New MOT regs for 2012

[Welly]

I've copied this from another Forum hoping it will help understand some of the new things coming to the MOT's:

Steering lock operation - Steering locks not engaging when the ignition key is removed will fail.
Engine warning lamps, brake fluid warning lamps, ESP lamps, EPB lamps illumination - ANY of the above illuminated indicating a fault will fail.
TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring systems) warning lamps - Again, if illuminated indicating a fault, will fail. Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - If this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.
HID Headlamps - Now, a little grey area here. They will be included in the new test, and will fail if they prove to be outside of the specified conditions... but the conditions and reasons for rejections haven't been written/decided yet, so sit tight.
Wiring - Any wiring (loomed or otherwise) that is damaged, or fitted in such a way that could cause damage to said wiring, or other systems will fail.
Engine mountings - Engine mountings will be a part of the test. incorrect mounting, corrosion in a prescribed area etc will fail.
PAS (Power assisted steering) fluid level will be tested.
Rear doors must open in the new test. Previously (and currently), if the tester feels he can access the testable items in the rear (seatbelts, prescribed areas etc) without needing the doors open, they don't need to open. This will now be a failure.
13 pin towbar sockets - tested for correct operation using a plug in testing tool.
Inappropriate modifications or repairs - The wording on this is quite vague at the moment, but if a major component has been modified, and that modification/repair makes the vehicle dangerous or seriously weakens the original component, expect it to fail.
ANY ball joint dust cover - The small rubber boots over ball joints must be intact and free or splits, tears or holes, or it fails.
All CVJ gaiters will be tested - Currently, only the front outer] CVJ gaiters are tested. This new rule extends it to inner and outer, front and rear.
A catalytic converter missing WILL be a reason for failure, regardless of whether or not the emissions limits are met.
Fuel pipe chaffing or damage - Currently they only fail when they are leaking, this rule means that any chaffing or rubbing causing damage will fail.
The braking imbalance limit is lowered to 30% across all axles.
Vehicles built post July 2010 will have to have at least 58% braking efficiency to pass (currently it's 50% for a dual circuit braking system)
Insecure batteries will become a failure
The main beam warning lamp must illuminate with the main beam lamps
All light switches must operate the corresponding lights immediately. No tapping, or wiggling to make it work!


Remember, these changes will all be brought into testing starting from the 1st January 2012. The exact wording of each failure has yet to be released, but the above list is what was presented to us earlier this evening. I've posted all I know currently, so unfortunately I can't help with any questions .

[ally406]

Thanks for that. My MOT expires on the 30th of December Although I don't think that lot would cause me any problems, just my rusty sills

They seem like worthwhile additions, but I wish they would tighten up on current standards. I've viewed a number of cars for sale with supposed fresh MOTs that had obvious and serious failures. Clearly there are plenty of places that will just pass any old dangerous heap.

[rwb]

Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - If this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.

That's me failed then

[gumby6371]

I see a nice little business sitting outside MoT stations resetting airbag warning lights as it seems to be a fault on many makes and models of cars!
Usually dirty connectors under the front seats are the culprit.

Hopefully the new test will take some death traps off the road but I'm not holding my breath.

[waue1978]

I reckon the MOT stations are going to be very busy in December...

[TooT]

I heard on the radio this morning the Goverment are thinking of extending it to every 2 years. Scary

[waue1978]

Same as the Southern Ireland NCT. You should see the state of some of them too.

[Doggy]

13 pin towbar sockets - tested for correct operation using a plug in testing tool.

I've never seen a 13-pin towbar socket - anyone else?

All light switches must operate the corresponding lights immediately. No tapping, or wiggling to make it work!

Guess that's all fully-mux cars stuffed then.

[mjb]

Steering lock operation - Steering locks not engaging when the ignition key is removed will fail.

That's kit cars failed

Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - If this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.

Nice fail if you have your passenger airbag disabled due to a rear-facing child seat

PAS (Power assisted steering) fluid level will be tested.

Nice. Let's let muck and air into the chamber of safety-critical hygroscopic fluid... Why not pour a glass of water in there where you're at it?

Rear doors must open in the new test. Previously (and currently), if the tester feels he can access the testable items in the rear (seatbelts, prescribed areas etc) without needing the doors open, they don't need to open. This will now be a failure.

I don't have rear doors!

ANY ball joint dust cover - The small rubber boots over ball joints must be intact and free or splits, tears or holes, or it fails.

I'm screwed.

[steve_earwig]

So they're still not checking brake fluid?

[Welly]

I wonder if that weird rule still applies about spare wheels? i.e. you don't need a spare but if you have it has to be with a legal tread.

[jasper5]

I wonder if that weird rule still applies about spare wheels? i.e. you don't need a spare but if you have it has to be with a legal tread.

The spare wheel is not checked, it doesn't come into the test.

Only the road whels fitted at the time of the test ONLY are to be checked.....however, a defect noticed on a spare wheel should be brought to the attention of the presenter of the vehicle for test.

[jasper5]

So they're still not checking brake fluid?

Unfortunately, not

There are some silly petty new rules

Testers have been informed to use discretion early into the application of the new rules and to issue advisories on some items instead of failing, just until people get up to speed with everything.

[plod]

I heard on the radio this morning the Goverment are thinking of extending it to every 2 years. Scary

Been talking about that for a few months now
The 4-2-2 system as in many european countries - first mot after 4 years not 3, then every 2 years thereafter

[lozz]

Airbag/SRS lamp illumination - If this warning lamp is illuminated it will fail.

That's me failed then

cover it with black tape,

not iluminated = no fail,