04/09/2014
Navigating the world of vehicle maintenance can often feel like a complex puzzle, especially when it comes to the annual MOT test. This crucial inspection ensures your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards, keeping you and other road users safe. Over the years, the MOT test has evolved, with significant updates introduced to reflect advancements in vehicle technology and environmental concerns. One such update, specifically regarding headlamp washers, has sparked questions among owners of both modern and older vehicles. If you're the proud owner of a 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak and wondering if its headlamp washers are now under the MOT spotlight, you've come to the right place.
Understanding the nuances of the MOT test is paramount for every responsible vehicle owner in the UK. The most substantial overhaul to the MOT test in recent memory occurred on 20 May 2018, bringing with it a raft of changes that affected how defects are categorised, new items being tested, and even the exemption of certain classic cars. These changes were implemented to enhance road safety, reduce vehicle emissions, and ensure the MOT remains fit for purpose in an increasingly technologically advanced automotive landscape.
Headlamp Washers and the MOT Test: The Crucial Date
Let's address the burning question for your 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak directly. As part of the 2018 MOT changes, new inspection criteria were introduced for headlamp washers. However, this particular test applies specifically to vehicles first used from 1 September 2009. What does this mean for your beloved Fourtrak? Simply put, because your vehicle was first registered in 1996, its headlamp washers, even if fitted, are not a specific testable item during its annual MOT inspection. The regulations are clear: the cut-off date determines whether this component is checked. Therefore, you can rest assured that your 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak will not fail its MOT based on non-functional headlamp washers.
While your Fourtrak's headlamp washers aren't subject to the MOT test, it's worth noting their purpose. Headlamp washers are designed to clean the headlamp lenses, ensuring maximum light output and visibility, especially in adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or muddy roads. They become particularly important on vehicles equipped with high-intensity discharge (HID) or Xenon headlamps, as dirt on these lenses can scatter light dangerously, dazzling oncoming drivers. For this reason, many vehicles with such lighting systems are legally required to have headlamp washers. Even though not tested on your older vehicle, ensuring they are in good working order for your own safety and visibility is always a sensible practice.
Overview of Key MOT Changes from May 2018
Beyond headlamp washers, the 2018 MOT changes introduced several significant updates that all vehicle owners should be aware of. These changes aimed to make the test more stringent and align it with modern vehicle standards. Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful revisions:
1. New Defect Categories
Perhaps the most fundamental change was the reclassification of defects into three new categories: Dangerous, Major, and Minor. This system provides a clearer indication of the severity of a fault and its immediate impact on road safety or the environment. Previously, defects were simply 'fail' or 'advisory'.
| Item Result | Meaning | MOT Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. | Fail (Do not drive until repaired) |
| Major | May affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. | Fail (Repair immediately) |
| Minor | No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. | Pass (Repair as soon as possible) |
| Advisory | Could become more serious in the future. | Pass (Monitor and repair if necessary) |
| Pass | Meets the minimum legal standard. | Pass (Maintain standard) |
The distinction between a 'Minor' defect (which still results in a pass) and an 'Advisory' is crucial. While both suggest future attention, a Minor defect is more immediate. The 'Dangerous' category is particularly significant, as it explicitly states that the vehicle should not be driven until the repair has been carried out.
2. Stricter Rules for Diesel Car Emissions
Diesel vehicles, especially those equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), faced much stricter scrutiny. DPFs are designed to capture and store exhaust soot to reduce emissions. Under the new rules, a vehicle will receive a 'Major' fault if the MOT tester observes smoke of any colour coming from the exhaust or finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with or removed. This change was a direct response to concerns about air quality and illegal DPF removal, reinforcing the environmental aspect of the MOT.
3. New Items Included in the Test
Several new components and systems became testable items, reflecting the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. While headlamp washers for newer vehicles were one such addition, others included:
- Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) on vehicles first used from 1 March 2018.
- Reversing lamps on vehicles first used from 1 September 2009.
- Obvious underinflation of tyres.
- Contamination of brake fluid.
- Fluid leaks posing an environmental risk.
