Yorkshire may be a lovely location to drive, but nothing makes a car owner groan more than when the time for their yearly MOT arrives. The MOT (Ministry of Transport car test inspection) is a required exam to make sure that vehicles are safe for you and other drivers, but it is frequently a stressful activity that can severely deplete your financial resources.
Fortunately, there are drivers who take the MOT test very seriously and save up to make the necessary repairs should the vehicle need some. In fact I can truthfully say that many of our MOT customers are happy to have the car tested to ensure the owners safety.
Our Yorkshire roads and motorways have become extremely busy in the years after COVID. So safety is paramount. Fortunately, as I have said then most people do think it a responsible pat of their lives to have the MOT test carried out promptly and on time.
In fact here at Pellon Autocentre,
We have a system of contacting our customers and letting them know that the test is imminent. It is very rare that the customer misses the opportunity to book the test in with us. Therefore ensuring that their vehicle can be tested promptly and have any required work carried out in the same period.
Of course we may be the lucky ones! Poorer areas of the UK may be suffering far worse than others. Hence the number of cars going without tests.
There are also people who do not have the right priorities and prefer to spend their money on other things. Rather than the cars MOT Test.
The MOT test was first performed after a vehicle turned ten years old and then once a year after that. It was once only a straightforward test of the vehicle’s brakes, lights, and steering.
The vehicle testing age was dropped to seven years the following year. As a result of the “ten year test’s” high failure rate. By 1962, receiving a tax disc required both passing a commercial vehicle exam and having a valid certificate. The testable age was reduced to one year for taxis, ambulances, and large vehicles with at least eight passenger seats in 1983.
Many other changes have been made but that’s for another day!
Four in ten motorists fear they can’t afford their next MOT and half of them admit they would continue to drive their car anyway, new research has found. The Halfords research, which was carried out in
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/no-money-for-MOT-Test.jpg330495Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-06-02 07:39:092023-06-02 07:39:09Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT-“unaffordable” for 40% of motorists, research finds
So, the attached article explains about how British garages will remain open in the current “Lockdown2”. Of course, this includes my business Pellon Tyres and Autocentre here in Halifax UK. For the purpose of carrying on with our job of keeping the working public of Halifax on the road. Unfortunately, we have had one of staff in self isolation after his partner contracted the “covid 19” virus.
She is not seriously ill and is expected to have a full recovery. Meanwhile we are carrying on trying to get through the backlog of MOT test and the repairs required to get the vehicles through the test.
Because of my age then I have to keep away from other people as much as I can. Although I certainly have plenty to do looking after my battery, winter tyres and the Pellon Autocentre websites.
With the entire UK now back under some form of lockdown, independent garages across nation remain open and are continuing to deal with a backlog of MOTs. The Independent Garage Association welcomed government clarification which confirmed
So, here we are again at the beginning of the second Covid 19 lockdown. Fortunately for us then we do not have to close. Primarily because this time we have to stay open to keep the MOT system up to scratch. As I have written before the UK government in their wisdom decided to stop testing for a 6 month period. In my opinion this was a step too far.
The suspension has now caused the MOT system to backlogs. So, here at garages such as Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK we are booking vehicles in for the MOT test up to three weeks in advance. Happily our customers have been very kind and helpful. Understanding the circumstances and been very polite and helpful. Unfortunately, there are some drivers who just dont turn up.
So, just a phone call would help! One thing that are we having to put with is “self isolating staff”. So, at the moment we only have one of our staff in this situation. Although under pressure we are still coping, during this second lockdown.
England is to face a new national lockdown from Thursday 5 November after a rapid rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. The new measures will replace local restrictions and are expected to
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-owner.jpg435273Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-25 19:39:102023-05-25 19:39:10Garages Can Keep Open- As England set for second lockdown
Even more concerningly, nearly one in ten (8.49%) automobiles failed the test on at least one harmful item, which is close to a third of all vehicles that failed the MOT the first time. Up to 2.57 million automobiles and vans with potentially harmful flaws will be on the roads as a result of reducing the MOT testing period to every two years.
Vehicles frequently fail MOT testing on safety-relevant components.
According to DVSA data, 7% of vehicles fail due to brake issues, another 7% due to tyre defects, and 10% due to suspension defects.
