Headlamp wash - MOT failure?

[frog1520]

Hi all,

I've got my motor in for an MOT tomorrow, but I know the headlamp wash doesnt work (think the pipe's come off at the back). Is that grounds for a fail???

Thanks!

 

[Ian B Walker]

No I dont think so. Its not like a windscreen where there is a legal requirement to have it clear at all times. I may be wrong though

 

[kensalriser]

If it is a fail then that would mean every vehicle without a headlamp wash/wipe wouldn't pass. So I doubt it.

 

[dava]

Nope not a testable item, so wont be checked.
Ray (MOT tester)

 

[GrahamC230K]

If they were Xenons, as washers with Xenons are legal requirement for manufacturers, you would have thought it should be a checked item, but mine never have been.

 

[grasmere]

If it is a fail then that would mean every vehicle without a headlamp wash/wipe wouldn't pass. So I doubt it.

not true - iirc but prepared to be corrected

eg its not a legal requirement to carry a spare wheel and tyre - but if you do then it has to be road legal and hence subject to testing. I would guess there are other items like single/double door mirrors and rear screen wipers that come under the same vein - anyone ?

 

[glojo]

There are indeed oodle's of exceptions and seeing as we have an MOT tester here I had best tread carefully.

Older vehicles that were not fitted with seat belts is just one example of a very long list. If at the date of manufacture the vehicle wasn't fitted as standard with seat belts then it would not fail the MOT. (That is a very basic summary)

John

 

[Alps]

headlamp wash is not a requirement for an MOT pass.

It is a requirement for manufacturers when they fit xenons, but as graham has already said, even mine have never been checked!

 

[Shude]

It is a requirement for manufacturers when they fit xenons, but as graham has already said, even mine have never been checked!

Xenons/HID do not exist as far as the MOT is concerned, bulb function and alignment is all that is checked

 

[kensalriser]

A spare wheel and tyre not to roadworthy standard is a safety issue. A bust headlight w/w is not.

 

[dava]

Hmm, thought this would be interesting. Your right about rear wipers and wing mirrors and to be honest it's a nightmare when you get something out of the ordinary, winabagoe mobile homes? Class IV standard car MOT, there massive!!!! The dates are the important factor with seat belts mirrors etc etc and we daily refer to the book to make sure it's correct, as with other things ie corrosion and worn parts etc, it is the MOT testers opinion as to wether it is worn or corroded to excess. We are told by VOSA, if in doubt 'pass and advise' informing the customer using the correct form. As regard the spare wheel it's not a testable item and to be honest your not allowed to empty the boot or lift the carpet and to be honest some of the get you home tyres are iffy to say the least, when you see them fitted. Child seats? Your not allowed to remove it to test the seat belt in the rear. Older cars, emissions are not checked by the smoke meter, just a visable one, clouds of smoke. It can make the job hard.
Regards
Ray

 

[GrahamC230K]

I had a car pass an MOT without a functioning speedo once, but that might have been lucky.

 

[dava]

Speedo's are not a testable item.

 

[COUPE FREAK]

Older cars, emissions are not checked by the smoke meter, just a visable one, clouds of smoke. It can make the job hard.
Regards
Ray

when you say "older car's", up to what year of manufacture are they not tested with the smoke meter,, 1993,?

 

[dava]

Sorry mate from memory, I'm not at work, I think it's 1972, then after that it's measured and different levels up till current, which are quite clean with current cats fitted.

 

[imadoofus]

not true - iirc but prepared to be corrected

eg its not a legal requirement to carry a spare wheel and tyre - but if you do then it has to be road legal and hence subject to testing. I would guess there are other items like single/double door mirrors and rear screen wipers that come under the same vein - anyone ?

I think you're right. Going back some years, a mate of mine removed his headlamps, IIRC, and got a pass. The rules (then) stated "Headlamps, if fitted, must bla bla bla..."

Lots of things are legal requirements, and lots more are testable if fitted, but I've had MOT passes before with headlamp wipers not working, so I doubt the washers will be treated any differently.

PJ