A new study has revealed that tyre emissions could be much worse than those coming from car exhausts. Testing was undertaken using a popular family hatchback, running brand new, correctly-inflated tyres.
The experiment was undertaken by Emissions Analytics, which has previously highlighted the issue of tyre emissions. The new study backs up those concerns.
For reference, Euro 6D emissions regulations state that a car should emit no more than 0.0045g/km of exhaust particulates. Emissions Analytics found that tyres, brakes and road surfaces combined emit 5.8g/km of non-exhaust emissions (NEE) – that’s 1,289 times worse. Tyre wear pollution is currently unregulated.
In reality, few cars will be running on new tyres inflated to the correct pressures. This means the actual NEE emissions figures could be much worse than the results of the Emissions Analytics test.
The UK government’s Air Quality Expert Group has requested before that NEEs be recognised as a source of airborne particulates, even on electric vehicles (EVs). It’s been pointed out before that EV NEE figures could be worse than an equivalent petrol or diesel-powered car.
“It’s time to consider not just what comes out of a car’s exhaust pipe but particle pollution from tyre and brake wear,” said Richard Lofthouse, senior researcher at Emissions Analytics.
“Our initial tests reveal that there can be a shocking amount of particle pollution from tyres – 1,000 times worse than emissions from a car’s exhaust. What is even more frightening is that while exhaust emissions have been tightly regulated for many years, tyre wear is totally unregulated – and with the increasing growth in sales of heavier SUVs and battery-powered electric cars, non-exhaust emissions are a very serious problem.”
“The challenge to the industry and regulators is an almost complete black hole of consumer information, undone by frankly out of date regulations still preoccupied with exhaust emissions,” said Nick Molden, CEO of Emissions Analytics.
“Ultimately, though, the car industry may have to find ways to reduce vehicle weight too. What is without doubt on the horizon is much-needed regulation to combat this problem. Whether that leads to specific types of low emission, harder wearing tyres is not for us to say – but change has to come.”
The Department of Transport (DfT) has suggested that pavement parking could be banned in the UK, pending a consultation.
The ban would be in aid of pedestrians, who may struggle with cars obstructing pathways. The elderly, and those in wheelchairs or with buggies are considered the most inconvenienced by pavement parking.
One of the primary concerns is the social isolation and loneliness a blocked pavement can cause, if older or impaired people are unable to get out.
The government has outlined its response to the Transport Committee’s 2019 report. The DfT says it:
Will address pavement parking in the Loneliness Strategy consultation ‘in the near future’
Will run a consultation on a national ban on pavement parking, increasing awareness and understanding of the issue
Will consider an offence of ‘obstructive pavement parking’, or ‘unnecessary obstruction’, enforceable by police and local councils
Will commit to further consultation this year on specific changes needed for Traffic Regulation Orders
In London, a pavement parking ban has been in effect for nearly 50 years. While opening up walkways for pedestrians, it also ensures they sustain less damage.
Pavement parking in London can see drivers landed with a fine of up to £100. Their car could even be towed away. All that’s needed is one or two wheels up on the footway to break the rules.
“I am pleased the government has taken on board the previous committee’s concerns about the very real difficulties presented by pavement parking and our proposed solutions,” said Huw Merriman MP in response to the DfT’s commitments.
“There is much to praise in this response and we particularly welcome the Department for Transport’s intention to consult the public on how a ban on pavement parking would work for them.
“However, we have to now deliver this change. The government promised to look into the issue in 2015 but consultations, round-table events and internal reviews failed to lead to any actions to improve the experience of the public. This government has signalled an intent to finally deliver change. We now need a detailed timeframe from the Department for Transport to ensure this happens.”
RAC comment: “Not all streets are the same”
“Blocking pavements impacts most on those with disabilities and those pushing buggies and creates unnecessary danger for pedestrians,” said RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes.
“In short, nobody should be forced into stepping into the road to get around a vehicle that has taken up pavement space, so the government is right to explore giving local authorities additional powers to enforce this type of selfish parking.
