MOT Test for White E-Type Jaguar-Many boyhood dreams about owning this car presented for MOT Test

2nd May 2023/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

MOT Test for White E-Type Jaguar

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?

Finally here at Pellon MOT station we recommend Bridgestone tyres for your Jaguar car.

MGB-Best I Have Ever Seen -Comes in for an- MOT TEST

29th April 2023/1 Comment/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

Mot test MGB

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

.

MOT Garages that are removed from MOT testing scheme to be made public

21st April 2023/1 Comment/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

DVSA have agreed with Ministers to make the information publicly available following the announcement by Justine Greening MP in 2012, of the Governments’ commitment to the Garage Customer Experience.

Eric Roberts‘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.

UK motorists-1 in 10 think the MOT test is Only an OPTION?

19th April 2023/1 Comment/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

Millions of UK motorists are clueless

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 government are 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.

See on www.autoexpress.co.uk

Dodgy MOT fraud crackdown- by DVSA- remains key focus for DVSA

15th April 2023/0 Comments/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

Dodgy MOT fraud crackdown

As the owner of a UK MOT testing station. Then I just fail to understand the number of MOT stations that have been shut down for fraudulent activities. According to this attached article 143 testing stations. Of one type or another have had there testing facilities removed. Consequently not able to carry out any more MOT tests.

The public are now able to report stations that they feel were not truthful one way or another. Probably leading to more investigations. With the end result been a station loosing its MOT testing status. The mind boggles when you realise the importance of such a great system for testing vehicle safety here in the UK.

I believe that we have to be totally honest with both the DVSA and the public who bring their vehicles to us for a honest and reliable MOT test. We do hear of horror stories coming from customers with a long list of improper failures after a test on their cars.

Could things get worse !

What frightens me the fact that we are heading in for an economic downturn. So putting pressure on people to fail cars for the sake of more income. I have been in this industry for 50 years or so now and seen all this kind of thing before.

Larger companies with massive overheads will be putting even more pressure to increase their sales and profit margins. Recently a good friend of mine decided that he had enough of sales pressure from the large garage network that he worked for.

Encouraging the workers below him to report car faults that did not exist. He did not mention specific MOT jobs but you could not rule this out. Customers were told that things needed replacing when they were perfectly alright. We have all hear of this yet the companies keep on trading when the little guys get hit.

Finally as long as we keep up our good reputation for honesty when testing cars and also everyday servicing work then to hell with the rest. The we will not be involved in any Dodgy MOT fraud crackdown.

The DVSA has published its annual report, outlining its 2020-2021 activities. Some 40,490,000 MOT certificates were issued from 2021-22, up from 38,790,000 in the previous period. Following on from the DVSA’s Beat the Rush campaign in 2020, the

Source: MOT fraud crackdown remains key focus for DVSA

MOT Test Combined with Car Servicing | FindGarage.Co.Uk

14th March 2023/in All Car Servicing, mot testing, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

MOT Test Combined with Car Servicing

Unlike an MOT test, servicing is not a legal requirement for your vehicle. However, you will probably find that regular servicing can help to keep everything.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

We all must be responsible for our cars servicing and MOT test

Sometimes I find it a great shame. Incredibly, that we in the motor trade. Insistently, have to keep harping on about servicing your cars. One of the main excuses in recent times! Of course, has been the recession. Recently, car drivers just haven’t had any spare cash to spend on their vehicles. Consequently, we have all seen people just putting £10’s worth of fuel into their cars at the filling station? Ridiculous, but true !

In my opinion I think that these people should have some kind of a budget. A sort of “piggy bank” and save to have their vehicle serviced. Including any mechanical work required when it goes in for its annual MOT test. Incidentally it is estimated that 4.7 million miss their mot testing date. I am sure that drivers either just flaunt the law or are not aware that driving your

car without a valid MOT test certificate is an offense reference section 47 of the 1988 Road Traffic Act.

Also driving without an MOT test will make your insurance invalid and you may receive a fine of up to £1000. Is it really worth it, when you can have an MOT test and a service for most average family saloons for around £150? If you are not sure where you can go for your vehicle serviced you should go online and look for your nearest local independent garage they will offer you excellent service at a fair price.

Once you have had your MOT test and service you should be safer for another year, although I recommend that you have an engine oil and filter change in between the tests to be on the safe side. Also do not forget check your levels at regular periods, say once a week and top them up when required.

