MOT Info

[Nex 17]

I know this is prob old news to some/most of you but if someone doesn’t know it might be useful

At the start of 2012 VOSA (Vehicle & Operator Services Agency) implemented some major key changes to the MOT test that could effect us ALL.

So if you've been ignoring those warning lights or dodgy speedos then heres some helpful keypoints that could save you some money.

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Steering & suspension,

The new test includes a check on the presence and correct function of the steering lock where fitted as standard.

Missing, or split/damaged dust covers on steering and suspension ball-joints will result in failure if they will allow dirt to enter the joint.

Power steering fluid level must be above the minimum level indicated on the reservoir.

Warning lights,

As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (where fitted) the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of Headlight, Electronic power steering, Brake fluid level, Air bag & Seat belt pre-tensioner warning lights.

Lighting,

Products that obviously reduce the light's intensity or change its colour will become a reason for failure – applies to front/rear position lamps, registration plate lamps, stop lamps, rear fog and direction indicators,

Headlight requirements are updated to take account of the particular characteristics of High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps and headlamp levelling or cleaning devices.

If a headlamp bulb is not seated correctly the resulting beam pattern will be indistinct and this will result in a test fail.

Electrical wiring and battery,

An insecure battery will be a reason for failure as will a battery that is leaking electrolyte.

Visible wiring that is insecure, inadequately supported or likely to cause a short will also result in a failure as will wires bared by damaged insulation.

Trailer/caravan electrical socket

There will be a basic security/damage check of 7-pin sockets, and 13-pins a full electrical connectivity check and incorrectly connected or inoperative circuits will result in failure.

Tyres,

Tyre pressure monitoring systems fitted to vehicles first registered after 1 January 2012 must be working correctly and not indicating a malfunction.

Supplementary restraints,

The vehicle will fail the test if any airbag fitted as original equipment is obviously missing or defective as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Speedometer,

The car will fail if a speedometer is not fitted, is incomplete, inoperative, has a dial glass broken/missing or cannot be illuminated.

Seats,

It must be possible to secure the driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism in two or three different positions. On electric seats the motors must move the seat fore and aft.

Doors,

A rear door that cannot be opened from the outside using the relevant control is a new reason for failure.

Doors must be easy to open and close – hinges, catches and pillars will be inspected.

Towbars,

Inappropriate repair or modification to the towbar assembly will be a reason for failure if judged likely to affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle/trailer.

Exhaust,

A catalytic convertor fitted as original equipment but missing will be a reason for failure.

Fuel system,

Damaged or chafed fuel pipes will result in failure.

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We hope this information taken from "theaa.com" will stop you from being caught out.

VOSA, the government agency responsible for the MOT, has indicated that 'failures' relating to the new test items will be treated as 'advisories' in the first three months. This means that if you have any of the following problems with your car you've got until the first MOT renewal date after 1 April 2012 to get it fixed.