17/05/2012
Imagine the relief of your car passing its annual MOT test, only for that relief to be immediately shattered by a persistent, loud clanking noise emanating from the suspension. It’s a baffling and frankly, alarming situation that raises serious questions about the validity of the inspection. The fundamental purpose of the MOT is to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. A car emitting a loud clanking noise, especially one indicative of failing suspension components like springs, should unequivocally not have been issued a pass certificate. This scenario points to a significant oversight, or worse, a negligent inspection that jeopardises not only your safety but that of other road users.
The very nature of a 'clanking' sound suggests a metal-on-metal contact, often a tell-tale sign of a broken or severely compromised component. In the context of springs, this could mean a fracture, a displaced coil, or a severely weakened structure no longer capable of performing its crucial dampening role. Even if the springs weren't visibly broken at the precise moment of the MOT test, the presence of such a distinct and loud noise strongly implies severe weakening or imminent fracture. A competent MOT tester should have identified this audible symptom as a serious defect requiring immediate attention, leading to a 'dangerous' or 'major' fault classification and, consequently, an MOT failure.
Understanding the MOT Test and Suspension Checks
The MOT test is a comprehensive annual inspection designed to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. It covers a wide range of components, from lights and tyres to brakes and steering. Crucially, the suspension system is a key area of examination. Testers are trained to identify defects in springs, shock absorbers, wishbones, ball joints, and bushes. The integrity of these components is vital for vehicle stability, handling, and overall safety.
When it comes to springs, testers look for:
- Fractures or cracks in the spring coil.
- Corrosion that has significantly weakened the spring material.
- Deformation or sagging that indicates a loss of spring integrity.
- Incorrect fitment or missing components.
A loud clanking noise would immediately draw attention to the suspension. It's not a subtle issue; it's an audible warning that something is fundamentally wrong. A broken or severely weakened spring directly impacts the vehicle's ability to absorb road imperfections, maintain tyre contact with the road, and control body roll. This can lead to unpredictable handling, increased stopping distances, and a heightened risk of losing control, particularly at speed or during emergency manoeuvres. Therefore, for a vehicle exhibiting such clear symptoms to pass an MOT is not just surprising, it's a serious breach of testing standards.
The Gravity of Broken or Weakened Springs
Springs are integral to a car's suspension system, working in conjunction with shock absorbers to support the vehicle's weight, absorb bumps, and maintain tyre contact with the road. When a spring is broken or severely weakened, its ability to perform these functions is severely compromised. This can lead to:
- Reduced Handling and Stability: The car may lean excessively in corners, feel unstable, or 'bottom out' over bumps.
- Increased Braking Distances: Uneven weight distribution can affect braking efficiency.
- Tyre Wear: Uneven pressure on the tyres can lead to premature and irregular wear.
- Damage to Other Components: The increased stress on other suspension parts, like shock absorbers and ball joints, can lead to their premature failure.
- Safety Risk: The most critical aspect. A sudden spring failure, especially at speed, could lead to loss of vehicle control.
Given these risks, a clanking noise from the suspension, strongly indicative of a spring issue, should absolutely trigger an MOT failure. The DVSA's MOT inspection manual clearly outlines criteria for suspension defects that constitute a major or dangerous fault. A fractured spring is explicitly listed as a major defect, and if it poses an immediate risk of injury, it becomes a dangerous defect. The noise alone, even without a visible fracture at the time, should prompt a thorough investigation by the tester, leading to a failure.
Taking Action: Your Rights and Recourse
If your car has passed its MOT with a clear and concerning fault like a loud clanking from the springs, you have a right to challenge this. Dan Powell's advice is spot on:
- Complain to the Service Manager of the Dealer/Garage: This should always be your first port of call. Approach them calmly but firmly, explaining the situation. Detail when the noise started (if it was before the MOT), when the MOT was conducted, and the nature of the noise. Be prepared with any documentation you have, such as the MOT certificate and service records. Highlight that a car with such an audible fault should not have passed. They may offer to re-inspect the vehicle or rectify the issue. It's in their interest to maintain customer satisfaction and their reputation.
- Escalate to the DVSA: If the dealer or garage does not take your complaint seriously, or if they refuse to acknowledge the issue, the next step is to involve the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The DVSA is responsible for overseeing MOT testing standards.
The DVSA Complaint Process
The DVSA has a formal complaints procedure for challenging an MOT test result. This is officially known as an 'appeal'. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
1. Do Not Drive the Vehicle (If Possible): If you believe the car is dangerous, do not drive it. Driving a vehicle you know to be unsafe is illegal and risky. If the DVSA needs to inspect it, they will usually arrange for it to be transported safely.
2. Do Not Have Repairs Done: It is crucial that you do not have any repairs carried out on the vehicle before the DVSA has had a chance to inspect it. If repairs are made, they cannot verify the original fault, and your appeal will likely be unsuccessful.
