mechanics.tradeBrake pipes
Testers wrote brake pipes down 369,142 times during 2025, 24th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
369,142recorded in 2025
1.2%of all recorded defects
24thon the national list
What it is
The metal pipes carrying brake fluid to each wheel are checked for corrosion, damage and leaks. They run underneath the car, so they take the brunt of the road salt.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded | Major | 303,554 |
What you can do about it
Surface rust is normal and accepted; pitting that has eaten into the wall is not. A pipe can usually be made and fitted for a modest sum, and it is a job worth doing straight away.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 2,740,482 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.