Nervous About MOT Tests?

 

Are You Nervous About MOT Tests?

Does the MOT test make you a bit nervous? You are not alone in that case, as the concept of MOT is not clear to everyone. It is not like any other test but rather more of a check-up of your car health. This is just a way to keep in check the road safety and also environmental pollution. For further clarification of MOT, let us talk a little deep.

 

MOT Explanation

Using proper terms, the DVSA or Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency have made MOT test as a mandatory annual inspection for all the vehicles, and it has been added in their latest regulations. Now if you have just bought a car, it shall be fine without the MOT. But any car over three years of usage has to appear for the MOT test. After the MOT is passed by your car, you shall receive the MOT certificate. But if you drive on the roads of UK without a valid MOT, you will be penalised. MOT proves your automotive’s roadworthiness, and so every citizen needs to pass it.

 

The test inspects some fundamental things of a vehicle to make sure that it matches the standard requirements of the state transport department. Now the MOT helps the owners as well because, in this way, they get aware of the faults and issues of their car since the inspection is thorough. The standard is made such so that the vehicle shall not become a threat to anyone on-road or even riding it. It is not that much of an expensive service either.

 

Changes in the Regulation

The rules and regulations of MOT Sleaford keep changing as the authorities modify it according to the needs of the time. There are some specified criteria regarding safety and emission of automotive which if not met with, the vehicle in concern shall fail the test. Although it is not that difficult to pass, still cars have difficulties in passing. According to the new regulations, MOT is no more just about passing and failing. The procedure has been made easier in some ways. MOT now categorises the vehicles according to their condition and how much of a threat they are to others.

 

One category is "dangerous" which includes a car with too many significant faults and cannot be allowed on the road for any distance whatsoever. These cars shall fail MOT and only after making all the changes and repairing might have a chance to appear for another round of inspection. The other category would be termed as "advisory" where the car has some minor changes that require to be fixed immediately in the garage and then it might pass in the next MOT re-test which is free for the next ten days after the first MOT round.

 

If you are wondering, the minor problems include an unclean car, worn-out tyres, blocked windscreen and such similar problems. At the same time, more significant issues include some severe system damage like the engine, emission system, battery, etc. 

 

Checking Your MOT History

Now checking your MOT history online has been made super simple by the Government. It is a beneficial step for both the authorities and the owners since according to the new regulations, MOT certificates mention their reason for failure. So now you can just log into gov.uk MOT checker and find out your details of the past and mention those areas to the technicians at the garage for fixing them before taking the next MOT test. There are some authorised MOT centres where you can take the test and will be provided with the certificate shortly.

The Evolution Of The MOT Tests

Cars have a significant amount of importance in our lives. Just imagine, how difficult it was for stone-age people to travel from one place to the other. These wonderful companion came into the life of the modern man back in the 1880s. It was a very long journey to go from a combustion engine car in 1880 to the wonderful mechanical beasts we have now.

Back in the 1960s, our government was really worried about the threat posed by cars to the environment. This leads them to introduce the first-ever Ministery of transport test.

History Of The Mot Test

• The MOT testing came into the system under the guidance of Ernest Marples, who was the then minister of transport. You will be surprised to know that originally the MOT test was created for testing brakes, lights and steering in every ten years.

• Moreover, the ministry of transport only charged a mere fourteen shillings to the people who came for an MOT inspection.

• It was on 31st December 1961 that the testing criteria for vehicles were changed to seven years due to rapidly increasing car failures in the inspection.

• Finally, the testing criteria was further reduced to three years on January 1, 1983.

The MOT system evolved over time by increasing the testing areas on vehicles as follows:

• MOT testing was quite constant till 1968 with just a tyre, lights and steering check.
• After about eleven years, the MOT testing was further expanded to windscreen wipers, indicators, chassis, horns and the exhaust system.

• Further, in the ’90s the ministery of transport made it mandatory for cars to go through checking on ABS and rear seatbelts as well.

• Did you know that diesel engine vehicle came in the MOT testing range in 1994? Before that period MOT only had strict guidelines for Petrol operated cars.

Now that you have an idea about the evolution of MOT tests, let us have a good look at the classes of vehicle tested under the MOT inspection.

• The CLASS 1 Of vehicles belongs to the two-wheeler segment. MOT tests bike up to the limit of 200cc.
• In case you have a motorbike which exceeds the 200cc limit, then it belongs to the class II of vehicles tested under MOT Heckington
• Ministry of transport also inspects the three-wheeler segment with an unladen weight limit of 450kgs.
• Now comes the most common MOT testing, which we all go through every year. Your premier hatchbacks, compact cars, taxis and minibuses fall into the class IV category of The MOT testing
• Class V of the MOT testing inspects all the private passenger cars and dual purpose vehicles with more than 13 seats for the passengers.