3. Contact the DVSA Within the Time Limit: You must contact the DVSA within a specific timeframe from the date of the MOT test. For a passed MOT that you believe should have failed, you generally have 3 months to make a complaint. However, for a 'dangerous' fault (which a broken spring causing a loud clank could easily be classified as), it's advisable to act immediately.
4. How to Contact the DVSA: You can contact them via their online complaint form or by phone. You will need your vehicle registration number, the MOT test certificate number, and details of the MOT test station. Clearly explain why you believe the car should have failed, specifically mentioning the loud clanking noise and suspected spring issues.
5. The DVSA Re-examination: If the DVSA decides to investigate, they will arrange for a Vehicle Examiner to re-examine your car at an approved MOT test station. You will usually have to pay a re-examination fee, which is the same amount as a standard MOT test. However, if your complaint is upheld and the DVSA finds that the MOT station was at fault, this fee will be refunded.
6. Outcome of the Re-examination: Based on their re-examination, the DVSA will issue an appeal report. If they find that the vehicle was incorrectly passed, they will take action against the MOT test station. This can range from issuing warnings to suspending or even revoking the station's ability to conduct MOT tests. You will then have a valid reason to request the original garage to rectify the fault at their expense.
Consumer Rights and the Sale of Goods Act
Beyond the MOT itself, if you purchased the vehicle recently from a dealer, your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 are also relevant. Goods (including vehicles) must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. A car that passes an MOT but immediately exhibits a severe safety-critical fault like a clanking suspension could be argued as not being of satisfactory quality at the point of sale. This gives you additional leverage when dealing with the dealer, potentially allowing you to seek repair, replacement, or a refund depending on how long you've had the vehicle.
Common Suspension Noises and Their Meanings
Understanding different suspension noises can help you articulate the problem more effectively. Here's a brief guide:
| Noise Type | Likely Cause(s) | Severity (MOT context) |
|---|---|---|
| Loud Clanking | Broken coil spring, loose anti-roll bar link, worn shock absorber mounts, loose brake calliper. | High - Often an immediate MOT failure. |
| Squeaking/Creaking | Worn bushes (e.g., control arm, anti-roll bar), dry ball joints, worn shock absorbers. | Medium - Can be advisory or minor/major fault depending on wear. |
| Thumping/Knocking | Worn shock absorbers, loose suspension components, worn top mounts, ball joint play. | Medium to High - Can be advisory to major fault. |
| Groaning/Moaning | Worn steering rack bushes, strut bearing issues. | Medium - Can be advisory or minor fault. |
For a 'loud clanking' noise, especially one that persists, the likelihood of a major suspension fault is extremely high. This is precisely the kind of defect the MOT test is designed to catch and prevent from being on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can a car pass an MOT with a broken spring?
A: No, absolutely not. A broken or fractured road spring is explicitly listed as a 'major defect' in the MOT inspection manual. If it poses an immediate risk of injury, it becomes a 'dangerous defect'. In either case, it should result in an MOT failure. The presence of a loud clanking noise strongly indicates such an issue.
Q: What should I do if my car makes a clanking noise after passing its MOT?
A: First, safely stop driving the car if the noise is severe, as it indicates a serious safety issue. Immediately contact the garage or dealer that conducted the MOT test. If they don't resolve the issue satisfactorily, escalate your complaint to the DVSA for a re-examination of the vehicle. Do not have any repairs done before the DVSA has had a chance to inspect it.
Q: How long do I have to complain to the DVSA about an MOT?
A: For a passed MOT that you believe should have failed, you generally have up to 3 months from the date of the test to complain to the DVSA. However, if the fault is dangerous, you should contact them immediately.
Q: Will the DVSA charge me for a re-examination?
A: Yes, you will typically have to pay a re-examination fee, which is the same as the standard MOT test fee. However, if the DVSA upholds your complaint and finds that the MOT station was at fault, this fee will be refunded to you.
Q: Is it safe to drive a car with a clanking suspension?
A: No, it is generally not safe. A clanking noise, especially from the suspension, often indicates a critical fault like a broken spring or worn component that severely compromises the vehicle's handling, stability, and braking ability. Driving such a vehicle puts you and others at significant risk.
Conclusion
The scenario of a car passing an MOT despite a loud, clanking noise from its suspension is deeply concerning. It undermines the very purpose of the MOT test and puts road users at risk. As Dan Powell rightly advises, immediate action is necessary. Start by addressing the issue with the service manager of the dealer or garage that performed the test. If a satisfactory resolution isn't offered, do not hesitate to involve the DVSA. Their role is to ensure the integrity of the MOT scheme, and your complaint can help prevent future similar oversights. Remember, your safety on the road is paramount, and a vehicle with compromised suspension is inherently unsafe. Pursue your rights diligently to ensure your car is truly roadworthy.
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