i.e. nothing is seized and the pads are in good condition.

[Monumental]

Mine sailed through the MOT today, which is always a relief on a 17 year old car.

He did point out that the lower bushes on the front Bilsteins are quite distorted so I'm adding that to my list of reasons to justify new suspension...

[Richyvrlimited]

JimSuperSix said:

last time I used my handbrake the pads stuck to the disc and it took 10 minutes of bouncing back and forth before they came unstuck (with a large bang). Just leave it in gear now.

Sounds like chronic underuse to me.

Use mine everyday from parking to waiting at red lights - sitting there with your foot on the brakes blinds drivers behind you, poor form IMO.

Fix the handbrake and use it regularly and it'll be fine.

There's no reason to not use the handbrake when the car is stationary unless you poorly maintain your car and are no longer able to.

[XitUp]

JamesHayward said:

Or he could mean drifting.... looking at the choice of previous cars I'd say that's a safe bet. Good on ya lad, private roads of course

Ahem, I'm offended that you would imply I take part in such silly activities!
I prefer to think of it as under-steer correction, not ttting about.

[craikeybaby]

Mine did that last year, the mechanic and all the lads in the office were shocked!

It was a different story this year though

[trackerjack]

I expect my wifes MX5 to pass or I am in trouble.............BIG trouble LOL.
I only expect my boring Mundeo to fail this year err next year.