In case your annual MOT certificate is due then make sure to visit us at Roberts tyres. Our team of highly qualified experts will not make you leave until your maximum satisfaction is guaranteed.

MOT - Here’s Everything You Need to Know about the New Changes after 2018

MOT is no more the same as it was a few years back. As it is mandatory to take your vehicle through this test annually, you must be well aware of all the new changes brought last year.

Yes, new rules were introduced by the government regarding the MOT test in June 2018. So, you need to meet new requirements of MOT in Sleaford to pass it, and that would ensure your vehicle’s road safety, roadworthiness and the emissions.

New rules for MOT

1. Remodelled categories of defect

A defect, if found in an MOT test in Sleaford, will now be assigned to one of the five categories mentioned below -

1. Pass:

If a component or part meets the minimum legal requirements for the standard of road safety, it is graded as a PASS. However, your vehicle can only get this highest grade only if all its parts are within the parameters prescribed by DVSA.

2. Advisory:

An advisory category doesn’t bring along an immediate threat. However, it may become a significant issue in future, and you will be asked to monitor it and take for repair immediately, if needed. It is still a ‘pass’ though.

3. Minor:

A minor issue doesn’t attract immediate threat to the safety of vehicle or environment but needs instant car repair in Sleaford. It is considered a pass grade; although being the lowest pass grade possible.

4. Major:

A defect categorised as ‘major’ implies that it is a threat to vehicle safety as well as to those riding along on the road. It also bears environmental consequences. The category is graded as a ‘Fail’, and you need to fix it ASAP to take your vehicle back on the road.

5. Dangerous:

An MOT in Sleaford with a ‘dangerous’ defect means your car is either entirely unsafe to drive on the road or has a severe environmental impact. It is a failure grade and your vehicle should be repaired at the spot.

2. New diesel emission rules

Cars with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) come under new MOT rules laid down for diesel emission. If there is a DPF tampering or the exhaust pipe emits a coloured, visible smoke, your vehicle gets a ‘Fail’. To avoid this, take your diesel vehicle for car service in Sleaford.

3. New check inclusions for various components

As per the new rules for MOT Sleaford, a few new components have been added to the list for inspection.

• Examination of brake fluid’s contamination
• Check for underinflated tyres
• Assessment and analysis for whether there’s a fluid leakage that is hazardous for the environment
• In case of brake pad warning lights, a check to see whether the brake pad or brake disk is missing
• A test for reversing lights and headlight washers if their first use has been after 1^st September 2009.

So, prepare your vehicle beforehand for the test. If any repair or restoration is required, reach out to expert garages like Roberts Tyres.

So, gear up before going for the MOT!

Choose Car Tyres After Going Through EU Ratings for the Best Pick

Reliability is essential in all aspects of an automobile. Tyres, being one of the most vital vehicle parts, must be able to deliver reliable performance.

One of the ways to verify whether a particular model of car tyres in Sleaford is the right choice is to read its EU label. A tyre's EU rating contains information that can tell you about its performance characteristics.

How does the EU rating help to decide which tyre to buy?

The EU rating provides consumers with a standard of comparison to see how they stack up against others. It rates tyres on the significant performance parameters, which are –

• Wet grip
• Fuel efficiency
• Noise emission

The rating for fuel emission and wet grip ranges from A to G, where 'A' signifies the best, and 'G' denotes the worst. Noise emission is measured in decibels.

Fuel efficiency

It's a well-known fact in the automobile industry that tyres account for almost 20% of the entire fuel consumption by a vehicle. Therefore, when the objective is to make your vehicle more fuel efficient, driving with tyres in Sleaford that reduce fuel consumption is logical.

A tyre's rolling resistance determines how fuel efficient it will be. The EU rating on fuel efficiency communicates how low a tyre's rolling resistance is. An 'A' rated tyre results in 7.5% lesser fuel usage than a 'G' rated one. It means that with an 'A' grade tyre you require roughly 6 litres of less fuel to travel 600 miles.

Wet grip

A tyre's ability to roll without slipping on the road is related to its wet grip. A tyre with high wet grip will retain its traction on a slippery surface. Wet grip is an essential factor because any loss in grip causes your car to lose control temporarily, which can be dangerous at times.

The EU label rates a car tyre's wet grip based on its stopping distance. Car tyres in Sleaford with an EU rating of 'A' in wet grip have 18 meters lower stopping distance compared to a 'G' rated tyre when decelerating from 50mph.