“However, outlawing pavement parking as a whole is more complex because not all streets in the UK are the same. For example, some drivers will put a tyre up the kerb on a narrow residential street to avoid restricting road access to other vehicles, while still allowing plenty of space for pedestrian access. Therefore better guidance and a definition of what is and isn’t appropriate would be a more practical solution, rather than an outright ban.”
Rail-hailing service Uber has contacted customers to detail its response to the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Measures include financial assistance for drivers who are unable to work, supplying disinfectant to clean vehicles and suspending the accounts of customers who are infected – or have been exposed to the virus.
Uber is in ’24/7′ communication with public health authorities as they respond to the pandemic.
This could result in those known to be infected – or likely to be infected – being temporarily banned from the service. Uber says it is ‘working with an epidemiologist to make sure our efforts as a company are grounded in medical advice’.
Helping affected drivers
Uber is offering help to drivers and couriers who have been diagnosed or told to self-isolate.
It promises ‘financial assistance’ for up to 14 days while an account is on hold. The specifics of this arrangement aren’t mentioned in the email, but measures have already been put into place.
Keeping cars clean
Drivers will be provided with disinfectants so they can keep their cars clean.
Uber is partnering up with manufacturers and distributors of cleaning products in order to maintain supplies. These will be distributed to the cities in most need.
Uber Eats: food for the infected
Those who are self-isolating due to coronavirus infection may be short on options for food.
Uber Eats will still deliver, however, and can leave food at your door if you add a note to that effect.
The spread of coronavirus has caused disruption the world over, and the transport industry is particularly affected.
For some people, the feel of the wind in your hair just isn’t enough. They crave the joys associated with flies in your teeth, grit in your eyes and bugs up your nose. Only a car without a windscreen will do. Inspired by the launch of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster, we’ve selected 20 cars that are sans screen. Just think of the money you’ll save in windscreen wipers.
Aston Martin V12 Speedster
If you’re spending £765,000 on a new car, you might expect it to feature a windscreen. Not if you’re one of the 88 people who will take delivery of an Aston Martin V12 Speedster in 2021. Aston Martin says the removal of the windscreen adds to the “visceral engagement, heightening the driving experience to new levels”. A helmet would be useful when you’re accelerating to 62mph in 3.5 seconds on the way to 186mph.
McLaren Elva
McLaren has gone to extreme lengths to make the Elva the lightest weight of any road car it has produced, but there’s only so much that can be achieved using lightweight materials. Which is why McLaren has ditched the windscreen, roof and side windows to reach, what McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt, calls “new heights of driving pleasure on road or track”. McLaren says that the design of the upper cabin means that helmets aren’t required. If you’re not convinced, a fixed windscreen is available as an option.
Ferrari Monza SP1
One of the benefits of not having a windscreen is the absence of windscreen pillars. This creates an unobstructed view of the road ahead, creating a driving experience akin to say a Formula 1 car. However, the air flowing over the bonnet would hit the driver’s face, which is less than ideal. To counter this, Ferrari developed a Virtual Wind Shield for the Monza SP1. It’s essentially an aerodynamic passage underneath the driver’s side aero screen, where the upper part is shaped as an aerofoil. The clever design deflects the flow of air over the driver’s head, creating a ‘low-speed bubble around the cockpit’.
Renault Sport Spider
Describing the Renault Sport Spider, journalist Richard Bremner said it provided “the weather protection of an umbrella in a tornado”. He was referring to the absence of a roof, an optional hood that was good for speeds of up to 40mph, and the missing windscreen. In fairness, a full-length windscreen was an option. Perhaps sensibly, all 96 UK Spiders were delivered with a windscreen as standard.
Smart Crossblade
Depending on your point of view, the Crossblade is either the best or worst car Smart has ever built. We’re happy to proclaim our love for the Crossblade, which gives us something in common with Robbie Williams. The former Take That star and all-round entertainer took delivery of car number 008. The owner’s manual advised the driver to wear glasses and a helmet to “protect your head from airborne rocks and similar”. This isn’t something you’ll read in many car brochures.