“This might actually be hazardous for motorists, bikers, and pedestrians, and we might see cars on the roads with significant flaws. And this suggestion won’t make any difference in terms of the expense of living.
Less frequent vehicle maintenance is comparable to putting off going to the doctor. So just like with medical problems, things can grow much worse if you wait. Shopping around will, for the most part, save you from having to pay the whole £54.85, the maximum a MOT may cost, and you may be able to prevent a hefty payment by catching it early, according to Karen Rotberg.
Drivers should keep their cars up to date regarding parts failures
Even though some of the more critical flaws could be very expensive to fix, extra costs could be avoided with early intervention. For instance, if brake discs are damaged by metal-on-metal contact. While the brake pads are entirely worn down. So, the braking discs must also be changed (typically costing hundreds of pounds). Simply keep an eye on your brake pads!
Neglect can cause damage to many different parts of a car. In addition to the brakes. Damaged suspension parts can cause uneven tyre wear and hasten the need to replace the tyres. Remember the pothole crisis! It hasn’t gone away. While tyres that are not properly inflated will use more petrol and diesel and have a shorter lifespan.
67% of drivers, according to research by BookMyGarage.com. Then, schedule servicing at the same time as their MOT. This also applies to us here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK. This means that there is a good likelihood that many car maintenance tasks will go uncompleted as well. Which could result in higher costs for drivers owing to accelerated engine wear and increased fuel consumption.
27% of drivers fail to check their tyres!
In addition, 27% of drivers do not check the condition of their tyres, and 58% do not check to see if their lights are functioning, according to a BookMyGarage.com survey of 2,000 drivers.
“We are very much in favour of initiatives which relieve the expense of living; we recognise that there is true difficulty at the moment,” Rotberg stated. However, the government’s eye-catching measures hide the possibility that drivers may end up paying much more than necessary.
The greatest method to save money is to shop around for the best deals in your area. Additionally, a yearly MOT is essential for both safety and the expense of driving in the long run.
Plans to relax the frequency of MOT tests to help ease the cost-of-living crisis have met strong criticism from across the motor industry. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) warns that the “dangerous” plan would fail to
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.png00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-25 07:39:002023-05-25 07:39:00Insane MOT Test Proposals-Plans to reduce MOT frequency hit with criticism
MOT demand Moderate -Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown: An Overview of Recent Changes to MOT Testing
The COVID-19 pandemic unquestionably altered the appearance of the world in a variety of ways, and the pandemic’s ripple effects continue to have a significant impact on our lives even as we make progress towards returning to normal. The automotive industry is one sector that has undergone significant transformations as a result of the pandemic.
This is especially true in the United Kingdom, where the Ministry of Transport (MOT) testing has been subjected to significant revisions during the most recent lockdowns. The alterations were made to ensure the continuation of essential transport services while simultaneously protecting the public’s safety.
MOT demand Moderate -Extensions to the Emergency Situation: The Initial Response
When the COVID-19 pandemic was in its early stages, lockdown procedures prompted an urgent need to reevaluate the protocol for MOT testing. Because traditional methods required vehicle owners and MOT test centre staff to maintain close contact with one another throughout the inspection process, these methods posed a risk to both parties.
The initial response from the government of the United Kingdom was to offer an automatic extension of six months for all vehicles whose MOT certificates were set to expire between the 30th of March and the 31st of July 2020.
This decision was an important step in the right direction because it ensured that key workers and those who needed to make essential journeys could use their own vehicles without having to worry about MOT inspections.
The Cancellation of All Future Extensions and the Return to the Previously Scheduled Testing
As the MOT extension period progressed towards its conclusion in August 2020, lockdown restrictions gradually became less stringent. Once again, in order to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads, vehicle owners were mandated to have their MOT tests completed on time.
The growing concern that the extension could lead to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads that are potentially unsafe led to the decision to resume regular MOT testing. This decision was made because of the growing concern.
This choice did not come without its share of difficulties. The unexpected increase in the number of vehicles that needed to be tested caused backlogs in many testing centres. In addition, the necessary adherence to additional sanitization measures and social distance, which were both required, slowed down the process.
mot magazine, mot special notices, dvla mot requirements, mot testers, dvsa mot testing.
