Today there are some 20 changes to the MOT test over all classes of vehicle. Some items that have been advisory can now be considered a failure and must be repaired before we can issue a pass.
The items that affect most cars and vans are below;
- Headlamp levelling and cleaning devices when fitted for HID or LED headlamps
- Main beam ‘tell-tale’ warning
- Battery (including batteries for electric or hybrid vehicles)
- Electrical wiring and connectors
- Trailer electrical socket security and damage
- Operation of 13-pin trailer electrical sockets using an approved trailer socket tester
- Operation of the steering lock (where fitted) including a malfunction warning in respect of an electronic steering lock
- Electronic power steering malfunction indicator lamp
- Electronic parking brake control and malfunction indicator lamp
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) components, including the switch (if fitted) and malfunction warning
- Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated or inoperative
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
- SRS components including airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, seat belt load limiters and SRS malfunction warning lamp
- Engine mountings
- Speedometer
- Indirect vision devices (where they replace obligatory mirrors)
Most of the changes relate to advances in vehicle technology and as such will be identifiable by a warning light being displayed.
It’s important to note I feel that the items are important to safety and as conscientious drivers we should be having these things checked way before MOT test time. It may seem like a pesky light but if your power steering failed completely whilst negotiating a country road, it’s fair to say it could get messy!
For an explanation of why these changes have taken so long to come into full effect click here for a full explanation of how this may effect you in my trade insider opinion visit my MOT changes insider blog.