Ariel Atom
The image of Jeremy Clarkson’s deformed face while driving an Ariel Atom at speed has been the subject of countless gifs and memes. “It’s so quick, it can destroy your entire face.” Yeah, driving fast in a car with no windscreen will do that.
KTM X-Bow
You can buy KTM cars with a windscreen, but that would be like ordering a mild korma at a restaurant famous for its hot curries. Besides, requesting such a ‘luxury’ item from the Austrian company most famous for building motorcycles just feels wrong. Grab a helmet to enjoy the KTM experience in maximum spice mode.
Lotus 3-Eleven
You’ll need the outdoor skills of Bear Grylls to live with a Lotus 3-Eleven on a daily basis. Like the 2-Eleven before it, the track-focused Lotus leaves you at the mercy of the elements, with your face exposed to the wind, rain, dirt and pollution you’ll find on our roads. But for those rare moments when the sun breaks free of the crowds and the traffic clears, a 3-Eleven would offer pure and undiluted driving bliss.
Lamborghini Aventador J
At the launch of the Aventador J in 2012, Lamborghini said drivers ‘must have the right equipment for driving at top speeds higher than 300km/h (186mph)’. So that would be glasses, a helmet and nerves of steel. Amazingly, the one-off Aventador J was homologated for road use, with a wealthy buyer paying a cool £1.75 million plus taxes for the privilege of owning this very open supercar.
BAC Mono
Many of the cars featured in this gallery expose a passenger to the full effects of driving without a windscreen. The BAC Mono does things differently – it’s just your face in the firing line. The 2020 Mono weighs just 570kg and is powered by a Ford 2.3-litre turbocharged engine, which helps it to hit 60mph in 2.7 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 170mph.
Elemental RP1
Weighing just 590kg and powered by a choice of Ford turbocharged engines, the Elemental RP1 is like a BAC Mono with an extra seat. As standard, the RP1 comes with polycarbonate visor screens and air deflectors for the full open air experience. However, a heated windscreen is available as an option. Admit it, you’d probably tick that option box.
Caterham Seven Superlight Twenty
The Caterham Seven Superlight Twenty was launched in 2015 as a homage to the original Caterham Seven Superlight. The 2015 car wasn’t quite as extreme as the original, but Caterham said it was one of the ‘most visceral cars’ it has produced. A factory-built Superlight Twenty cost £29,995. An optional weather pack cost £1,750 and added a windscreen, doors, hood and wipers.
Mazda MX-5 Superlight
In 2009, Mazda celebrated 20 years of the MX-5 by unveiling the roof-less and screen-less Superlight. Although it was never intended for production, it previewed a potential lightweight version of the MX-5, with Mazda also removing the carpets and air conditioning. The result was a car that weighed just 950kg. A decade on, it’s the MX-5 many of us still dream of owning.
Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss
There must have been something in the air in 2009, because Mercedes-Benz ditched the roof of the SLR to create the Stirling Moss. Everything except the essentials were stripped away in an effort to save 200kg, creating a more focused version of the SLR. Just 75 were built, each one costing £660,000.
Callaway C16 Speedster
The little wind deflectors on the Callaway C16 Speedster were designed to create favourable wind vortexes at standard road speeds. As pointed out by Car and Driver, their effectiveness would be questionable when you’re doing 200mph. Thanks to a supercharged 6.2-litre Corvette engine, the C16 Speedster could hit 60mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Radical Rapture
The Rapture is the latest track-focused and road-legal car from Radical, with power sourced from the 2.3-litre engine you’ll find in the Mustang and Focus RS. With 350hp on tap, the 765kg Rapture will hit 60mph in just three seconds. A helmet is essential, while iving close to a racing circuit is advised.