Testing for the Ministry of Transport in the ‘New Normal’: The Revised Procedure
In order to remain competitive in the market, MOT testing centres were required to implement COVID-19 safety measures into their standard operating procedures.
Commonplace precautions included limiting direct contact with customers, using seat covers, sanitising high-touch areas of the vehicle before and after the test, and cleaning high-touch areas before the test.
In addition, MOT testing services are increasingly turning to technology in order to simplify operations and reduce the amount of face-to-face contact that customers have. The implementation of contactless payment systems, online booking platforms, and digital communication for the purpose of providing results has seen widespread adoption.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) encouraged drivers to book their MOT tests in advance and to consider getting their vehicles tested even if the expiration date of their MOT was extended. This was done so that the agency could deal with the backlog.
MOT demand Moderate What Should Be Done About Failed MOT Tests While the Facility Is Locked Down?
During the period of the lockdown, one of the most common concerns was regarding the processes that would be followed for vehicles that had failed their MOT tests. If a vehicle failed an inspection, the owner was instructed not to drive it again, with the exception of driving it to a repair shop or to a pre-booked MOT test after the repairs were completed.
However, some garages provided a collection and delivery service for vehicles that needed MOT tests or repairs. This was available to customers who needed to maintain their level of privacy.
Conclusion
The updates to the MOT testing that were brought about as a direct result of the lockdowns are a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the system in the face of a crisis that has never been seen before. As we work our way through the aftermath of the pandemic, it is unclear what other shifts may take place in the landscape of MOT testing. This is something that will be determined as we move forward.
However, the overarching objective has not changed; it is still to guarantee that vehicles operating on UK roads meet safety and environmental standards. The primary purpose of the MOT test continues to be of the utmost significance in terms of protecting both the general public and the environment, irrespective of whether or not a pandemic is currently underway.
So this attached article follows on from previous MOT testing updates! Of course which were brought about due to the recent “lockdown” due to the Corona Virus. Consequently, in their wisdom the UK Government suspended all MOT testing for a six month period! Un-surprisingly, this meant that there would be a bottle neck for MOT testing stations.
However this article thinks that the back log of test is not as bad as they first thought.
Here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK, we are about three weeks fully book for MOT testing. Importantly, like many testing stations then we have a good booking in system which works really well. This along with a reminder system has enabled us to keep on top of things.
Many of our customers have been very patient and understanding when it came to testing their cars and vans. So, any work that is required to get the vehicles through the test is carried out by our non-testing staff. So far this has worked out fine concerning the problem of MOT demand Moderate and things are moving very smoothly to date.
The number of MOTs set to expire in October and November is less than originally forecast by the DVSA. Data analysis by GiPA suggests that the number of MOTs due this month has decreased by 12.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-18 19:39:482023-05-20 08:02:38MOT demand Moderate-Not as bad as expected thanks to ‘beat the rush’ campaign, data shows – Garage wire
of course, it was a sad day when the Government in all their wisdom announced that Most vehicles manufactured or first registered over 40 years ago. Hence, will, as of 20 May 2018, be exempt from periodic testing unless they have been substantially changed.
This “substantially changed “part worried some owners at first. many of these cars have had some major changes. if parts were not available, then they were re-fabricated by specialist companies.
However owners fears were quashed
when it was announced that their would have to be substantial changes to the chassis, running gear and engine capacity before the car was considered as re-built in any way. Especially in the past 30 years of ownership.
According to the UK Government web site then the following changes would be fine- The following are considered acceptable (not substantial) changes if they fall into these specific categories: • changes that are made to preserve a vehicle, which in all cases must be when original type parts are no longer reasonably available; • changes of a type, that can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or in general use (within ten years of the end of production); • in respect of axles and running gear changes made to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance; • in respect of vehicles that have been commercial vehicles, changes which can be demonstrated were being made when they were used commercially.
Of course this clarified the worries and concerns from the owners of these cars. meanwhile, as it happens we still get these vintage and classic cars presented for the Annual MOT Test. The E-Type Jaguar in my images is a great example. This car was the car that every teenager wanted back in the day. I was twenty years old when this car came out and boy did we want one.
