From the 1st of January 2012, VOSA, the governing body responsible for MOT testing, are introducing a number of additional MOT checks. These cover the complex electrical equipment now found in modern vehicles, aimed at enhancing vehicle safety.
The purpose of these changes is to assist with the implementation across Europe of EU Directive 2009/40/EU, which covers vehicle testing and calls for the above electrical equipment tests to become mandatory across the whole of Europe.
So what are the changes? Below is a list of some of the main changes that will occur. Please note however that this is not an exhaustive list.
· Seats. If a vehicle is fitted with electrically operated seats, the mechanism that allows the seat to be moved forward and backwards must be operational.
· Interior safety. If a vehicle is fitted with airbags, the vehicle could fail its MOT if the airbags have been deployed and/or are not in full working order. Seatbelt pre-tensioners, where fitted as original equipment, will also be a reason for MOT failure if missing, or if they have been obviously deployed. The same applies to seatbelt load limiters and the SRS light where the malfunction light is missing, not working, or indicating a fault.
· Lighting. These test requirements have been amended to take into account the use of HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps that are now fitted to many modern vehicles. As these lights can easily dazzle other road users if their aim is incorrect, it will be a requirement that any headlamp cleaning or levelling system must work. A car will fail its MOT if any of these systems is faulty, not working, or missing. Even vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID lamps are subject to this change in legislation. Any aftermarket product fitted to the front/rear lamps, indicators, stop lamps, registration number lamps or rear fog lamps which changes or reduces the light intensity or colour will also be a reason for failure.
· Warning lights. Where fitted, the new MOT test will also cover:
o Tyre pressure monitoring system,
o Air-bag warning system,
o Brake fluid monitoring system,
o Electric power steering monitoring system,
o Headlight main beam warning light,
o Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light,
o Electronic parking brake,
o Electronic stability control (ESC)
All of the above will now be checked, where fitted, to ensure correct and full working order.
· ESC. As mentioned above, where fitted, the electronic stability control system will also be tested along with anti-lock braking systems.
· Electronic Parking Brake. These are also checked and where fitted must also be in correct working order. Any modification to the system, or where the malfunction light is illuminated, could result in an MOT failure.
· Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems. Again, where fitted, these systems must be in correct working order. If a malfunction is indicated, this again could result in an MOT failure.
· LPG Leak Testing. For cars that are fitted with an LPG tank, the pressure, internal and external condition of the tank will be checked to ensure there is no gas leakage.
· Tow Bar Electrics Test. Testing of the new 13 Pin Tow Bar Trailer Electric Sockets will be mandatory. A socket tester is used to check the 13-pin electrical towing sockets that are fitted to vehicles with tow-bars. If the sockets are faulty, then secondary lights fitted to the trailer or caravan may not work correctly.
