Navigating Your MOT: Key Vehicle Inspection Updates

The annual MOT test is a crucial assessment for ensuring your vehicle's safety and environmental standards on UK roads. Staying informed about the latest regulations and inspection criteria is paramount for every motorist. This guide delves into significant changes introduced to the MOT inspection manual on 20 May 2018, particularly focusing on axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, and chassis frames and their attachments. Understanding these updates can help you prepare your vehicle, avoid unexpected failures, and ensure it meets the required roadworthiness standards.

While this article summarises key adjustments, it's not an exhaustive list of every change. For complete details, always refer to the official MOT inspection manual. However, the information provided here covers some of the most impactful amendments that motorists and vehicle owners should be acutely aware of.

Axles, Wheels, Tyres, and Suspension: What's New?

This section of the MOT inspection manual saw several important modifications that directly affect how your vehicle's running gear is assessed. These changes aim to enhance safety and address common wear-and-tear issues more effectively.

New Failure Points

• Under-inflated Tyres: A significant addition to the defect list is the failure for under-inflated tyres. While this might seem straightforward, it's now officially a 'minor' defect. This means that if your tyres are found to be significantly under-inflated, it will be noted on your MOT certificate and could lead to an advisory or, in severe cases, a failure if deemed dangerous. Always check your tyre pressures regularly, not just for the MOT, but for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity.
• Missing Springs: Vehicles that have been modified to run on their bump stops and are found to have missing springs will now fail the MOT. This addresses unsafe modifications that compromise the vehicle's suspension integrity.

Other Crucial Information You Must Know

• Tyre Structure Between Axles: Previously, inspectors were required to check for tyre structure consistency between axles. This check has now been removed. However, it's still absolutely essential that tyres are the same across the same axle. Mismatched tyre structures on a single axle can severely affect handling and braking.
• Stretched Tyres: The practice of 'stretching' tyres (fitting a narrower tyre onto a wider wheel) has been a point of contention. The updated manual clarifies that you cannot fail a tyre simply because it is stretched. However, this doesn't mean it's a free pass. Inspectors must exercise extreme care when checking the condition of such tyres, with particular emphasis on looking for sidewall damage. Any signs of compromise to the tyre's integrity will still result in a failure.
• Tyre Tables Relocation: For inspectors and those wishing to delve deeper into tyre specifications, the detailed tyre tables have been relocated to Appendix B of the MOT inspection manual.

Chassis Frames and Attachments: Enhanced Scrutiny

The chassis and its attachments form the backbone of your vehicle, providing its fundamental structural integrity. The 2018 MOT changes introduced quite a number of new failure points and inspection checks in this critical area, reflecting a stronger emphasis on overall vehicle safety and robustness.

New Failure Points

Several aspects of your vehicle's structure and ancillary components are now subject to new failure criteria:

• Missing Shields: If shields on the fuel tank or exhaust system are missing, this can now lead to a failure. These shields are vital for protecting against heat and potential fire hazards.
• Defective Gas Fuel System: Any part of a gas fuel system found to be defective will result in a failure. This is critical for the safety of vehicles running on LPG or other gas fuels.
• Bumper Security: The security of your vehicle's bumpers is now explicitly checked. Loose or insecure bumpers can pose a hazard to other road users.
• Spare Wheel Carrier Condition: The condition of your spare wheel carrier is now an inspection point. A damaged or insecure carrier could lead to the spare wheel detaching, creating a significant road hazard.
• Towbar Safety Devices and Coupling Indicators: Defects in towbar safety devices or coupling indicators will now lead to a failure, ensuring safe towing practices.
• Cab Security: For vehicles with separate cabs, the security of the cab itself is now a specific failure point.
• Floor Condition: The condition of the vehicle's floor is now under scrutiny. Excessive corrosion or damage that compromises the floor's integrity can result in a failure.
• Seat Structure Condition: The structural condition of the seats is now checked. Seats must be securely mounted and structurally sound.
• Cab Steps, Footrests, and Handgrips: Where fitted, the condition and security of cab steps, footrests, and handgrips are now part of the inspection criteria.
• Significantly Reduced Rigidity of the Vehicle’s Structure: Any defect that leads to a significant reduction in the vehicle's overall structural rigidity will now result in a failure. This is a broad category covering severe corrosion, damage, or poor repairs.
• Exhaust Fumes Entering Cabin: This critical safety check has been extended to all vehicles. If exhaust fumes are found to be entering the vehicle's cabin, it will fail the MOT. This poses a serious health risk due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

New Inspection Checks

Beyond new failure points, inspectors are now required to carry out additional checks:

• Strengthening Plates and Fastenings: The presence and condition of strengthening plates and their fastenings are now subject to inspection.
• Drive Shafts: The inspection of drive shafts has been extended to include all transmission shafts, such as prop shafts, ensuring their integrity.
• Drive Belts and Chains: The condition of drive belts and chains (where applicable) is now a part of the inspection.
• Body Condition (Expanded): The assessment of body condition now includes checks for unsafe modifications and component security, ensuring that any alterations haven't compromised the vehicle's safety or structural integrity.
• Fuel Tanks (Holed Above Fuel Line): The manual now includes specific information regarding fuel tanks that are holed above the fuel line, clarifying their assessment during the MOT.

