All MOT Matters-Articles relating to MOT Testing in Halifax

MOT Closure Killer Blow-MOT extension will have “huge impact” on independent garages, warns IGA

30th December 2022/0 Comments/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

MOT Closure Killer Blow

Having your car MOT on time is important for several reasons:

Safety: The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required by law. This includes checking the brakes, tyres , suspension, and other important systems. If any of these systems are not working properly, it could be dangerous to drive your car.
Legal requirements: In most countries, it is a legal requirement to have your car MOT done at regular intervals. This helps to ensure that all vehicles on the road are safe and roadworthy. If you do not have a valid MOT certificate, you could be fined or even banned from driving.
Financial benefits: A well-maintained vehicle is likely to be more fuel efficient and have a longer lifespan than one that is not well-maintained. By having your car MOT done on time, you can help to ensure that it remains in good condition and save money on repairs in the long run.
Environmental benefits: A vehicle that is in good working order is likely to emit fewer harmful gases and pollutants than one that is not. By ensuring that your car is MOT carried out on time, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.

There is no doubt that the Governments latest attack on the Coronavirus

Thus and will make it very difficult for some small independent garages to remain open! MOT Tests are the life blood of most garage enterprises since they were introduced in 1960.

Garages have evolved around the testing system. because they are required by law and we have to follow strict rules and laws about how to keep vehicles safe. Of course, having to enable us to work everything else around the MOT system. In my opinion, the government has just blown all our hard work in front of our faces.

From the first of April then all car and van tests will be extended for a six month period. In my opinion this is just a kick in the teeth to the safety of your vehicle.

I do only hope that no one has an accident due to the failure of something that would have been pickup up on the MOT test. I think this is a thoughtless act by yet another member of government that does not know what they are doing.

The attached article about MOT Closure Killer Blow is well worth a read ?

Eric Roberts

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is raising concerns to the government about the huge impact of extending MOT Closure Killer Blow. Whilst supporting the government’s measures to control the spread of the coronavirus, the IGA does

Source: MOT extension will have “huge impact” on independent garages, warns IGA – Garagewire

MOT Chaos Continues-DVSA urges motorists to bring MOT forward

3rd December 2022/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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MOT Chaos Continues

So this attached article is all about the chaos that the Government caused by issuing the six month exemption of your cars MOT Test! Of course during in last years lockdown. Many garages and MOT centres are now short of work because customers have brought their MOT tests forward. To explain most customers of garages would have their cars serviced at the same time. Now because of rush then garages are have a void in their work schedule. Including us at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax .

So, in there wisdom then the DVLA are advising motorists to bring their test forward. The Months with a void are now May, June and July. Because garage customers had their cars tested early then a huge void has occurred. These cars are not due to have a test until August, September ang October. Meaning to me that the six month MOT exemption has completely thrown out the systems balance.

Businesses find this difficult to balance out and will be paying staff to be stood around . In my opinion the government should compensate garages to help them through this period until the Autumn.

Where are the DVLA telling the motorists ?

The attached article writes about the DVLA urging motorists! Unfortunately, I am wondering where this advice is going to be published ! I watch TV and listen to the radio all the time but have not yet seen any sign of the DVLA advising drivers. So, urging drivers to anything. I suspect that what they mean is that we the local garage have to tell our own customers that getting an early MOT would be possible.

Another garage owner that I know says that he has been realy messed up by the government decision to the six month MOT extension. Frighteningly, he says that he has had no customers since March wanting an MOT test. He like me suspects that it will be like this until late August. The DVSA are doing nothing to help and I suspect garages will be closing down!

Finally, I believe that a six month extension was not at all necessary! The six months grace meant that millions of drivers taking the micky! Like my own garage then thousands of MOT centres are only doing a couple of test a week! This also includes the busy garages. I believe that the action that the government took is now causing the industry big problems. So, support should be given to MOT stations. Because we are loosing revenue whilst still having to pay for MOT equipment and staffs wages. This has been awarded to other industries requiring financial aid during these difficult times.

Financial Incentives could be the way

Finally I think that the government could offer a financial incentive to try and get to have an early MOT test. Otherwise drivers will not be prepared to have their cars tested early. Understandingly, most motorists leave there MOT test to the last minute normally. Most have a fear that the car may require expensive repairs and so as I say leave the test until the last minute.

The DVSA is urging motorists with a vehicle MOT due in August, September, October and November 2021 to bring their vehicle in for a test during May, June or July instead. It comes as MOT predictions

Source: DVSA urges motorists to bring MOT forward as exemption chaos continues

Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT-“unaffordable” for 40% of motorists, research finds

13th November 2022/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT

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

Source: Next MOT “unaffordable” for 40% of motorists, research finds

Pellon Autocentre Remains Open-UK’s independent garages remain open amid latest wave of lockdowns

9th November 2022/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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Pellon Autocentre Remains Open

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

Source: Here we go again: UK’s independent garages remain open amid latest wave of lockdowns – Garagewire

Garages Can Keep Open- As England set for second lockdown

6th November 2022/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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Garages Can Keep Open

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

Source: England set for second lockdown – Garagewire

Insane MOT Test Proposals-Plans to reduce MOT frequency hit with criticism

5th November 2022/0 Comments/in mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

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Insane MOT Test Proposals

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

Source: Plans to reduce MOT frequency hit with criticism

MOT demand-Not as bad as expected thanks to ‘beat the rush’ campaign, data shows – Garagewire

30th October 2022/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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MOT demand

MOT Demand

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 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

Source: MOT demand not as bad as expected thanks to ‘beat the rush’ campaign, data shows – Garagewire

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

16th October 2022/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

13th October 2022/1 Comment/in mot testing/by Eric Roberts

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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

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Annual MOT Testing-Two Old Timers-Call Into Pellon Auto Centre For their Annual MOT Test

7th October 2022/in mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

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Two Old Timers Call In For

Annual MOT Testing.

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 with cross ply tyres to the front and radials to the back.