Mazda MX-5 Speedster
Mazda unveiled two MX-5 concepts at SEMA 2015 in Las Vegas. The Speedster was arguably the cooler of the two – and not simply because of the absence of a windscreen. We also like the Blue Ether paint and the 16-inch Rays alloy wheels. Forget the RF with its retractable roof – the Speedster is the MX-5 we demand.
Morgan 3-Wheeler
A full windscreen is a £320 option on the Morgan 3-Wheeler, but we reckon your money would be better spent on oversized goggles, a tweed cap and a pair of driving gloves.
Zenos E10 R
The Zenos E10 R weighs just 700kg and can hit 62mph in just 3.0 seconds. It’s the best and most thrilling Zenos you can buy. As you can see, there’s no windscreen, but you can order an optional weather pack. It comprises a heated windscreen, wipers, a ‘get home’ storage hood and a storm cap. The price for this pack: £2,295.
Dallara Stradale
A race car for the road is an overused cliche, but in the case of the Dallara Stradale, it’s perfectly apt. Dallara’s core business is building race cars, so when it builds a street-legal car – hence the Stradale name – people take notice. By all accounts, it’s a very special car, which, thanks to the optional windscreen, is perfectly acceptable for use on the road. However, as this gallery proves, some cars work best without a windscreen. Or maybe we’re just suckers for punishment.
The Equestrian Edition was commissioned by Bentley Bristol and built by Bentley Mulliner in Crewe. Although a price hasn’t been revealed, we suspect you’ll need the pockets of a racehorse owner to be able to afford it.
You’ll find horse and rider silhouettes on all four seats, which are finished, aptly, in sustainable saddle hide. The same silhouette can be found on the front fascia, along with a walnut veneer and gold detailing.
Elsewhere, the diamond quilting is crafted using a tweed fabric contrasted with a light blue stitch. Bentley Mulliner treadplates greet you when you open the door.
On the outside, the Equestrian Edition is finished in deep shade of green, with black trim replacing the bright chrome. Huge 22-inch gloss black alloy wheels complete the equestrian-inspired overhaul.
Bentley Mulliner now has a three-portfolio structure comprising Bentley Mulliner Collections, Bentley Mulliner Classic and Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt.
The Continental GT Convertible Equestrian Edition is the first member of the Collections portfolio, which offers bespoke servicing based on the existing model range. Customers can personalise their new Bentley, with options including unique colour-matched paint, plus hide and thread combinations.
Meanwhile, Classic will deliver classic car restorations and continuation models. The service was introduced last year with the news that the iconic Team Blower is to be reborn with a new build of 12 supercharged 4.5-litre examples. The company also completed a restoration on a 1939 Bentley Corniche.
Finally, Coachbuilt will offer rare coach-built cars to a select number of customers. Earlier this month, the company unveiled the Bacalar – a two-door Bentley inspired by the EXP 100 GT concept car.
Just 12 examples will be built, each one commanding a price of £1.5 million. Predictably, all 12 have been spoken for.
‘One step further’
Tracy Crump, Bentley Mulliner’s head of commercial operations, said: “While Bentley’s motto is ‘Be Extraordinary’, at Bentley Mulliner we look to take it one step further, ‘Beyond Extraordinary’.
“With the new Bacalar we have been able to do exactly that, providing a select number of customers with the opportunity to express their personal taste in a truly remarkable grand tourer. Meanwhile, Bentley Mulliner Classic will breathe new life into the most iconic cars from our past, while our Collections team continue their work to offer a bespoking service to each and every Bentley customer.”
A car claimed to be the most “historically significant” Shelby Mustang to ever leave the factory will soon be up for sale.
The very first Shelby GT350R, created in 1965 as a prototype model, was built to a unique specification with parts only found on this car.
After a lifetime of winning races, and more recently appearances on the Concours d’Elegance scene, the ‘Flying Mustang’ will be auctioned at the Mecum Indy 2020 sale in May.