Noise emission

Low noise generation from tyres is a desirable characteristic. Not only does it makes driving comfortable, but also lowers noise pollution. A continuous noise generation at the 80-decibel level can cause health hazards. So, going for tyres in Sleaford with low levels of noise generation can be better for a motorist in terms of health as well.

You can gauge a tyre's noise by the number of sound waves on its EU label. A speaker symbol followed by the number of sound waves denotes a tyre's noise level. A single black arc means low noise generation levels. 2 black waves indicate a moderate level of noise emission, while three black waves denote a noise level above the permissible limit. So, go for car tyres in Sleaford with low noise levels for comfortable driving.

Roberts Tyres stocks tyres from various global brands with above-average EU tyre rating. Their collection boasts of some of the most prominent names in the tyre industry such as Goodyear, Pirelli and Michelin. Purchase a set that meets your expectations and budget.

How to Make Your Car Roadworthy: Unpacked and Explained

Keeping your car in roadworthy condition is crucial for all vehicle owners in the UK. It is imperative that every vehicle must pass the annual MOT test. Maintaining roadworthiness is essential not just for your safety, but also for your car's resale value.

In the UK, almost 35% of motorists own a vehicle for 5 to 7 years. Hence, it is vital their vehicles stay in optimum condition before they decide to sell it off. Furthermore, if you clear off your vehicle defects or re-register a used car, you need to obtain an MOT certificate.

Now, if you’re wondering how to obtain a roadworthy certificate, here’s a detailed explanation of what you can expect –

Getting a certificate

To receive a roadworthy certificate, you need to get your car inspected from a licensed vehicle tester like Roberts Tyres. Apart from operating MOT in Billinghay and Heckington, they also offer car diagnostics other than specialising in brake repairs and replacements as well.

Coming back to roadworthiness, if your vehicle passes the test with major or minor defects, you'd have to turn up for post-MOT repairs from that garage itself or your choice of garage depending on the type of defects.

However, if your car is classified as "dangerous", you'd fail this test. You'll be handed a rejection certificate and 7 days to replace your vehicle. Failure of which, you'll be forced to re-appear for an MOT once again.

So, what does this inspection entail?

An MOT check in Billinghay or anywhere else in the UK is conducted on your vehicle to ensure it’s in proper working condition and meets all the legal standards to ply on roads. The components inspected include –

• Wheels and tyres
• Windscreen and wipers
• Steering, suspension and braking
• The structural integrity of your car
• Items related to the safety of engine, chassis and body
• Seatbelts and airbags
• Vehicle’s registration plate

Therefore, it is advised to go for a complete car diagnostics from a local licensed garage before you turn up for an MOT check in Heckington.

What are the most common issues picked up in an MOT test?

1. Vehicle fluids

Leakage from coolants, engine oil or brake systems could disqualify you from the test and cause severe harm to your engine as well.

2. Tyres

Faulty tyres constitute the most common MOT failure. Damaged and worn-out tyres must be replaced before an MOT in Heckington or Billinghay. You must also check for proper tyre inflation, adequate tread depth (at least 1.6 mm) and signs of wear. Also, try to notice uneven tyre wear, a tell-tale symptom of misaligned wheels.

This brings us to be the second most common issue…

3. Wheels

Before you attend a roadworthy test, go for wheel diagnostics at any reputable workshop. Ask your technician to conduct wheel alignment and wheel balancing tests.

4. Windscreen wipers

Almost 10% of motorists failed this test in 2018. Visibility test is crucial as in monsoon months; faulty wipers could lead to an accident in the blink of an eye. Moreover, check if your windscreen shows signs of scratches or chipping. Fix it if found one.

5. Brakes

Yes! Brakes are important, and unfortunately, they're often ignored. A faulty brake will not only disqualify you from this roadworthy test but is a significant safety hazard too. For fixing your vehicle’s brakes in Thorpe Latimer, make sure you refer to professional assistance.

This is all that you need to know before you show up for an MOT next time. Following these guidelines will ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and it will open up new possibilities as well.

Is Your Car’s Brakes Trying to Tell You Something? 4 Signs You Should Pay Heed to Right Now!

Last year, malfunctioning brakes caused 570 accidents in the UK, causing nine deaths and at least 129 severe injuries. This is an exceptionally large number, considering there are plenty of checks including the annual MOT test that assesses the condition of a car’s brakes. It shows that many British car owners are skipping the minimum required maintenance, exposing themselves and other drivers in harm’s way during their daily commute.

Brakes – what are they?

