MOT debate. What should be included and how often?

[wuvvum]

It's fine as it is, but.....

 

New cars should need testing after a year,a majority of cars driving around with 1 headlight working is less than 3 years old.

 

Maybe that's because changing a headlight bulb is an engine-out job on most new cars?

 

I think the MoT isn't far off as it is now.  There are a few things that irritate me - like how a car with non-functional ABS is unsafe whereas an identical car not fitted with ABS is perfectly fine (ditto for airbags and various other warning lights which have recently become testable), and as already mentioned propshafts are not testable - so you can have a Mk3 Transit in with a completely fcuked prop which is going to snap in half at the first bump and potentially dig into the road and flip the van, yet in VOSA's eyes it's perfectly roadworthy, whereas the same van with a brand new prop and a stone chip in the windscreen is a deathtrap.  Other than that though, I don't think it's too unreasonable, and as Bo11ox says it's reasonable value for money too - especially at my local garage which only charges 35 quid.

[vulgalour]

I too am happy with the MoT as it stands and can't think of anything I would want to alter or improve on what currently exists.  I was surprised at how rubbish brakes and tyres are allowed to get and still pass.

[wackywacerwill]

As a tester, I would like to see the advice system tightened up on. If I advise tyre are close to legal limit, the presenter has it suggested to them that they visit any test station within 3 months of the issue of the certificate, to have the vehicle inspected, with a view to "removing the advice" if the work has been carried out. If no show within 6 months, then an appointment will be made for the presenter. If no show within 9 months, the vehicle will be seized and then inspected at the owner's cost, and will probably require repair prior to release back on the public highway. Again, at owner's cost. I would also like to see 3 and 6 month MOT certificates issued. A Reduced rate, and on a sliding scale, relative to the previous history.  e.g. if you have already had 2 three month tickets issued within 1 calendar year, the next one must be a full 12 month certificate. Obviously the test would be simplified for the short duration certificates to make this happen. In the case of one 3 monther. no corrosion check or seatbelts. In the next, no emissions or glazing/controls. That kind of thing. All will be controlled by the VOSA computer, so it can tell the tester what NOT to test, and what TO test.

I hear you, but...

 

Some advisory's can safely be left as such. I have a repeating one for panel damage for instance and many others to boot. Some of these advisory items seem to fix them selves by the next years test without be doing a thing about them, they are often replaced by other ones which I  will then ignore.

 

I'm happy enough with the system as is to be honest though do agree that all cars should be tested annually from new. 

[trigger]

I was just looking for a thread to post this in, this one will do, it's a feature from Autocar in 1963 about the then current MOT test.

 

 

 

[Conrad D. Conelrad]

14s + 1s for the certificate (in 1963) comes to about £14 in today's money.

 

Fourteen quid and a ten minute test! 

[Ratdat]

I think the test is fine. A little more education about older cars for testers would be good as it can be surprising how many are clueless about emissions, seatbelts and washers or the lack of on old vehicles. The only thing I would change is the three years grace on new cars. It should be reduced to two or done away with completely as modern cars can do huge mileages by their first test these days. 

[Split_Pin]

Happy as-is. My MOT tester is sympathetic to older cars and classics too so has a sensible interpretation of the rules.

 

Also as it's a thorough inspection, I now make a point of telling them to scrutinize the underside for even the smallest piece of corrosion and ask them to eradicate it as they go along.

[Cavcraft]

You should have to pre-book it in a month in advance and the testers should employ people to look out for people who drive in normal conditions with fog lights on.

Anyone caught should have their fog lights smashed to pieces, the switch on the dash burnt out and the offenders stripped naked, smeared in Pedigree Chum and left overnight in the pen with all three guard dogs who haven't been fed for two days.

[Bren]

I would like to see brake fluid concentration added, must be plenty of motors out there with brake fluid that's not been changed for ten years or more. After all it's supposed to be about safety, right?

I would like to able to see the contents and level of the reservoir through the plastic - if it's under a layer of filth how can you check the level? Wait for the warning light to come on?

 

We know nobody (apart from ourselves) really looks after their cars - look at eBay / gumtree etc and the number of cars with knackered motors etc where fluid levels have never been checked.

 

No wonder many people shit themselves at MOT time.

[hennabm]

Hendon Test Centre was owned by the Department and closed down in 1985.

 

Test started in 1960 for cars over 10 years old then fell to 7, then 5 before ending up at 3 years in 1967.

[explosive-cabbage]

take my car to my folks driveway to underseal it as it failed corrosion

 

Last time I checked, underseal was the safest* way to repair rust.

[fordperv]

^ usually preceded by a tin of hairy Mary by those who don't have a Hot metal glue gun