Not a car for secretaries
The story of the GT350R began as a project intended to change the public’s perception of the Ford Mustang. Instead of being seen as a mild-mannered everyday machine, Ford wanted to inject motorsport drama into the first-generation pony car.
Shelby American was asked to create a high-performance version of the Mustang, with the potential for use in racing. The result was 34 examples of the Shelby GT350R.
With sole purpose to allow Shelby to enter the car in SCCA sports car competitions, the GT350R hardcore racer intended to dominate on the race track.
The car set to be sold by Mecum is the inaugural prototype of the GT350R. Chassis 5R002 would be the very first Shelby R-Model, and would be used extensively for testing and development.
Shelby American drivers such as Ken Miles and Chuck Cantwell would be responsible for much of the driving. These parts and ideas would go onto be included on Shelby’s second factory R-Model, along with the other 34 cars built for customer purchase.
Along with testing and homologation requirements, Shelby also used the car for actual racing. In fact, this car would be the first Shelby Mustang to ever win a race, taking victory at Green Valley Raceway near Dallas, Texas on Valentine’s Day 1965.
Winning from the beginning
Shelby 5R002 would take more than ten wins alone during the 1965 SCCA season, competing in the B-Production division. It would also help Shelby American driver Jerry Titus win the 1965 B-Production National Championship.
Away from the track, the car appeared in Ford promotional movies, including ‘Shelby Goes Racing with Ford’ where it was driven by Peter Brock. It also adorned magazine covers, and was used to terrify journalists at the launch of the road-going Shelby GT350.
After an intense period with Shelby American, the car would be sold to a Ford employee, Bill Clawson in 1966. 5R002 would continue to compete in SCCA motorsport, including the later fitment of a experimental GT40 race-spec engine.
Restored to former glory
Clawson sold the car in 1968, starting off a chain of sales and transfers to other racers and collectors. The car would ultimately be sold to Shelby enthusiast John Atzbach in 2010, after the GT350R had spent years on show at the Shelby American Museum in Boulder, Colorado.
After an appearance at the 2010 Quail Motorsports Gathering, Atzbach commissioned an extensive restoration of 5R002. The process took more than four years, including thousands of hours examining period photos to ensure the GT350R was restored correctly.
Atzbach also travelled the country to interview former Shelby employees, questioning on video those who had specifically worked on the car when new.
Still winning after all these years
The detailed process produced a restored car that would debut at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance event. Driven onto the podium by Chuck Cantwell, 5R002 collected the prize for Best in Class from the judges.
2014 would also see the GT305R appear at numerous Ford events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. A year later, 5R002 was invited to the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, helping celebrate the Shelby Mustang as the Marque of Honor.
In keeping with its winning heritage, 5R002 collected the Best in Class prize, along with being named the winner of Road & Track magazine’s ‘Car We Would Most Like to Drive’ Award.
With such an incredible history behind it, the claims of historical significance for 5R002 are hard to ignore. This is the car that kickstarted the entire Shelby Mustang phenomenon, and its associated motorsport legacy.
Along with 5R002, eleven other key models from John Atzbach’s personal collection will be auctioned at the Mecum Indy sale. These includes the first 1968 Shelby GT500KR to be built, and the final Shelby GT350 made in 1970.
The Mecum Auctions Indy 2020 sale takes place from May 12th through 17th, with more than 2,000 cars set to cross the block.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered his first Budget, which he said is “about delivering our promises”. But what does the 2020 Budget mean for motorists?
Early in his statement, Sunak admitted that “many people still rely on their cars”, before announcing details of changes to the country’s transport and infrastructure. Here are the motoring headlines and how they could impact you.
Plug-in Car Grant
Relief for the industry – the government will provide £403 million for the Plug-in Car Grant, extending the scheme to 2022-2023. A further £129.5 million will be provided to extend the grant for vans, taxis and motorcycles.
However… the grant itself has been CUT, from £3,500 to £3,000. This reduction is effective for all orders placed after 11:59pm on 11 March (i.e. immediately). Cars costing £50,000 or more will also be ineligible for the grant.
