Change is in store for motorists all over the country as the DVSA plans to roll out new tweaks and improvements to the MOT test we’ve all grown to know. Tougher emissions checks for diesel cars and new defect categories are on the cards for the MOT changes 2018, so make sure you’ve got your engine maintenance supplies at the ready!

The changes will happen on Sunday 20th May 2018, but you may be thinking, why are these changes happening? How are they going to affect me? How can I prepare? To make sure you’re fully clued-up on what to expect from the new MOT changes, we’re here to break it down for you.

 

Why are the New MOT Changes Happening?

The DVSA are hoping that the new changes will help to improve things for testers and customers alike. The changes are being put in place to comply with the EU Roadworthiness directive. Since we’ll still be a member of the EU on that date, these changes are a requirement.

Meeting these EU requirements will help drivers travelling throughout the EU, so make sure your vehicle is prepped and primed for EU travel with a European Driving Kit. These essential kits can help you stay road legal and are great for taking on the go.

 

What You Need to Know

The changes will affect cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles across England, Scotland and Wales. So, although it’s useful to read all the information about the changes if you’re getting an MOT test sometime in the future, here are the most important bits of information you need to know.

One of the biggest changes landing in this MOT update is that the defect categories are being revised. These new failure and defect categories will have faults labelled ‘dangerous’, ‘major’ and ‘minor’, with any major or dangerous faults resulting in an automatic fail. Advisories will still be given, and any minor faults will be noted.

Another important change is that there will be stricter rules for diesel emissions. This is because of the government’s aim to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles. The new MOT Inspection Manual outlines that if an exhaust on a vehicle, which is fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF), emits visible smoke of any colour, a major fault should be recorded.

The new rules also require testers to check that the DPF has not been tampered with.

In order to prepare for these changes, you can make sure that your engine is positively purring by using a cleaning product such as our RAC Engine & Fuel System Cleaner. This handy product helps to reduce emissions, prevents DPF clogging and much more! It also comes in convenient multipacks of 2 and 6, so you can be prepped to the max! 

 

What Else There is to Know

As well as the changes mentioned above, there a few other adjustments that are good to know.

Firstly, the vehicle categories will be aligned to the European categories. These will appear on the new MOT certificate. Plus, there is good news for those of you in Wales – the new certificates will have the option of English-only or Welsh-only, instead of being printed with both.

The design of the well-known MOT certificate is having a little makeover too, which will make it clear and easy for drivers to understand.

Also, new rules say that historic vehicles won’t be needing an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not been substantially changed in the previous 30 years! Great news for all those historic car enthusiasts.

All the changes will be reflected in the new MOT Inspection Manual and other MOT documentation.

 

For more ideas about how you can prepare your vehicle for the MOT update 2018, check out the range of exciting products from RAC Shop.