Brakes are a mechanical device that reduces the speed of your car by transforming the kinetic energy into heat. A complex system of callipers, brake pads, rotors or drums work together to bring your vehicle to a standstill. Modern cars either come with disc or drum brakes, or a combination of both. Most of the time the system is also supplemented by computer controlled anti-lock systems to prevent an accident on adverse weather condition.

Why do they malfunction?

Regular use causes different components of your car brakes to wear out over time. Also, excessive heat can warp parts like brake rotors, causing it to malfunction.

Thankfully, a problem with your car’s brakes Billingborough or anywhere else in the country will show some easy to identify signs. If you know what to look for, you can take your car for a repair as soon as an issue pops up. So, let’s take a look at the signs of a malfunctioning braking system.

1. There is a squealing noise whenever you are applying brakes – Modern cars come with an inbuilt indicator that warns the driver of worn-out brake pads. If the brake pads are worn out, a piece of metal rubs against the rotor and emits a loud, high-pitched noise.
2. Vibration while braking – A warped brake disc will cause your car to vibrate whenever you apply the brakes. If the disc loses its shape, the callipers and brake pads will be ineffective in reducing your car’s speed. This is a serious safety hazard as it compromises the entire system’s performance.
3. Car is veering off to one side – If your vehicle starts veering off to one side whenever you apply its brakes, chances are there is an issue with a collapsed brake hose, uneven brake pads, or contaminated brake fluid. Uneven pressure in one side will cause your car to veer.
4. Soft brake response – A leak in the brake fluid reservoir or cables can decrease its hydraulics pressure, reducing brake paddle response. It can ultimately lead to a complete failure of the system as your car keeps losing braking fluid.

How to keep it in good shape

Experts advise taking your car for at least one check-up and if required, repair every year. Remember to take it to a reputed garage, like Roberts Tyres. You can avail brake repair services, as well as purchase various spares like tyres Sleaford from their workshop.

As a responsible car owner, you should know about the typical signs of malfunctioning brakes so that you can detect, and repair the issue as soon as it pops up. Properly functioning brakes can prove the difference between getting involved in a catastrophic incident and driving away without a scratch.

Car Tyres 101 – How to Choose the Best Set of Tyres for Your Vehicle

 Choosing the best set of tyres for your vehicle can get very confusing at times. There are more than enough brands and variants in the market to spoil a typical Brit car owner for choice. What matters in all of this hullaballoo is getting the right set of tyres onto the car.

Tyres are a critical factor in determining your ride safety and quality. Multiple aspects play a vital role when you select the best set or pair for your car. Let’s take a look and see how to choose the best set of tyres for your vehicle.

How to choose the best car tyres for your car:

1. Driving conditions – Driving conditions determine what type of tyre will be best suited for your car. For example, if you mostly commute in and around a city looking for new tyres in Sleaford or any other metropolitan area in the UK, summer tyres will be the ideal choice. On the other hand, an outdoor enthusiast will be better off using 4X4 tyres for an off-road trip.

Your choice of tyres should also with the seasons. You will need winter tyres for icy slushy conditions and summer tyres for the rest of the year. However, you can also use all-season tyres if you don’t want the hassle of changing tyres every season. Point worth mentioning, all-seasons tyres can handle nearly everything. They are the archetypal ‘jack of all trades,’ but they are also a ‘master of none.’

2. Load and speed ratings – Another important criterion you should maintain is the load and speed rating of your car tyres. Choose a tyre that has the minimum load carrying capacity defined by the manufacturer of your vehicle. For example, if your car’s manufacturer recommends a maximum weight of 590 kg, you have to use tyres that are rated 91, or capable of carrying 615kg without damaging its carcass. You cannot use anything lower than that value.

The speed rating should be equal to, or better than the top speed of your vehicle. So, for example, if your car has a top speed of 130 mph, you will need a set of tyre rated ‘V’, with speed ratings of 149 mph.

3. The OE parts – Ideally, you should always choose tyres that are labelled OE, or Original Equipment, for your vehicle. This eliminates any derivation from the recommended best from the manufacturer. If there is no OE part available, try matching the specification as much as possible while buying a new set.

4. Price – The price of the tyre often becomes an important factor when going for a new set. It is not wise to go for the cheaper option all the time. Try balancing the price with the quality of a product, even if it seems slightly expensive than others. A good quality tyre will give you a longer service life and will prove more economical and safe during your daily commute.

If you think it is time to change your car tyres, you can visit Roberts Tyres to get the best deal in high quality spares and OEs. They are one of the biggest retailers of Car tyresin Heckington and Sleaford and have a team of expert technicians who will help you choose the most suitable tyres for your car.