It will “allow more drivers to benefit from making the switch for longer” argues the government.
This is a significant change and we will bring you the industry’s response below as we get it.
Fuel duty
Fuel duty will remain the same for the next year. The Chancellor said the freeze on fuel duty has saved the average car driver £1,200 since 2010. Future fuel duty rates are being considered, alongside measures required to help meet the country’s ‘net zero’ emissions commitment.
Electric car chargers
A total of £500 million is being allocated to the roll-out of rapid electric car charging hubs. The government says that nobody should be more than 30 miles from a rapid charger.
Electric vehicles
The government will invest more than £900 million to “ensure UK businesses are leading the way in high-potential technologies.”
A portion of this funding contributes to an investment of up to £1 billion to develop UK supply chains for the large-scale production of electric vehicles, as announced in September 2019.
Other consumer incentives to support the transition to zero emissions are being considered. The Budget confirmed the planned phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040, but reiterated that this could be brought forward.
Potholes
The government has created a £2.5 billion pothole fund to be spent over the next five years. It says it’s enough to tackle 50 million potholes by the end of parliament.
VED
Exemption of Vehicle Excise Duty, or road tax, for zero emission electric vehicles will continue. What’s more, they are also now exempt from the ‘expensive car’ first-year supplement for vehicles costing over £40,000.
However, for the next tax year, the price of road tax will be uprated in line with inflation, adding a few pounds to the cost.
Strategic roads
Sunak announced the largest ever investment in English strategic roads, with the government promising to spend £27 billion between 2020 and 2025. Projects include:
Dualling the A66 Trans-Pennine route
Upgrading the A46 Newark bypass
Addressing congestion on key routes in the North East and the Midlands
Improving the M60 Simister Island in Manchester
Building the Lower Thames Crossing
Building a new dual carriageway and two-mile tunnel on the A303 at Stonehenge
Exploring how to connect communities in East Lancashire and West Yorkshire
Considering improvements to the A1 north of Newcastle and in Yorkshire
Investigating a potential link between the M4 and the Dorset coast
Local roads
In addition to the improvements announced for the strategic road network, the government has also committed to a number of local road upgrades. These include the A39 in Cornwall, the A12 east of Ipswich, the refurbishment of Kew Bridge and improving the A350 at junction 17 of the M4.
Company car taxes
Previously-announced company car taxes for the next five years were confirmed. The rate on electric cars falls from 16 percent to ZERO percent for the next tax year. It then rises by one percent for the subsequent two years, and is then frozen at 2 percent for a further two years.
Experts say this could save company car drivers who choose an EV a staggering 95 percent in company car tax, compared to an alternative diesel car.
Red diesel
The government will remove entitlement to the use of red diesel and rebated biofuels from April 2022, except for agriculture, horticulture, pisciculture, forestry, rail and for non-commercial heating.
In his statement, Sunak said that some users of red diesel are contributing to pollution and the current tax break has been harmful to the environment.
2020 Budget: the reaction
RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said: “We welcome the Chancellor’s freeze in fuel duty, which will be a relief to drivers up and down the country… while the Chancellor might have been tempted to increase duty, the reality is that for millions this would have simply increased their everyday driving costs and done nothing to encourage them to switch to cleaner vehicles.”
AA president Edmund King welcomed the Budget, tweeting: “Putting more money into potholes; freezing fuel duty; improving roads such as the A303 and A1; and spending £500m on electric vehicle charging, will all contribute to keep Britain moving in the years ahead.”
Auto Trader director Ian Plummer said that “interest in pure electric vehicles is growing apace… improving the charging infrastructure has the propensity to increase adoption in the longer-term, as consumers will be able to see how electric vehicles could viably fit into their lifestyles. However, [they] will take time to implement and won’t alleviate current fears… we aren’t expecting any vast changes in EV adoption this year off the back of today’s announcement”.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, said: “We are pleased to see the Chancellor find room in his Budget to help make zero emission motoring a more viable option for more drivers. The continuation of a plug-in car grant is an essential step in the right direction and, alongside the removal of the premium car surcharge on VED and reduction in company car tax, as well as a strategic review of national charging infrastructure requirements, should help encourage consumers and support the beginnings of a market transition.
