20 May 2018 saw the introduction of tough new changes to the MOT test in the UK which will mostly affect older diesel cars. This guide explains everything you need to know about the test so you can be informed before you take your car to the garage and hopefully avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Diesel changes
One of the main changes is much harder tests for diesel cars in response to a recent EU directive aiming to reduce fuel emissions. Cars which have a diesel particulate filter will now automatically fail the test if there is visible coloured smoke emerging from the exhaust pipe or if the DPF has been removed or altered in any way. The new smoke meters have been designed to be capable of detecting the tiniest amounts of soot to comply with the new regulations.
Older cars have sometimes had their DPFs removed in an attempt to improve fuel economy but doing so is illegal as harmful pollutants are released straight into the air. Owners who have deliberately removed their vehicle's DPF could be made to scrap their car and face a fine of £1000. Classic cars or older vehicles produced before 31 May 1978 and made before the introduction of built-in DPFs will not be subject to this new test or indeed subject to an MOT at all! According to one RAC spokesman, this is because such old models are generally well-maintained by their owners and are, therefore, not 'believed to be a road risk'.
Further AdBlue checks
In addition to the stringent new DPF tests, the new MOT will also involve new texts on AdBlue or the diesel exhaust systems (DEF), which convert nitrous oxides gases into a safe combination of nitrogen and water.
New defect categories
All cars undergoing the new MOT test will now have their faults classed as 'Minor', 'Major', and 'Dangerous'. This is because of another new EU directive - the EU Roadworthiness Package. Any defects judged to be 'Major' or 'Dangerous' will result in an automatic fail. Minor faults will not result in a failure but the test results will clearly show that the car passed the test with defects and the owner of the vehicle will be expected to get them fixed in a timely manner. The test certificate has been redesigned so that these cautions are displayed in a more prominent manner.
Other new checks
New tests on brake pads and discs, bumpers, daytime running lights, and prop shafts have also been introduced. Some of these might come as a bit of a surprise to motorists who may well have assumed that something as important to road safety as brake pads and discs would always have been included in the MOT but this wasn't the case.
Gareth Llewellyn, the chief executive of the DVSA, urges all car owners to make themselves familiar with the new MOT rules to reduce the likelihood of their car failing its MOT and to carry out simple checks throughout the year to be safe and responsible vehicle owners. The new MOT might result in some older cars failing but this will ultimately lead to safer driving conditions for everyone to enjoy.
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