Do Wheels Have to Be Covered in the MOT? Unpacking a Common Misconception

This is a question that often causes confusion and frustration for motorists, particularly those with modified vehicles or those who prefer a certain aesthetic. The direct answer, based on the MOT regulations, is quite interesting: technically, there is nothing in the MOT inspection manual that explicitly states wheels must be covered by wheel arches or bodywork. Therefore, from a strictly regulatory standpoint, an MOT tester should not fail a vehicle solely on the basis of uncovered wheels.

However, the reality on the ground can sometimes differ from the letter of the law. We all know that some MOT testers can be particularly meticulous, or as some might say, 'picky' or 'total twats'. While they might not be able to issue a direct failure for uncovered wheels, they might find other reasons to fail the vehicle if they deem the exposed wheels to present a safety hazard or if they interpret other related regulations very strictly. For instance, if the exposed wheels are throwing up excessive spray or debris, this could potentially be linked to regulations concerning dangerous projections or the adequate containment of road spray, even if not directly about 'wheel coverage'.

It's a grey area where interpretation plays a role. While you might technically be in the right, arguing with a tester who believes it's unsafe or non-compliant can be a difficult and ultimately unsuccessful endeavour. To avoid any potential issues and ensure a smooth MOT experience, it's generally advisable to ensure your wheels are adequately covered by the vehicle's bodywork or suitable arch extensions, especially if they protrude significantly beyond the original body line. This proactive approach eliminates any potential for subjective interpretation by the tester and vastly improves your chances of a first-time pass.

Understanding What's Checked in Your MOT: A Comprehensive Overview

The question 'How do I know if my car needs an MOT inspection?' can be interpreted in two ways: first, when is my car due for an MOT, and second, what areas of my car will be inspected during the MOT? The information provided focuses on the latter, specifically detailing the changes to the inspection criteria from May 2018. It serves as a comprehensive guide to help you understand the specific components and systems that inspectors will scrutinise, particularly in the areas of axles, wheels, tyres, suspension, and chassis.

By familiarising yourself with these updated points, you gain insight into what defects could lead to a failure. This knowledge empowers you to perform pre-MOT checks or address potential issues before your vehicle even enters the testing station. For example, knowing that under-inflated tyres are now a 'minor' defect means you should always check your tyre pressures. Understanding the new scrutiny on chassis integrity means you should be vigilant about rust or damage to the vehicle's underbody. This guide is your roadmap to understanding the contemporary MOT inspection process in these critical areas, helping you to ensure your vehicle is not just legally compliant, but genuinely safe for the road.

Summary of Key Changes

Frequently Asked Questions About the MOT Updates

Q: Can a slightly under-inflated tyre fail my MOT?

A: Yes, under-inflated tyres are now explicitly listed as a 'minor' defect, meaning they will be noted on your MOT certificate and could lead to a failure if severe enough. Always ensure your tyres are correctly inflated.

Q: Are stretched tyres now illegal or an automatic MOT failure?

A: No, the MOT manual states you cannot fail a tyre simply because it's stretched. However, inspectors will pay very close attention to their condition, particularly looking for any signs of sidewall damage or compromise, which would result in a failure.

Q: What's the significance of exhaust fumes entering the cabin?

A: This is a critical safety issue. The check for exhaust fumes entering the cabin has been extended to all vehicles and is a definite failure point. Carbon monoxide from exhaust fumes is highly dangerous and can be fatal.

Q: My car has a towbar. What new checks apply to it?

A: The security and condition of towbar safety devices and coupling indicators are now specific failure points. Ensure these are in good working order if your vehicle has a towbar.

Q: My floor pan has some rust. Will this now be an MOT failure?

A: Yes, the condition of the vehicle's floor is now a specific inspection point. Extensive corrosion or damage that compromises the floor's integrity or structure will result in a failure.

Q: Is it true that wheels don't need to be covered by arches for the MOT?

A: Technically, the MOT manual does not explicitly state that wheels must be covered. However, while not a direct failure point, some testers may interpret other regulations (e.g., concerning dangerous projections or spray) strictly. To avoid issues, it's generally best practice to have wheels adequately covered.

Q: Do I need to worry about my spare wheel carrier?

A: Yes, the condition and security of the spare wheel carrier are now specific failure points. Ensure it's not corroded, damaged, or insecure, as a detached spare wheel poses a significant road hazard.

Staying on top of your vehicle's maintenance and understanding the evolving MOT criteria is essential for safe driving and ensuring your car remains road legal. By paying attention to these updated inspection points, you can proactively address potential issues, enhance your vehicle's longevity, and ultimately, ensure a smoother MOT experience.

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