Hi,

I have had my 5 years old Fabia estate for 4 months and it is due for MOT in 2 weeks time. I was wondering if there are common MOT faults that I should be aware of or check out before I take it in.

Also, how early can I have it done before it expires?

If I do get it done early, will the new MOT date start on the test date or the last expired date?

Merry Christmas:santa2:

If the vehicle is tested within the calendar month prior to when the MOT is due, the test certificate will run from the date of the test to one year after the expiry date of the current certificate.

And here is what is tested: MOT Test, Used Car Loans, Car Finance

Chris

I checked statistics from Swedish MOT:

4 % of Fabia '02 fails due to brake efficiency not sufficient

1 % due to unbalanced brakes

1 % due to inefficient parking brake

1 % due to bad wheel bearings

All figures at or below average for cars of that year

Then a number fail due to lazy owners who haven't checked bulbs or wipers - serve them right.

Don't think you have much to worry about

Rear bushes (at the front) are a common fault, but are usually an advisory rather than a straight failure.

I would just check the brakes are sharp, ensure all bulbs are working, and put the headlight dip adjust thing to the highest setting. Mine failed one MOT due to it being set to "3" and the MOT guy not being aware of the button...

Many thanks for the replies.

Sorry guys another important question, as I read somewhere about test centres asking questions about how recent cam belt was replaced on Diesel MOT test. Aparently this is to make sure that no damage occurs to the engine whilst undergoing a diesel emissions test, and they might refuse test if they are in doubt.

Is this true and what are people's experience? Just a bit concerned as my cambelt is due for replacement in April 08.

Never been asked about the cambelt at any MOT (or even if the car has a cambelt!) and if it is due to be changed in 2008 then it shouldn't affect anything now.....

Chris

You can get your car tested up to 1 month before the expiry date.

If it fails you have 1 week (exc weekends) to have these issues rectified for a free retest otherwise its another £30/£35

As for common MOT failures? Basic things can be checked yourself like bulbs, seatbelts tyres etc

CV boot joints may be common as I needed a new one on my Felly this year

You can get your car tested up to 1 month before the expiry date.

If it fails you have 1 week (exc weekends) to have these issues rectified for a free retest otherwise its another £30/£35

NO No...... Free retestable items if returned next day, half price if returned within 10 working days (£25 normally) only one partial retest allowed after that full test must be done

HTH

Phil

I returned after a week passed and I didnt get charged for a retest this was in Oct and Nov for my Skoda and my sisters Nissan

I returned after a week passed and I didnt get charged for a retest this was in Oct and Nov for my Skoda and my sisters Nissan

Ok mate, its what your garage obviously does, VOSA state the above and would like garages to keep to it

Phil

Clicky pdf

If the vehicle is left at the testing station for repair and is retested before the end of 10

working days following the day of the initial failure, then only a partial retest is needed

for which no fee may be charged.

If the vehicle is removed from the testing station for repair and returned for retest within

10 working days following the day of the initial failure, then only a partial retest is

needed and a partial retest fee may be charged. (Providing the testing station has not

changed ownership.)

So I'm kind of right. A partial retest fee MAY be charged if the vehicle is removed from the test station and returned in the time frame.

Sorry guys another important question, as I read somewhere about test centres asking questions about how recent cam belt was replaced on Diesel MOT test. Aparently this is to make sure that no damage occurs to the engine whilst undergoing a diesel emissions test, and they might refuse test if they are in doubt.

This was introduced a few years ago as a new emissions test was introduced where a Diesel car is revved to the limiter and the emissions are measured. The last car I had MOT'd (a Pug 206) was revved to the max and it only had 25K miles on it, so it was OK.

At the time thsi was introduced (mid 90s) the Pug XUD (along with a load of others) was getting a reputation for "optimistic" cambelt intervals and a few did snap with "Mr Piston meet Mr Valve" results especially on 1.9s. Older Diesels just had a "visual" inspection - basically can the bloke at the back see the road when the bloke behind the wheel revs it a bit.

To make sure I would get my belt done before the MOT test - I did with Mrs A's Volvo - the additional time / mileage is worth it. To pass the emissions test if you are a "steady" driver (i.e. low revs) I would go for a quick 10 mile jaunt at anything over 3500 to blow out any "crud" before the test. Sometimes if the result of the smoke test is on the limit the tester will advise a quick blast up the bypass.

EDIT : It won't affect anything but if your belt is on the limit I would get it done first.

Many thanks for the replies.

Sorry guys another important question, as I read somewhere about test centres asking questions about how recent cam belt was replaced on Diesel MOT test. Aparently this is to make sure that no damage occurs to the engine whilst undergoing a diesel emissions test, and they might refuse test if they are in doubt.

Is this true and what are people's experience? Just a bit concerned as my cambelt is due for replacement in April 08.

My MoT man has always asked the known state of the belt on every diesel I've had tested. However, I've always found him very gentle on this test and so I've never been too worried about belt failure - he is a personal friend though.

I've put my old Fabia PD100 through two MoTs now and so far it's passed with flying colours. The one point that's been picked up on on both tests though is a little percievable play in the steering rack/inner track rod ends. We've always put this down to fact that the car is jacked up with no weight on the wheels as there's no noticeable play/knocks on the road. I don't know whether this is just an issue with my car or maybe a trait of the Fabia.

I'm sure that as long as you've checked all the obvious - bulbs, wipers.... you'll have no problems passing.

To make sure I would get my belt done before the MOT test - I did with Mrs A's Volvo - the additional time / mileage is worth it. To pass the emissions test if you are a "steady" driver (i.e. low revs) I would go for a quick 10 mile jaunt at anything over 3500 to blow out any "crud" before the test. Sometimes if the result of the smoke test is on the limit the tester will advise a quick blast up the bypass.

EDIT : It won't affect anything but if your belt is on the limit I would get it done first.

You mean the outer ring road car park (bypass my a***). Anyway, I'd check all the orange bulbs as these nasty little devils caught me out.

If it fails you have 1 week (exc weekends) to have these issues rectified for a free retest otherwise its another £30/£35

This was what i was going off :P as i work for VOSA i should know:D;)

Phil