New research reveals less than half of van drivers are using hands-free tech to make phone calls. That means the majority risk six points and a £200 fine – not to mention their own lives and the lives of those around them.
On average, working van drivers make seven phone calls a day, with a total of 37 minutes of call time. But just 41 percent are doing so via Bluetooth or other hands-free tech.
On top of that, 17 percent admitted to sending and receiving texts, checking emails and social media while on the road. And 23 percent don’t actually have a hands-free kit in their van.
It’s now three years since the tougher laws on phone use behind the wheel were introduced. The penalty of six points on your licence means being caught twice is enough for a ban.
“Mobile phone use behind the wheel is a topic that we’ve been monitoring for the past couple of years and the recent statistics show it is still a huge safety problem on UK roads,” said Claire English, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, which conducted the research.
“Despite carrying a hefty punishment, it lacks the taboo of other offences such as drink-driving and this needs to change.”
“As part of our Working With You promise, we’re committed to improving safety on UK roads for both our customers and other road users, always ensuring we provide the right equipment for the job, for example offering autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a hands-free kit as standard across the range.”
It’s March, which means a new registration plate for new cars. And increased sales mean more older cars will need an MOT test this month.
The annualMOT test is a legal requirement for all cars over three years old. Approved testing stations will make sure your car is operating as safely and cleanly as it was when new.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says around 40 percent of cars fail the MOT at the first attempt. Further MOT data reveals around half of faults could have been easily avoided.
These quick and easy checks allow you to fix faults before they cost your car an MOT pass. Here are 11 things to check on your car.
MOT emissions test failures DOUBLE since tougher standards introduced
Following an overhaul of the MOT test in May 2018, it’s never been harder to pass first time. Under strict new rules, faults are graded depending on how dangerous they are, with greater emphasis placed on diesel car emissions. As a result, emissions-related test failures have nearly doubled. So, how can you ensure your car will pass? Firstly, check it’s fitted with everything it had when it left the factory.
The removal of a catalytic converter nearly always results in a failed MOT. However, thanks to recent changes to the test, other emissions devices need to be retained as well. Removed your EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system, or your DPF (diesel particulate filter)? Or has the previous owner done so?
These were popular modifications, designed to remove complicated and expensive parts the car can function without. But they may lead to an MOT fail. Make sure everything is plumbed in and working properly. We understand this is a bit more in-depth, and hardly a quick fix, but better the devil you know…
This one is blindingly obvious, but so many motorists forget to check their lights before the MOT test. Indeed, a surprising 30 percent of faults found during the MOT test relate to lighting and signalling.
Make sure you check all lights – headlights, sidelights, rear lights, hazard lights, fog lights and indicators – and be sure to include the brake lights in your inspection. Either ask a friend to press the brake pedal, or reverse up to a reflective surface. Make sure the high-level brake light is functioning correctly.
Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show the car’s registration number correctly. You could be fined up to £1,000 and your car will fail its MOT if you drive with incorrectly spaced letters or numbers.
The number plates will also be inspected for condition, secure attachment and colour. Give yourself plenty of time to order a new set of plates – you can only order from a registered number plate supplier. You will need to prove your identity and show that you’re entitled to the registration number.
Also check that the number plate lights are working, if your car has them.
Wheels and tyres
Firstly, check that the wheels and tyres are undamaged – you can do this yourself or at a local tyre fitter. The minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, and anything less than this will be marked as a fail.
However, we’d recommend changing the tyres when the tread reaches 3mm. Research has found that 13 percent of drivers knowingly drive with illegal tyres.
While spare wheels and tyres are not inspected, it’s worth noting that cars first used on or after 1 January 2012 will be checked to make sure the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is working.