I believe that many of these cars have to be MOT tested for insurance purposes. Importantly to make sure that the car was road worthy or not. Anyhow the white E-Type had many admirers from my other customers on that day. Including myself?
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-05-02 19:38:582023-05-02 19:38:58MOT Test for White E-Type Jaguar-Many boyhood dreams about owning this car presented for MOT Test
I could not believe my eyes when we were presented with this beautiful MGB sport car for its MOT test. So, I am just going to show the images that we took so that you can see for yourself how nice this car is.
The MGB was a very sought after car in the sixties and seventies
In my opinion was one of the signs that you were doing better in life if you owned one, I had the poor relation the MG Midget. I remember working for a Dunlop tyres subsidiary at the time and the MG was fitted with 165×14 Mainly Pirelli Cinturato textile radials. The guys who owned them (it was a man’s car and not many females owned one) were mainly self-employed builders and architects, this was the car for them.
Of course, the fascinating thing to me though. So, was that out of the 387,000 cars produced 90% were sold in America. Consequently, where they were as popular as they were in the UK. Subsequently, these cars were built from 1962 to the last car in 1980. Hence, the first MGB GT versions rolled off the production line, in 1965. As a result, by the end over 125,000 of these splendid cars were built. Of course, with about a third going for export.
The MGB became the World top selling sports car
Selling well over half a million cars. Therefore, was the bestselling British sports car of all time. So, by this time the cars were fitted with more of the Dunlop tyre products. Working for a Dunlop subsidiary. Thus, meant that we had more and more of these excellent sports cars entering our auto centre. Of course, for tyres and car servicing.
Over the years the MGB retained its popularity. Even now in 2014 there are many companies making and selling spare parts. You can even buy full body shells. Hence full body shells were launched by British Motor heritage back in 1988. Lastly, the shell was also used to produce the MG RV 8 in 1992.
Consequently, the technical details are as follows,
Tyres size: 165×14 and later 185r60x14 or 15 inch with alloys
Engine: 4 cylinder in line
Capacity: 1,798 cc
Bore & Stroke: 80.26mm x 88.9mm
Valve operation: overhead operated by tappets push-rods and rockers.
No of bearings: 5 main
Power output: 97 bhp at 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 105lb/ft at 2,500 rpm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Carburation: Twin SU’s
Clutch: Single dry plate
Suspension: front; coil and wishbone, rear; live axle with semi elliptic leaf springs.
Dampers: Armstrong lever arm front & rear
Steering: Rack and pinion
Brakes: Hydraulic with servo assistance. Front; 10.75″ dia disc. Rear; 10″ dia drum
Maximum speed: 104 mph
Acceleration: 0-60 mph: 13.0 secs
Fuel consumption: 25 mpg.
Of course, the facts were courtesy of …mgownersclub.co.uk/mgb-gt
.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-04-29 07:39:472023-04-29 07:39:47MGB-Best I Have Ever Seen -Comes in for an- MOT TEST
Happily, I have said before, that this is a great time to be involved in the auto trade. Of course, as the owner of a successful auto centre. Then we take every day as it comes. Consequently, apart from the work that we have booked in for that day. So, we had a run of cars that were all affected by “pothole” damage.
So, the first car was a Ford Fiesta ! Suffering from a broken coil spring . Caused by running into a pothole ! Incredibly, the second was a Vauxhall Corsa, with yet another a broken coil spring . Unluckily, the spring had also penetrated the front tyre ! Once again caused by hitting a pothole !
Thirdly the damaged car was a VW Sirocco that hit a pothole and bent his steering arm. Urgently, we managed to fit these cars in between our car services. Consequently, that were already booked in . Happily for the customers we managed to carry out the repairs and we all had a good day !
After lunch, we had another bit of excitement for me.
Unbeknownst to me, we had two vintage cars booked in for their Annual MOT Tests. Significantly, the first car was a regular one for us. So, it was a Rolls Royce tourer. With a 5.6-litre engine and built in 1936. Of course, the car easily passed the test. Apart from a Brake switch light, which we repaired on site. The company who own the vehicle always give their car a pre-mot test. Of course before it is brought into us for the MOT test. But the brake light switch must have been overlooked.
