I’m an expert mechanic – silly mistake drivers’ make could see them fined £100

DRIVERS are making a crucial mistake when they fix their cars – and it could cost them thousands.

An expert mechanic has shared his top tip when it comes to checking your vehicle – don’t be caught out.

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In a video posted on TikTok, Macaulay Bignell warned motorists about a common error he sees at work.

He told followers: “The speedometre wasn’t working, but this didn’t actually have a fault.

“What it was, was the customer checked his fuses and didn’t put them back in the right place.

“If you’re not competent in checking your fuses or doing them one by one, take a photo of the fuse box so you know where they all go so you don’t make this mistake and you stop things working.”

He explained he had come across this issue during while working in several garages.

“They’ve diagnosed module faults when all it was was a customer playing around with the fuse box.

“It just shows you how it can catch you out, so be safe, and take pictures of the fuse box.

“Or take them out one by one.”

This warning should be taken seriously as drivers risk not knowing their speed if the speedometer is faulty.

If you’re caught speeding on the motorway the gov.uk website states you could be fined up to £2,500 if found guilty at court.

After being snapped on camera you’ll receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a Section 172 notice within two weeks.

This means you have to tell the police within 28 days who was driving the car.

Failure to do so may result in court action.

Once you’ve completed the Section 172, you will be sent a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a letter telling you to go to court.

If you were stopped by police at the time, they could give you a slap on the wrists with a verbal warning, or send you an FPN.

They may also instruct you to go to court.

If you accept you FPN and plead guilty, you will pay a £100 fine and have three points added to your licence.

You may also be offered a speed awareness course instead.

This is an option if it is considered appropriate for your offence and you haven’t been on one of these courses across the past three years.

However if you deny the FPN and are found guilty you’re at risk of being handed more points and a heftier fine.

There is a maximum penalty of £1,000 – and £2,500 if you were driving on a motorway.

This comes as other experts are sharing their advice on how to stay safe on the roads.

Including a female mechanic who warned parents of one live-saving feature to keep their children safe.

Another expert has shared the mistakes that will destroy your motor – don’t risk them.

Plus, a car guru who revealed the top three car repair scams and how to save you thousands.

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