Note: 10 percent of all MOT faults are related to tyres.
Seats and seatbelts
Check that the driver’s seat can be adjusted and that all seats are securely fitted. It’s essential that the seatbacks can be fixed in the upright position.
While you’re there, check the entire length of the seatbelt for damage and pull on them sharply to ensure that they react appropriately.
Windscreen
Take a look at the windscreen to ensure that there are no cracks or damage to the glass. Any damage larger than 40mm will result in a fail, as will any chips or damage wider than 10mm in the area swept by the wipers.
On the subject of wipers, make sure they are able to clear the windscreen of rain. If it’s not raining, use a watering can or a hose. The wiper blades should be free of damage or tears – it’s likely to be cheaper to buy a set of new blades in advance rather than relying on a distress purchase at the MOT test centre.
Note: 8.5 percent of all MOT faults are related to ‘Driver’s view of the road’. So, if you have stickers, toys or air-fresheners obstructing your view, remove them before the test.
Fluids
Your car could fail its MOT for having no screenwash, so make sure the washer bottle is topped up in advance. You’ll also be turned away from the MOT test centre if the vehicle has insufficient engine oil or fuel. The MOT tester will check the power steering fluid, too.
Horn
Again, it’s a simple one to check, but when was the last time you used your horn? Make sure it works and is the suitable horn for the vehicle.
Warning lights
If your car’s dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree you could be in for a rough ride at the MOT testing station. A failed main beam warning light will result in a fail, as will the ABS light, engine warning light, brake fluid light and airbag warning light. Get all dashboard lights checked out in advance.
Suspension and brakes
One in 10 of all MOT fails are related to brake issues, and you can minimise the risk by testing the brakes every day. If you hear any strange noises or the car pulls to one side, consult a garage.
Similarly, the MOT tester will check the suspension, so press down on each front wing to check for worn shock absorbers. If the car ‘bounces’ up and down rather than returning to the correct position, they may be worn. Also, listen out for knocking noises
These simple checks should only take a few minutes, but it’ll be more hassle arranging for any repair work to be carried out or booking a re-test. For a full list of the car parts checked during the MOT test, visit the government website.
Remember, an MOT test isn’t the same as having your car serviced and doesn’t provide an accurate description of the vehicle’s general mechanical condition. Regular service and maintenance will almost certainly improve your chances of an MOT pass and fewer advisories.
Work has begun to repair of the 200-metre-long bridge that crosses the River Mersey and Palatine Road near Didsbury. To work on the 15 columns that support the bridge, Highways England has actually lifted the motorway that rests on them.
Temporary structures have been put in place to help lift the M60 by 5mm. For reference, that’s about the thickness of an iPhone.
Two of the columns were repaired last year. Work has now begun on the two columns at the east end of the bridge. The project is due to be completed by 2023. The bridge was first constructed in the 1970s. Now, the steel centres of the concrete columns have begun to rust, making the work necessary.
The section of motorway weighs some 800 tonnes, which Highways England says is about the same as five blue whales. A total of 44 remotely-operated hydraulic jacks are used, with precise control down to a 10th of a millimetre.
Some 80,000 cars traverse the bridge every day and traffic flow won’t be interrupted in the daytime.
What some drivers will notice, however, is the overnight closure. This will be from 10pm until 6am, between Didsbury (junction five) and Cheadle (junction three) on Thursday 12 March. A diversion should redirect drivers along the A15103, A560 and M56.
“The bridge over the Mersey has been there since the motorway first opened in 1974 as part of what was then the M63, and it’s beginning to show its age,” said Mark Mosley, project manager at Highways England.
“We’ll be using teams of specialists to lift up the motorway by a few millimetres and then carry out concrete repairs to the bridge columns, and will be able to keep the road open to drivers throughout the project.
“The repairs will help keep the bridge safe for decades to come, so tens of thousands of drivers can continue to use it every day on a key route across the Mersey.”
