The ask an MOT tester thread
Discussion
stevemcs said:
If the TMPS says fault its a fail, if the TMPS light is flashing its a fail, if the light is just on then it may just be pass and advise.
It’s a constant light, no flashing. When the engine is started it comes up with a message to check tyre pressure that can be closed and doesn’t come back until the engine is started again. Letstryagain - I’ll be giving that a go when I get home from work. Hopefully that will solve it.
I suppose worst case is the garage has to reset it if I’m not smart enough myself, although I am quite savvy with this sort of thing so I think it’ll be a success.
Apologies if this has been covered before, but can I ask about cracked windscreens?
My windscreen has a crack, starts on the top edge pretty much in front of the driver, goes down vertically for a short distance abs then goes 90 degrees towards the driver's right. It stops well before the A pillar.
It's not directly in the line of vision, it doesn't really come below the factory tinted bit.
I know it'll need replaced, and it will be replaced, but it might suit me to leave it until after the test if that's an option.
I thought it might be an automatic fail, but reading the guidance I see it says..
"Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road. You do not need to consider the effects on tall or short drivers.
(a) Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured:
(i) but not adversely affecting driver’s view - Minor
(ii) and affecting the driver’s view of the road or of an obligatory external mirror - Major"
So, failure or not?
My windscreen has a crack, starts on the top edge pretty much in front of the driver, goes down vertically for a short distance abs then goes 90 degrees towards the driver's right. It stops well before the A pillar.
It's not directly in the line of vision, it doesn't really come below the factory tinted bit.
I know it'll need replaced, and it will be replaced, but it might suit me to leave it until after the test if that's an option.
I thought it might be an automatic fail, but reading the guidance I see it says..
"Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road. You do not need to consider the effects on tall or short drivers.
(a) Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured:
(i) but not adversely affecting driver’s view - Minor
(ii) and affecting the driver’s view of the road or of an obligatory external mirror - Major"
So, failure or not?
It should also say about Zone A.
IIRC it is 230mm width centred from the steering wheel and in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
If it is, and over an inch (I may have made that part up?), then it will.
There is also Zone B and C, again, IIRC.
damage in windscreen zone A more than 10mm in diameter
damage in the remainder of the windscreen’s swept area more than 40mm in diameter
damage to windows on either side of the driver’s seat
excessive tinting or discolouration of the windscreen or windows on either side of the driver’s seat
Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road. You do not need to consider the effects on tall or short drivers.
Failure for tinting or discolouration is only justified if the driver’s view is significantly affected.
Zone A is:
in the swept area of the windscreen
290mm wide
centred on the steering wheel
IIRC it is 230mm width centred from the steering wheel and in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
If it is, and over an inch (I may have made that part up?), then it will.
There is also Zone B and C, again, IIRC.
- Edit* - instead of trying to call on my poor memory, i just searched the manual properly.
damage in windscreen zone A more than 10mm in diameter
damage in the remainder of the windscreen’s swept area more than 40mm in diameter
damage to windows on either side of the driver’s seat
excessive tinting or discolouration of the windscreen or windows on either side of the driver’s seat
Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road. You do not need to consider the effects on tall or short drivers.
Failure for tinting or discolouration is only justified if the driver’s view is significantly affected.
Zone A is:
in the swept area of the windscreen
290mm wide
centred on the steering wheel
LetsTryAgain said:
IIRC it is 230mm width centred from the steering wheel and in the swept area of the windscreen wipers.
If it is, and over an inch (I may have made that part up?), then it will.
I've a vague recollection that the guidance used to say something like that, but it doesn't now - hence my question. If it is, and over an inch (I may have made that part up?), then it will.
My opinion, based on the current guidance, is that the damage does not significantly affect the driver’s view of the road, therefore it's not a failure.
Rockatansky said:
I've a vague recollection that the guidance used to say something like that, but it doesn't now - hence my question.
My opinion, based on the current guidance, is that the damage does not significantly affect the driver’s view of the road, therefore it's not a failure.
Does it meet these? My opinion, based on the current guidance, is that the damage does not significantly affect the driver’s view of the road, therefore it's not a failure.
Check for:
damage in windscreen zone A more than 10mm in diameter
damage in the remainder of the windscreen’s swept area more than 40mm in diameter
damage to windows on either side of the driver’s seat
excessive tinting or discolouration of the windscreen or windows on either side of the driver’s seat
Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road. You do not need to consider the effects on tall or short drivers.
Failure for tinting or discolouration is only justified if the driver’s view is significantly affected.
Zone A is:
in the swept area of the windscreen
290mm wide
centred on the steering wheel
Upload a photo if you want a more certain answer.
Is it in the swept area for a start?
If it is, is it within 290mm centred from the steering wheel?
If it is, is it over half an inch long?
Rockatansky said:
Yes, it's in zone A.
Where are you getting the half an inch reference from?
Plus, as I've said, I don't believe it meets the "significantly affects the driver's view" standard.
'Damage in windscreen zone A more than 10mm in diameter'Where are you getting the half an inch reference from?
Plus, as I've said, I don't believe it meets the "significantly affects the driver's view" standard.