The second car that turned up was a black A35 Austin saloon. Manufactured in 1958 (I was ten years old then). Respectfully, the car was owned by the great, great Aunt of the woman who now owns the car ?
So, the Aunt passed the car onto her niece who later died. Subsequently, the car was then passed onto her niece, who is the current owner. Incredibly, the car was last serviced in 1990. Having only done 2000 miles, (it was then used to tootle around town in). The car has a 948 cc engine
with drums on the front brakes. Including an old fashioned rod braking system at the rear.
The car was then mothballed for the last ten in a barn
So the latest in a line of nieces decided to bring it out and restore the car. She asked for the service of a local mechanic, who looked at the car to assess its condition. Incredibly, the car only required a new battery and started up the first time. Urgently, the brakes needed some work doing on them! Then he handed the car over to us for its mot test. Lastly, the brakes were sorted using parts from an old MG Midget. Pleasantly, the engine was in immaculate condition and had only done 6000 miles.
Passed mot test with flying colours
The old Austin had a new 063 ApolloPower battery fitted and passed the mot test in tip top condition apart from some very slight corrosion and will see driving up and down the street of Halifax here in West Yorkshire UK this summer. I just love these cars with a bit of history and a story behind them. The A35 was also fitted withcross ply tyres to the front and radials to the back.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-04-23 07:39:352023-04-23 07:39:35Annual MOT Testing-Two Old Timers-Call Into Pellon Auto Centre For their Annual MOT Test
DVSA have agreed with Ministers to make the information publicly available following the announcement by Justine Greening MPin 2012, of the Governments’ commitment to the Garage Customer Experience.
EricRoberts‘s insight:
MOT Garages testing station, owners opinion
So, as the owner of an MOT centre then I am not quit sure what this will achieve. Consequently, I know that there are thousands of normal garages. Strangely, who claim that they do MOT testing. Incredibly, but in fact do not. What they do is to take their customers car to an approved MOT testing station. Consequently, having what we call “a trade test” carried out.
Of course, I am not saying that the car will not be tested correctly? But the test is not carried out by the garage and the car is not in their control. Subsequently, if the driver has an issue then he can not take it up directly with the testing station.
Customers should look out for the official MOT testing sign,
Concerned car owners should look out for an official MOT sign ! Usually outside the garage premises at the roadside. So looking the same as the one in my above image. Some garages have sort of look alike signs, but are not official testing stations.
I can only think that garages who have lost their license to test cars because of a bad disciplinary record, still carry on taking cars in for testing, but have a trade test done at another official testing station, under the pretense that they still have a testing license, or simply do not remove their MOT Garages signs as if their still testing.
A list of banned testing sites will be published but i wonder who will read them?.
Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-04-21 19:39:352023-04-21 19:39:35MOT Garages that are removed from MOT testing scheme to be made public
about the legal requirement for MOT test, insurance and road tax (Mot’s only cover approx 20% of your car being checked but servicing covers approx. 70% as i was told when i last…
Eric Roberts’ insight:
As the owner of an MOT test station
Of course, I do believe these figures from the excellent Auto express magazine. Significantly this article makes interesting reading ! Stating that 10% of UK motorists . Many car owners do not know that the MOT test is compulsory ! Importantly, on cars that are over three years old.
The British governmentare computerizing the vehicle system. Including the whole system of car insuring and road tax along with the DVLA MOT Rules. In my opinion, they would be better off aligning the three systems. This of course would make it much easier to regulate and also for ease of use to the vehicle owners.
So, enabling it impossible to have one thing without the other ! Of course, at the moment, they are not aligned . Incredibly, you could have a car insured without an MOT test. In my opinion, this will be the Governments aim. Because at the end of this year the road tax disc will be abolished and the system will go online. Making it easier for the UK motorists, the List of New MOT Rules and details will probably have to be entered along with the insurance details. Thus tightening up on the whole system which is at the moment flawed.
Today 2019, then this as all been implemented. Therefore no UK vehicles have to show a tax disc ! Vehicle data is all computerised and also available at any time for police officers to check.
Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 40 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/canstockphoto88031629-scaled.jpg17072560Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Logo_Pellon.fw_.pngEric Roberts2023-04-19 19:39:352023-04-19 19:39:35UK motorists-1 in 10 think the MOT test is Only an OPTION?
