What You Need to Know MOT Emissions Test? | GVE London – Blog

Every vehicle in the UK that is three years old, must clear the MOT test to prove, on paper, that it meets safety & environmental standards. If you own a car in the UK, you’re probably aware of this test. The main reason behind this test is to check how much pollution a car produces. It isn’t relevant whether you ride an old hatchback or a Supra, the MOT emissions test is mandatory for all. So, in this blog, let’s look more into this test and learn what can be done to best prepare for it,

What is the MOT Test?

The MOT test is conducted by and stands for the Ministry of Transport. Consider it to be a yearly check-up for vehicles that are three years and older. It determines if a car is healthy enough to be driven on public roads, the criteria for which cover both safety and environmental aspects, including brakes, lights, tire conditions, emissions, and more.

If your car fails to clear the MOT, till you address its issues, it’s illegal to drive and can result in fines, invalidated insurance, or driving bans at the far end of that spectrum. So, if you want to keep driving your car without worries, make sure it’s ready for the test from an authorised MOT centre.

The MOT Emissions Test Explained

The emissions check is the main element behind the MOT test, on a certain level. This test gauges the level of pollution a car creates, which means measuring the level of pollutants a car is releasing into the atmosphere particularly CO2, nitrogen oxides, & particulate matter. The aim is to prevent vehicles that contribute heavily to air pollution from being allowed on the road until they’re fixed.

Why Does the Emissions Test Matter?

The UK has committed to the noble cause of reducing its contribution to air pollution.Air quality has been going down year by year, and this is one of the UK’s efforts to reduce further damage. Older vehicles, generally speaking, cause more pollution (unless maintained well) and further add to the deterioration of air quality

Bad air quality causes smog, respiratory issues, & other environmental damage, so reducing it is essential for passing a MOT test. A limit has been set on how much pollution a vehicle can produce; exceeding that will result in failure of the MOT test. You’ll need to get it fixed before getting clearance.

How is the Emissions Test Done?

A technician is appointed by the MOT and they are in charge of measuring the level of gases that your car produces, and whether it’s within the acceptable limit which has been set by the government.

Despite what you may assume, the test for petrol cars is actually more rigorous than that for diesel cars. Petrol cars are checked for the levels of various gases and hydrocarbons, whereas for diesel, the test checks for particulate filters, smoke levels, and colour.

Read Also: Car Accident Without An MOT: What Should I Do?

Tips for Passing the MOT Emissions Test

Cars may be a marvel of engineering and if maintained well, they run without issues for a very long time without creating excessive pollution. Here are some tips for passing the emissions test. Spoiler alert, they are essentially regular maintenance tips:

Get Regular Servicing: Imagine never eating right, exercising, or maintaining hygiene; it’s bound to lead to disaster. That’s servicing for the human body. Cars require regular servicing too. You can have yours checked by a trusted mechanic before your MOT test to avoid a setback.

Prioritise Engine Health: An engine is the heart of a car, & if it’s in good condition, it runs cleaner. Regularly change the oil, replace air filters, & potentially tune your car to keep it running at its best.

Check the Exhaust: The exhaust system, including the catalytic converter & DPF, should be in top shape. If you’ve noticed strange smells or reduced fuel efficiency, it could be a sign that your exhaust system needs attention.

Warm Up Your Car Before the Test: Giving your car a bit of time to warm up before the MOT can help improve emissions. It burns off excess fuel & ensures the engine is running more efficiently.

What Happens After the Test?

If your car passes the test, you will receive a certificate showing that it is roadworthy & compliant with UK standards. This certificate is valid for one year, & you will need to get your car retested once it expires.

If your car fails, you’ll be given a list of problems that need fixing. Once the repairs are done, you can take the test again. Some garages that perform the MOT test may even offer a free retest, depending on the circumstances. However, it’s best not to count on it.

In Conclusion

The MOT emissions test may seem like a drag but is essential for the future of the planet, as well as for maintaining road safety standards. Every car must go past it, so understanding how it works and knowing how to prepare for it will save you time, money, and effort.  Regular maintenance or a specialist service centre (for those with a supercar) keeps your car running in top condition and makes it, practically, ready for the test at any time. GVE London offers an extensive array of services that can help keep your vehicle in its peak condition, especially if you are looking for supercar wrapping, repairs, detailing, PPF, and more.