Changes to the MOT test

[Petewete]

Just incase anyones interested:

CHANGES TO THE MOT TEST



A new European Directive introduces a number of new items to be included in the mot test. These are mainly as a result of the increased number of electrical safety systems fitted to modern vehicles, but also to further standardise the inspection across Europe. These changes will affect cars, light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, buses and trailers.



The new test will be carried out on an advisory basis for the first three months. If any of the new requirements are found to be defective, the customers will be advised of the issues but the vehicle will not be failed.

It is important to note that not all the items are applicable to all vehicles and are dependant on the systems fitted to individual vehicles.

The main additional checks that will be introduced from 1 February 2012 are listed below:



1. Electronic safety and warning systems



· Headlamp main beam and Hazard Warning lamps, switch and tell-tales

· Electronic power steering and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

· Steering and brake fluid levels including warning lamps

· Electronic Parking Brake and Electronic Braking Systems malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

· Electronic stability control system including switch and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)

· Tyre Pressure Monitoring systems including warning lamps (Only applicable to cars first used after January 2012)

· Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS), including airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters





2. Vehicle construction and use



· High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, washing and levelling system

· An increase of brake efficiency for cars first used on or after 31 December 2011 from 50% to 58%.

· Steering, suspension, brake and transmission dust covers/gaiters

· Steering wheel locking mechanism

· Driver’s seat adjustment mechanism

· Tow-bar assembly

· Emission control systems including catalytic converter

· Illumination of speedometers





Additional Items for Goods Vehicles, Buses and Trailers (where applicable)



· Tyre sizes compliance with tachograph plague

· Additional braking devices e.g. brake retarders

· Load sensing valve data plate on certain vehicles

· Conspicuity (high visibility) markings on certain goods vehicles

· An increase of brake efficiency for drawbar trailers first used on or after 31 December 2011 from 45% to 50%)





Visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/MOT-changes for further information.

[CooperKiller]

Am I right in assuming that these rules are not retrospective?

[jaspabt]

I am going to assume this will make the MOT tests more expensive Another cost to foot in a couple of years!

[Bigfeet]

Am I right in assuming that these rules are not retrospective?

These rules will apply to ALL cars that are put forward for an MOT test when the new rules come into force.

[gar074]

Christ! I'd better get my SORN'd Barchetta MOT'd before February!