Here we are now at the back end of 2020, nearing Christmas time and the price of fuel has plummeted. The only problem is that the price of oil and petrol is not following as fast. The experts say that it may take a little longer for this to take place, but i was just wondering if services on cars wold be also coming down. I am not so sure , but i suspect so.

MOT Test Safer Roads-The annual MOT Test make our roads a safer place to drive on.

9th March 2023/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

MOT Test Safer Roads

Some motorists may think that the ministry of transport (VOSA) are in a money making racket. Because you have to take your car to be MOT tested every year to pass a roadworthy test. But they do not see that having those MOT tests, . Actually help prevent accidents and cut down on road deaths by keeping badly maintained vehicles off the road.

By carrying out an MOT test every year on vehicles that have been on the road for three years from their first registration, VOSA has successfully managed to lower the number of unsatisfactory cars on the road, making things safe for the rest of us.

So if you have had your car for at least three years then you need to find your nearest MOT test station and have your car MOT tested. The easiest way is to book online, you can search for MOT Halifax if you need to find your nearest testing station if you live in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.

MOT Test Safer Roads-Any testing station?

It is possible to take it to any testing station to have it tested there.Consequently, you can be on your way home soon after you get a test completed. The only thing you need to know. Hence, is that they are a fully accredited testing station. Able to carry out a thorough and legal test. It is also important that they don’t let you get away with small mechanical faults. Of course that would affect the road worthiness of your vehicle.

After all, this will defeat the whole purpose. Thus, of having the tests carried out in the first place. You want to make sure that your vehicle gets through the test as smooth as possible. As a result, there are many checks that need to be performed. During the MOT Test , your car has to meet the standard. So, for ,these checks. Consequently, you will be ready to go home in no time with a pass. The bodywork on your car needs to be in good condition. Therefore, no rusting or rotten holes. The fuel system, emissions tests and exhaust system. All needs to be good working order without any excessive CO2 than is required.

MOT Test Safer Roads-Your car could fly past the MOT test

Seat belts and seats must not be rotted and be able to keep you secured. Your brakes must still have enough pads left in them before the next brake check, and your tyres need enough tread to make sure you have the minimum legal requirements. . Make sure your lights and indicators are in good working order and your wipers must be in good condition to ensure they clear the windscreen when it is raining and the rubber blades are in good shape. Your steering and suspension need to be within regulation standards to make sure you are able to control the movement of the vehicle no loose worn parts. Your registration, plates and Vehicle identification need to be in good order as well. So look after your car and it should fly through the MOT Test Safer Roads.

MOT Test Fee-How “LOW” can “MOT TEST FEES GET” ?

6th March 2023/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

MOT Test Fee In recent times the price of an MOT Test Fee has dropped.

So, enabling garages to try and attract the cash strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Incredibly, even “FREE”, testing. Which is allowed under the “DVLA MOT Rules” signs outside garages.

So, as the owner of an MOT test centre in Halifax. I am amazed at the number of garages giving away “cheap MOT tests” . Of course, the official mot test fee should be £54.85 (no vat). As stated on the www.gov.uk web-site.

Not mandatory, this MOT Test Fee is only a recommended charge to be used by garages. So, based on the time and equipment that it should take to carry out the mot test according to VOSA the Government test agency here in the UK.

Significantly, the Government totally regulate our testing stations.

Including visits by their inspectors ? Consequently, who also make sure that we have the correct equipment and that all our paperwork is in order. Naturally, we have regular updates for testing procedures .

Such as any mechanical updates or different specifications that may have to changed during a test. Our testers are also checked by the ministry guys. Making, sure that they are carrying out the correct testing procedures. We have to provide a suitable reception and viewing room for the customers, and also use VOSA’s own computer system to register the test results and store all the other information about my garage and the cars that are entered into the system.

In other words in my opinion we are controlled by the Government !

Ensuring that the testing procedure is carried out correctly and within the law. If we stray form the correct procedures we are subject to all sorts of penalties. Which would ultimately result in the closure of your MOT station. I am not moaning about all this, to the contrary. I think that the system is a very good system and is the envy of many countries. Of course, it is not perfect but then again nothing is in the World of garages.