- Brake pad warning lights and missing brake pads or discs.
- End-outline marker lamps on Class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles wider than 2.1 metres.
These additions ensure that more aspects of a vehicle's safety and environmental impact are covered by the annual inspection, promoting safer and cleaner roads.
4. Changes to the MOT Certificate
To accommodate the new defect categories, the MOT certificate itself underwent a redesign. The updated certificate clearly lists any defects under their new categories (Dangerous, Major, Minor, Advisory), making it easier for vehicle owners to understand the results of their test and prioritise any necessary repairs. The online MOT history service was also updated to reflect these changes.
5. MOT Exemption for Vehicles Over 40 Years Old
In a welcome change for classic car enthusiasts, vehicles over 40 years old became exempt from needing an MOT, provided they have not been substantially changed. Previously, only vehicles built before 1960 were exempt. This means that from 2018 onwards, a vehicle becomes exempt from its MOT requirement on the 40th anniversary of its registration or manufacture date. Owners must still declare that their historic vehicle meets the rules for not needing an MOT when taxing it (even if no fee is paid).
Maintaining Your Vehicle's Lighting System
Even though your 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak's headlamp washers aren't a specific MOT test item, maintaining your vehicle's lighting system in general is paramount for safety. Here are some key areas to consider:
- Headlamps: Regularly check that both dipped and main beam headlamps are working, are correctly aimed, and that their lenses are clean and free from cracks or hazing. A clean headlamp ensures maximum visibility.
- Indicators: All indicators (front, rear, and side repeaters) must flash at a consistent rate. A rapidly flashing indicator often signifies a blown bulb on that side.
- Brake Lights: Crucial for informing following drivers of your intentions. Ask a friend to check them for you, or reverse up to a wall and use your reflection.
- Rear Lights and Number Plate Lights: Essential for visibility from behind, especially at night or in poor weather. Ensure your number plate is clearly illuminated.
- Fog Lamps: If fitted, front and rear fog lamps should be checked. Remember, rear fog lamps are only legally required to be on when visibility is seriously reduced (generally less than 100 metres).
- Fluid Levels: Ensure your screen wash reservoir is topped up. While not for MOT on older cars, functional headlamp washers (if fitted) and windscreen wipers are vital for clear visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MOT
Do I need an MOT if my car is over 40 years old?
If your car is over 40 years old and has not been substantially changed, it is exempt from the annual MOT test. This exemption applies from the 40th anniversary of its registration or manufacture date.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you will receive a refusal of MOT certificate. Depending on the defect category (Dangerous or Major), you cannot drive the vehicle until the faults are repaired. You must get the issues fixed and then have a retest. Some retests are free if returned to the same garage within a certain timeframe.
Can I drive with an MOT advisory?
Yes, an MOT advisory means your vehicle has passed the test, but the tester has identified items that could become more serious in the future. You should monitor these items and repair them if necessary, but you are not legally required to do so immediately.
How often do I need an MOT?
Vehicles typically require their first MOT when they are three years old. After that, they need an MOT annually. If your vehicle is over 40 years old and exempt, this rule does not apply.
What should I do if my headlamp washers don't work on a car first used after 1 September 2009?
If your vehicle was first used after 1 September 2009 and its headlamp washers are not working, it would result in a 'Major' defect and an MOT failure. You would need to get them repaired before the vehicle can pass its MOT.
Conclusion
The MOT test is a cornerstone of road safety in the UK, and understanding its evolving requirements is crucial for all drivers. For owners of a 1996 Daihatsu Fourtrak, the good news is that while headlamp washers are now a testable item for newer vehicles, your classic Fourtrak is exempt from this specific check due to its age. However, this doesn't diminish the importance of maintaining all aspects of your vehicle, especially its lighting system, to ensure optimal visibility and safety on every journey. Always prioritise regular maintenance and address any issues promptly, regardless of whether they are part of the MOT test. A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle, ensuring you and your passengers can enjoy many more miles on the road.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT & Headlamp Washers: Your 1996 Fourtrak, you can visit the MOT category.