New Technology and Car MOT Testing

Early MOTs were a simple matter. Initiated on the back of the 1956 they tested for just three things: brakes, lights and steering, and the vehicle only needed to be tested every ten years. For a while it was called the ten-year test or the Ministry of Transport test, which over time became shortened to just MOT or MOT test.

Over the years, as the science behind accidents was better understood and the public’s tolerance for unnecessary injury or death was diminished, the test expanded to include looking for front seat belts, testing of the vehicles tyres – now known to be vital in keeping cars safely under control in all sorts of weather conditions – as well as an examination of the chassis, windscreen wiper operation, brake lights, horn and exhaust system. All of this, so far, was relatively easy for a mechanic to assess manually or by eye, but in 1991, further tests made the MOT even more rigorous.

While the MOT test has certainly widened its scope over the years, it is still a relatively quick and easy process, thanks in no small part to the modern technology that is used to ensure that your vehicle is fully compliant with the latest rules and regulations. If you need an MOT in Wakefield, rush to Ossett Tyre House and see how efficiently we can meet your needs!

Emissions testing as Clean Air Acts were enforced and awareness of environmental concerns became more mainstream was introduced, alongside more intensive checks on the anti-lock braking system, rear steering mechanism, and seat belts in the back seat amongst other checks. Some of these checks were intensive and complex, now needing much more than a mechanic’s personal assessment. Wear and tear on the microscopic level was now unacceptable, and this often cannot be seen by eye, requiring carefully calibrated equipment to assess the difference between acceptable wear and a dangerous condition.

Fortunately, technology advanced alongside the testing needed, and an emission testing is now a simple matter of installing a sensor in the exhaust system for a while, with the engine on. This simple process gives complete results, analysing the carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other gases that can be harmful if released in large, unchecked quantities into the air. Measuring equipment can feed figures and data straight into computers that can measure to the minutest levels, letting you know in mere seconds if the vehicle is satisfactory or if there is work to be done on it to render it safe and roadworthy.

The MOT is a way to ensure not only your safety on the road, but that of other road users too: it can be tempting to put it off, but if you get it done early, you can actually take advantage of a thirteen-month MOT certificate.

Collaboration.