The average hourly rate that we charge for mechanical work in the independent garage sector. Is said to be around the £40 per hour mark ! In my opinion is a very fair price to charge. The Government maintain that because we here in the UK use the private sector to test cars. Then the MOT Test Fee is only a recommended fee and garages could charge what they want. So, the problem is that when they visit, they ask you what you charge in your garage. Subsequently, they don’t seam to like it if you discount the MOT Test Fee,(that’s the impression that I get). But surly they are the ones that think the pricing should be controlled by the private sector.

mot test prices have dropped “big style”

In recent times the price of an MOT Test Fee has dropped. Enabling garages to attract the cash strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Even “FREE”, testing that is allowed under the DVLA MOT Rules. Can be seen up and down the country. Obviously this is a move to attract the motorist into you garage ! Hoping that you may get some mechanical work from a test failure! Nothing wrong with that ! you may say.

The problem is that we have all huge investments in these mot test stations.

Meaning that the price we are getting is far lower than the investment in staff and machinery. I understand that we all have to take the good with the bad ! But I now feel that it is time that the Government stepped in. They could do two things in my opinion. They could have a minimum priced paid for a test, based on the average hourly rate, say perhaps £40, or make the £54.85 in to a mandatory MOT Test Fee to all motorists, and not just a recommendation.

It will be interesting for some feedback from other garage owners with mot test stations here in the UK. So, since this article first appeared. Computerization has made significant changes to the DVLA garage procedures. In fact testers have now to be examined t more regular intervals that previously. In my opinion this is a good thing !

Also, testing procedures are now adjusted more often.

Because of the regular changes to emission testing procedures emanating from the of requirements of the European Union strict emission laws. Of course to bring down the nations “carbon foot print” So, reducing the C02 emissions. Naturally, this has affected diesel cars the most.

We all know about the diesel car scandal ? Most car manufacturers were falsifying the C02 figures of their diesel models. Of course this brought a clampdown from the regulators. Significantly turning round the theory that the diesel cars were better for the climate that the petrol cars. Responding to this the EU came out with much stricter emission rules. So resulting in stricter MOT emission testing in the EU member countries.

However, I have recently learned that VW have been selling the older diesel cars to countries like Albania, at highly discounted prices ! So much for emission standards ! There are rules for some and rules for others ! Many diesel cars can now be treated to clean the internal workings of the engine. Significantly, improving the cars chances of passing the MOT test.

We offer an engine carbon cleaning service for this purpose.

MOT Testing Halifax-Why You Should NOT GO To Your Local Council-They are closing them down anyway?

12th February 2023/2 Comments/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

MOT Testing Halifax

Latest update is that The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency ( VOSA ) has closed. It’s been replaced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ).

MOT Testing Why You Should avoid Your Local Council

So, I have now been the owner of my garage, Pellon tyre and Autocentre has now been operating for over 40 years. As a result I have tried to build up a reputation that is second to none. Over the years we have built up a fantastic reputation and trust.

Because, we have always been straight and honest with our customers. Hence, I personally have been the owner of this garage here in Halifax. For the past 25 years. In that time we have carried out thousands of MOT tests. Of course, we have always used our best discretion. Carrying out MOT Testing. Having always had the customer’s best interest to heart.

Over the years we have only had one small dispute with a customer. Subsequently, that was the fault of our tester at the time. Replacing him as soon as we could. Thus, at the moment we only have two testers. Ryan Linton, who in my opinion is a first class mechanic. Naturally, a person and has worked for me for 22 years. We now have a second tester Mr Dale Linton.

The point that I am getting at is the massive effort that we at Pellon have put into our garage and MOT testing service,

This was in my opinion undermined. So, when I heard a guy been interviewed on radio 2. This presenter was from a website telling us how we can save money. Advising the listeners to go to the Local Councils. Thus, for their car MOT testing. Because if they went there. Then they would not be taken for a ride or ripped off. Consequently, he was basically saying that we MOT Centres Vehicle Testing Stations. So that carry out MOT testing fail the cars intentionally. In order to give themselves the work repairing the car.

This could not be further from the truth. VOSA DVLA MOT Testing Rules statistics. Show that privately owned testing stations. As a result, are more likely to pass the car than fail the car. The money website claims that the local council run testing stations. Therefore, are more likely to pass your car than a private garage. Such as the likes of my own garage in Halifax. So what they are saying is we are corrupt. By failing cars just to get the mechanical work.

Local Council want private MOT Testing stations to test taxis?

Other things that I am not happy with are the good reviews that they say they have had from customers of the local council testing stations. One says that they fitted a light bulb and then they passed the car, the council test stations do not do any mechanical work whatsoever, so this was a porky.

