Petrol Cars & MOT Test Changes

Understanding MOT Test Changes for Petrol Vehicles

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) periodically updates the MOT test regulations to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained. Many motorists owning petrol-powered vehicles often wonder if these changes specifically exempt them. The short answer is no, petrol cars are not exempt from the majority of MOT test changes. While the core principles of testing remain, specific areas might be introduced or modified that could affect petrol vehicles, just as they might affect diesel or other fuel types. It's crucial to stay informed about these updates to ensure your vehicle continues to pass its annual inspection.

Key Areas of the MOT Test Affecting Petrol Cars

The MOT test is designed to assess a vehicle's roadworthiness. For petrol cars, several key components are scrutinised. These include, but are not limited to:

• Emissions: While diesel vehicles are often the focus of emissions testing, petrol cars also have stringent emission limits. Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and exhaust systems are all checked for efficiency and integrity. Changes in emission standards or testing methodologies can directly impact petrol vehicles.
• Brakes: The braking system is paramount for safety. Tests cover brake fluid condition, brake pad and disc wear, brake pipes, and the overall effectiveness of the braking system.
• Tyres: Tyre condition, including tread depth (the legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread), pressure, and any visible damage or bulges, is a critical component.
• Lights: All lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators, must be in working order and correctly aimed.
• Steering and Suspension: Components like shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, and steering rack are inspected for wear and tear, which can affect handling and stability.
• Visibility: The condition of the windscreen, wipers, and washers is checked to ensure clear visibility for the driver.
• Bodywork and Chassis: Significant corrosion or damage to the bodywork or chassis that could compromise structural integrity will result in a failure.
• Engine and Drivetrain: While the engine's internal combustion is not directly tested in terms of performance, leaks, mounts, and the general state of the drivetrain are examined.

Recent and Potential MOT Test Changes

The DVSA has introduced several significant changes to the MOT test in recent years. While not all of them are exclusive to petrol cars, they do affect them. Understanding these can help owners prepare:

• Introduction of new failure categories: Previously, faults were categorised as 'minor' or 'major'. The current system includes 'dangerous' faults, which result in an immediate failure and prohibit the vehicle from being driven.
• Stricter emission rules for petrol vehicles: Since May 2018, there have been more rigorous checks on emissions. This includes testing for 'visible smoke' of any colour, and stricter limits for older petrol cars. The catalytic converter is a key component here, and its proper functioning is vital for passing the emissions test.
• Checks on daytime running lights: For vehicles first registered after March 1, 2018, daytime running lights (if fitted) must be operational.
• Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs): While primarily a concern for diesel vehicles, any modifications or removal of emission control devices, including those that might be present on some older petrol cars (though less common), can lead to failure.
• Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): For vehicles equipped with TPMS that were first registered after January 1, 2012, a malfunctioning TPMS warning light can now result in a failure.

How Changes Affect Petrol Car Owners

The most significant impact of recent MOT changes on petrol car owners centres around emissions and the introduction of the 'dangerous' fault category. As emission regulations tighten, ensuring your catalytic converter is functioning correctly and that there are no exhaust leaks is more important than ever. Furthermore, understanding the new fault categories means that even minor issues, if deemed 'dangerous' due to their potential impact on immediate safety, can lead to a failure. For instance, a steering component that is excessively loose might be classified as dangerous, even if the vehicle can still be driven to a repair shop.

Table: Common MOT Failures and How They Apply to Petrol Cars

Here's a quick overview of common reasons for MOT failure and how they relate to petrol vehicles:

Tips for Ensuring Your Petrol Car Passes its MOT

To maximise your chances of a successful MOT test for your petrol vehicle, consider these practical tips:

• Regular Servicing: Adhering to a regular servicing schedule is the best way to catch potential issues before they become MOT failures.
• Pre-MOT Checks: Many garages offer pre-MOT checks. These can highlight common failure points so you can address them beforehand.
• Check Your Lights: Before your test, walk around your car and check that all lights are working correctly. Get a friend to help with the brake lights and indicators.
• Tyre Tread and Pressure: Ensure your tyres have adequate tread depth and are correctly inflated.
• Fluid Levels: Check your engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. Low or dirty brake fluid is a common failure.
• Windscreen and Wipers: Make sure your windscreen is clean and free from major chips or cracks. Test your wipers and washers to ensure they clear the screen effectively.
• Exhaust System: Listen for any unusual noises from your exhaust, which could indicate leaks or damage. While you can't easily check emissions, a healthy-looking exhaust system is a good sign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do older petrol cars have different emission standards for their MOT?
Yes, older petrol cars generally have less stringent emission limits compared to newer models. However, the principle of 'no visible smoke' applies across the board.

Q2: Can a faulty tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) cause my petrol car to fail its MOT?
If your petrol car was first registered after January 1, 2012, and is fitted with a TPMS, a warning light indicating a malfunction will result in a failure.

Q3: What is considered a 'dangerous' fault in the MOT test for a petrol car?
A dangerous fault is one that poses a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Examples include severely damaged suspension components, extremely worn brakes, or a steering system that is excessively loose.

Q4: Does the MOT test check the engine's performance for petrol cars?
No, the MOT test does not check engine performance. It focuses on roadworthiness, safety, and emissions. However, engine leaks or mounts can be checked.

Q5: Are there any specific changes to the MOT test that *only* affect petrol cars?
While most changes are applied across different fuel types, the emphasis on specific emission components like catalytic converters is particularly relevant to petrol vehicles. The DVSA continuously reviews and updates testing procedures, so it's always wise to check the latest guidelines.

Conclusion

In summary, petrol cars are very much included in the scope of MOT test changes. While the core safety checks remain consistent, evolving regulations, particularly concerning emissions, mean that owners of petrol vehicles must remain vigilant. Regular maintenance, understanding the key testing areas, and being aware of recent updates will help ensure your petrol car continues to meet the required standards for road safety and environmental protection. Staying informed is key to avoiding unexpected failures and keeping your vehicle legally compliant and safe on the road.

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