Edited by Rockatansky on Tuesday 16th February 20:32
The two posts above...
12.5 mm i suppose, would be half an inch. But 10mm is close enough.
Ok, thanks for the clarification.
I'm reading what you're reading and I have my own interpretation of it, which is that these quoted numbers are all academic if the damage doesn't significantly affect the driver's view ahead.
The crack in question may well exceed 10,11,or 12 mm, but it doesn't affect the view ahead, let alone significantly, therefore my reading is that it's not grounds for failure.
I'd just like the view of an actual tester before I make an arse of myself with my own tester!
I'm reading what you're reading and I have my own interpretation of it, which is that these quoted numbers are all academic if the damage doesn't significantly affect the driver's view ahead.
The crack in question may well exceed 10,11,or 12 mm, but it doesn't affect the view ahead, let alone significantly, therefore my reading is that it's not grounds for failure.
I'd just like the view of an actual tester before I make an arse of myself with my own tester!
Rockatansky said:
The crack in question may well exceed 10,11,or 12 mm, but it doesn't affect the view ahead, let alone significantly, therefore my reading is that it's not grounds for failure.
Precisely. It has to meet the ones we've discussed before it can get to the testers opinion of 'significance' - Failure for damage is only justified if the damage significantly affects the driver’s view of the road.
Fingers crossed.
Athlon said:
Wow you guys!
If it is up top of the 'screen and a crack it should pass, especially if it a view of the sky rather than road.
A pic would confirm it but on the description supplied I would pass it
If it is up top of the 'screen and a crack it should pass, especially if it a view of the sky rather than road.
A pic would confirm it but on the description supplied I would pass it
Thanks for that
If I can get a decent pic I will, but I'm thinking it'll be fine. I've a good relationship with the garage that'll be testing it, they're straight but very fair.
I will get a screen, but it if I can kick that into the middle distance for now it'd be helpful.
Thanks again
Got my MOT in the morning (tyre pressure sensor still got a light) but I’ve had a disagreement with a mate.
I’ve given my car a really good clean and hoover, going to the jet wash in a bit.
My mate said there’s no point cleaning it, it’s my car I can leave it how I like, they get paid so they shouldn’t have an issue. my response being it’s firstly the decent thing to do (giving somebody who’s working on your car a clean car, it’s having some maintenance while there) and second I think a clean car is more likely to get a pass as it’s all about first impressions. He said he’d just give it as it is.
My question; obviously if there’s anything that warrants a fail it’ll fail(everything I can check; bulbs, tyres, wipers are fine) but would you be kinder to a car that’s clean inside and out over a filthy car? My car has general winter dirt outside and was a bit mucky inside (not really cleaned inside since summer) but looks cared for now.
I’ve given my car a really good clean and hoover, going to the jet wash in a bit.
My mate said there’s no point cleaning it, it’s my car I can leave it how I like, they get paid so they shouldn’t have an issue. my response being it’s firstly the decent thing to do (giving somebody who’s working on your car a clean car, it’s having some maintenance while there) and second I think a clean car is more likely to get a pass as it’s all about first impressions. He said he’d just give it as it is.
My question; obviously if there’s anything that warrants a fail it’ll fail(everything I can check; bulbs, tyres, wipers are fine) but would you be kinder to a car that’s clean inside and out over a filthy car? My car has general winter dirt outside and was a bit mucky inside (not really cleaned inside since summer) but looks cared for now.
carlove said:
Got my MOT in the morning (tyre pressure sensor still got a light) but I’ve had a disagreement with a mate.
I’ve given my car a really good clean and hoover, going to the jet wash in a bit.
My mate said there’s no point cleaning it, it’s my car I can leave it how I like, they get paid so they shouldn’t have an issue. my response being it’s firstly the decent thing to do (giving somebody who’s working on your car a clean car, it’s having some maintenance while there) and second I think a clean car is more likely to get a pass as it’s all about first impressions. He said he’d just give it as it is.
My question; obviously if there’s anything that warrants a fail it’ll fail(everything I can check; bulbs, tyres, wipers are fine) but would you be kinder to a car that’s clean inside and out over a filthy car? My car has general winter dirt outside and was a bit mucky inside (not really cleaned inside since summer) but looks cared for now.
Not really, saying that, I always appreciate a clean car to test so thanks for thinking of us!I’ve given my car a really good clean and hoover, going to the jet wash in a bit.
My mate said there’s no point cleaning it, it’s my car I can leave it how I like, they get paid so they shouldn’t have an issue. my response being it’s firstly the decent thing to do (giving somebody who’s working on your car a clean car, it’s having some maintenance while there) and second I think a clean car is more likely to get a pass as it’s all about first impressions. He said he’d just give it as it is.
My question; obviously if there’s anything that warrants a fail it’ll fail(everything I can check; bulbs, tyres, wipers are fine) but would you be kinder to a car that’s clean inside and out over a filthy car? My car has general winter dirt outside and was a bit mucky inside (not really cleaned inside since summer) but looks cared for now.
I hate testing cars that are filthy inside though and have refused to test some, especially since the pandemic. Same if we get a pick up caked in mud underneath to the point you can't assess things.
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