MOT – are fluid leaks checked?

[Steve_W]

Are fluid leaks part of the MOT? Just wondered since I seem to have a weep of gearbox oil from one of the driveshaft oil seals and I’m not sure if I’ll get time to change it before the booked test.

I’m guessing not, since old Minis etc. that mark their territory seem to be ok, but wanted to check in case things have been tightened up.

Steve

[jamoor]

My oil leak was noted as an advisory.

[amir_j]

jamoor said:

My oil leak was noted as an advisory.

will normally be on the advisory sheet.

[shouldbworking]

Depends - if its something like the power steering or brake fluid it would be a fail.

[shalmaneser]

shouldbworking said:

Depends - if its something like the power steering or brake fluid it would be a fail.

My garage advised me that a power steering fluid leak would be a fail, so some confirmation there. I'd be incredibly surprised if a brake fluid leak wasn't a fail

I highly doubt gearbox or engine oil would be an issue as long as the levels are OK.

[Munter]

For oil leaks I thought the wording was something like "excessive". A GF of old had a mini fail on this I believe. It was using a pint every few hundred miles. Just poring right out the seals around the drive shafts apparently.

[bazking69]

Gearbox oil leak would be an advisory as it is not a safety related item.

[Munter]

Here's the quick guide to what's tested.

http://www.motester.co.uk/CarOwnersGuidetoTheMOT/W...

no mention of leaks except the exhaust so I guess the old GFs mini was just a (very wise) advisory.

[Fish981]

Brake fluid leak is a fail, power steering can be a pass and advise or fail, depends on the severity.

Oil leak could be a fail if it interfered, for example, with the brakes.

Getting oil in my hair when I'm testing a car might be the difference between filling the washer bottle or failing it :-)

[DP83]

I got an advisory on a coolant leak, so yeah

[amir_j]

Fish981 said:

Brake fluid leak is a fail, power steering can be a pass and advise or fail, depends on the severity.

Oil leak could be a fail if it interfered, for example, with the brakes.

Getting oil in my hair when I'm testing a car might be the difference between filling the washer bottle or failing it :-)

[Steve_W]

Thanks folks - all good info - that link to what's tested is a good one.

Note to self - pressure wash under car to ensure tester's quiff remains unblemished!