NEW MOT rules mean you can now fail for having damaged wheels, but an Isle of Wight company has stepped in to help.

CNC Coatings, the wheel repair division of Bump Express in Lake, has invested in the latest high-tech wheel straightening system.

The business believes it is the first time this service has been available to motorists on the Island.

During 2018, more than one million cars driving on UK roads failed MOT tests due to defects that are now seen as dangerous under new, more stringent MOT rules introduced in May, according to the governments Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Under new MOT rules, defects are categorised as either: dangerous, major or minor, and a vehicle will fail if it has a dangerous or major fault. Under the old MOT a vehicle either passed, passed with advisory faults or failed.

Examples of the defects include leaking hydraulic fluid, brake problems, and damaged wheels. In the case of wheels, damage can be caused by striking high kerbs and deep potholes or careless driving, where the wheel may become distorted, bent, buckled or flat spotted.

Although this has serious consequences and can result in MOT failure, it might not be detected by the driver, as often the only warning signs may be a slow tyre air leak or vibration through the steering wheel.

Until now this would normally mean having to buy a new and often expensive replacement wheel or the time, expense and inconvenience of sending wheels to the mainland for repair.

However, CNC Coatings at Bump Express now uses hydraulic pressure to ease out wheel damage. It is a service that compliments the existing alloy wheel repair and diamond cut wheel re-engineering services the business offers.

John Nightingale, director, said: "With this investment, we are able to offer a low cost, express service that provides a real alternative for the Island's motorists, garages and motor trade."