MOT TESTING

 

Once a year, vehicles over 3 years of age must undergo an MOT test at an authorised MOT test station, this ensures that all vehicles comply with important motoring legal and environmental requirements. At Independent Renault Services we arrange for your MOT test to be carried out independently so you can be assured of an impartial test. Elements of the test include the following:

 

• Brakes

• Lights

• Steering / suspension

• Exhaust emissions

• Fuel system

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On 20th May 2018 the way that MOT tests work in England, Scotland and Wales changed.

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The changes affect cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles. There are 5 main changes you need to know:

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1. Defects are categorised differently

Defects found during the MOT are categorised as either:

• dangerous - do not drive the vehicle until repaired

• major - repair immediately

• minor - repair as soon as possible

The category the MOT tester gives each item will depend on the type of problem and how serious it is. MOT testers will still give advice about item your need to monitor. 'These are known as advisories'.

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2. Stricter rules for diesel car emissions

There are stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

A DPF captures and stores exhaust soot to reduce emissions from diesel cars.

Check your car’s handbook if you don’t know if your car has a DPF.

Your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester:

• can see smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust

• finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with

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3. Some new things are included in the MOT

They include checking:

• if tyres are obviously underinflated

• if the brake fluid has been contaminated

• for fluid leaks posing an environmental risk

• brake pad warning lights and if brake pads or discs are missing

• reversing lights on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009

• headlight washers on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009 (if they have them)

• daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018 (most of these vehicles will have their first MOT in 2021 when they’re 3 years old)

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4. The MOT certificate has changed

The design of the MOT certificate has changed.

It lists any defects under the new categories, so they’re clear and easy to understand.

The service to check the MOT history of a vehicle has been updated to reflect the changes.

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5. Some vehicles over 40 years old don't need an MOT

Cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles won’t need to have an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not been substantially changed.

Until now, only vehicles first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT.

Now the rules have changed, vehicles won’t need an MOT from the 40th anniversary of when they were registered or manufactured. You can check the date the vehicle was registered online.

 

You won’t have to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle.

However, each time you tax your historic vehicle (even if you don’t pay a fee), you’ll have to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.

 

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The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency regulate the MOT programme, for more information you can visit the Government website.

 

 

 

 

Should your vehicle require repair we will assess the work required and give you a quote for the cost of repairs. We will not carry out any repairs without your consent to do so. Once repairs have been carried out we will then arrange for the MOT re-test to be carried out. If the vehicle is re-tested within 10 working days there is no further MOT cost. PLEASE NOTE! If your vehicle is classifed as dangerous, it is illegal to drive the vehicle until the required repairs have been carried out regardless of if you have had the car MOT'd prior to it's expiry date.

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Your car can be MOT tested 1 month, less 1 day before it's expiry date. Example -  If your MOT expires on the 5th June  you can get it tested from as early as 6th May, your new expiry date will still be 5th June the following year, you effectively have a 13 month MOT. You will not lose 1 months MOT if you have it tested early. 

 

If you're unsure when your vehicle is due for its MOT test you can find out on the Government website.

 

 

 

 

If you have any further questions please call us on 01788 541221. Let us take the hassle of the yearly MOT away from you.