Another one stated that his car had failed at a private garage and the car needed £400 spending on it to pass the test, so the guy took his car to the council test station and they passed his without any problems. I frankly do not believe what they say, I agree that we are not all squeaky clean in the garage trade but we are well regulated by VOSA and if the figures for different failures do not look right ,then VOSA will give you a visit and try see whats going on.

Council testing stations used to charge the full going rate for MOT Testing,

But I rang round today and found out that they have now started to discount the tests, I think that they are under pressure to do more testing from the cash strapped councils. In fact we did get a notification asking us if we would like to carry out testing on behalf of the council, but I declined the offer as we are busy enough anyway.

Another problem with the local council test stations is that if your car fails, then you then have to go to a garage for the work carrying out and then they have to go back to the council for a re- test. This is a long way round when a private garage will in most cases would have done the work on the car the same day, saving the customer time and money.

MOT testing station owner Eric Roberts

There is no evidence at all to back up the Money websites claims. Fundamentally, there are no statistics from VOSA that MOT Testing stations that carry out repair work. So, fail more cars than council run MOT testing stations. It is really clear that going to a MOT only testing stations. Such as the council run operations. Is likely to incur considerable more cost and personnel inconvenience. Especially if the car fails on a minor fault, such as a light bulb and has to make another appointment for a re-test.

VOSA the government department in charge of MOT testing. Importantly, are always watching out for garages. With bad practices and make regular visits to offending garages. MOT garages are also given colour codes that relate to their testing standard. Green is the best, then Amber, and the worse standard is Red. So, these are the ones that the ministry keep a careful eye on. It is worth finding out what standard the testing station is, before you book your car in. I am proud to say that we at Pellon Autocentre are in the best lane, the Green lane.

MOT testing station

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Comment from Jim McMasters –
As the owner of an older car I have been tempted to use the Council test stations. This year I had two MOT tests by two different independent garages. Garage No 1 failed the car on rear brake pipes and front and rear brake hoses with both front suspension bushes advisory – cost of repairs £344 inc MOT.
Garage No 2 failed the car on front and rear brake pipes and the suspension bushes and said the brake hoses were advisory with mild corrosion on the ferrules and discoloration of rear indicator bulbs which had been replaced by Garage No1 the year before – cost of repairs £601 inc MOT.
The only thing that puts me off using the Council testing stations is that if you fail you then have to fend around for someone to fix the car within the retest period which takes time and I’ve found some garages don’t want to do brake pipe jobs if they are busy with bolt on type repairs. So I think you make a fair point in favour of the independent garage for practical purposes but as my example shows, there is a lack of consistency with garages both in testing and pricing.

Rolls Royce MOT-Beautiful Blue Wraith in for an MOT test

2nd February 2023/2 Comments/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

This Roller will probably be the nicest car that we have had in the garage for its This magnificent car was brought into my garage for an Rolls Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintage Bentley Wraith.

This magnificent Rolls Royce Wraith car a 1939 drop head coupe is one of only 220 in the World. Importantly, and was designed by a James Young and Company of Bromley London. Later bought by Jack Barclay a London based Rolls Royce dealer. This magnificent car was brought into my garage for an Rolls Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintage Bentley Wraith model. Although the new DVLA MOT Rules state that these cars do not have to have a Rolls Royce MOT any more. Most owners still go through the procedure because of insurance purposes.

It was in 1931 that the then “Rolls-Royce company” bought out ” Bentley Motors” . Consequently, the whole works were moved from the Bentley factory in Cricklewood London NW2. Of course, to Derby, in the North midlands of the UK.

Bentley cars that were produced there are were commonly referred to as the “Derby-Bentley s”. These cars were first introduced in 1933. Hence, the first of these Bentley s that were made in Derby was simply known as the 3 1/2 Litre. Subsequently, were very similar in design and looks to the Rolls Royce 20/25. Thus, that was made in the same year. The Bentley cars very soon became the more powerful and sporty versions of the Rolls Royce. These 3.5 litre engined Bentley’s that was produced in Derby was not in the same technology class as the ones produced in Cricklewood, London.

In 1936 the Derby made Bentley’s and the new Rolls Royce were fitted with 4.257 litre engine with a four speed gearbox.

this vastly improved the cars performance giving the owner far more acceleration power and making the car feel very sporty to drive. These cars were made until the beginning of World war 2

Production lasted until the outbreak of World War II, with over 1200 examples produced many of these cars are still running today, like the fine example that was presented to us here in Halifax UK. More reading...http://www.coachbuild.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=50&g2_itemId=7787&g2_GALLERYSID=ca3cbacf38f4443917eafa41ebe53fba