MOT pre-check?

[jadefox]

Hi folks, me with my silly questions again, sorry!!!

Just wondered if you guys thought it was worth getting an MOT pre-check done on my car. I have notice of late that it does kick out a lot of black smoke when I put my foot down to overtake or feel like a bit of extra power....it puffs out of the exhaust and seems to clear itself - but I was wondering if this would effect the MOT at all? It seems to be totally fine at all other times, it's particularly noticeable at night though in other peoples lights.

If I do get an MOT pre-check is that something which can be done at MB and does anyone know roughly what it would cost?
I assume you guys get your MOT's just anywhere at any test centre?? Or do you all take it to MB for an MOT? Sorry if that's a silly question, but its my first MOT and I am nervy of taking it to just anyone because I am a woman - and I don't want to be completely ripped off - they see a blonde coming they see ££ signs!!

 

[jadefox]

Sorry if this is in the wrong category also!

 

[Dieselman]

Look in your yellow pages/yell. there are usually companies that only do MOT tests and don't do work. They will perform a strict but fair MOT test.

Tests are pretty well regulated now so any garage shouldn't rip you off at MOT time anymore.

As far as the smoke, you will always see some in following cars headlamps and unless the car is particularly smokey it won't fail an MOT soke test.

Get the engine nice and hot and give it a really good thrash to clear the exhaust out. Most of the smoke on the initial rev is due to accumulated soot in the exhaust, which is why a maximum of six revs are allowed.

Just before the test give the car the above mentioned caning in a low gear. Be pretty merciless....even more than usual..

I would run a dose of injector cleaner through with the fuel as well, to clean the injectors out a bit.

 

[Dieselman]

Sorry if this is in the wrong category also!

No you're not..!!

 

[SilverSaloon]

i agree, dont bother with a pre-test..... you should get a retest free anyway - you can try for an mot 1 month before it expires and still keep the old MOT date.

i would:

- give it an "italian tune up" before hand
- make sure engine is fully warmed up before arriving at the mot centre
- put some injector cleaner through the tank of fuel a few days beforehand
- ensure it wont fail on something stupid like wipers or washer fluid by checking these things yourself 1st

best to take it to the garage (if they do mot's) that you would use for any repair work - that way it saves you hassle (and money).

 

[recycled]

i
best to take it to the garage (if they do mot's) that you would use for any repair work - that way it saves you hassle (and money).

best not to as they will always find something to fail you on

 

[c240yaz]

I would agree with Silversaloon. Go earlier than the required date for the full test, then your car is still on the road if it fails. Then if you only pay the re-test fee.

You also get the benefit of getting the expirey date extended by a few weeks, as long as you provide your previous test cert.

 

[Dieselman]

Unless it's the first test, in which case I don't think you can test before the actual date, can you..?? or can you if you take the reg doc with you.?

I forgot on my first one so this was accedemic..I realised on the August 2nd...Oops.....which reminds me...

 

[grober]

i agree, dont bother with a pre-test..... you should get a retest free anyway - you can try for an mot 1 month before it expires and still keep the old MOT date.

i would:

- give it an "italian tune up" before hand
- make sure engine is fully warmed up before arriving at the mot centre
- put some injector cleaner through the tank of fuel a few days beforehand
- ensure it wont fail on something stupid like wipers or washer fluid by checking these things yourself 1st

best to take it to the garage (if they do mot's) that you would use for any repair work - that way it saves you hassle (and money).

Don't forget all these light bulbs too. Brake lights a favourite.

 

[gina2201]

You can "preserve the anniversary" of your MOT by having an MOT done up to a month prior to it running out and therefore have a 13month MOT.

 

[Smiley]

Unless it's the first test, in which case I don't think you can test before the actual date, can you..?? or can you if you take the reg doc with you.?

I forgot on my first one so this was accedemic..I realised on the August 2nd...Oops.....which reminds me...

yes - same extension applies - up to 1 month - these days with the electronic system they can see the reg date anyway

 

[Smiley]

Silversaloon is right - it is good to give a diesel engine a good thrashing once in a while after it is fully warmed up (10miles) - if you do it properly (not just for 10 seconds - keep it at 4-5k revs for 2 to 3 minutes) you should find that the car runs more smoothly.

I always do this before the mot test of my 190k mile e300d and the test station is always amazed how quickly it goes through the emissions test - last year it passed on the first acceleration test.

 

[Dieselman]

You can "preserve the anniversary" of your MOT by having an MOT done up to a month prior to it running out and therefore have a 13month MOT.

Never knew that.....

 

[jadefox]

Excellent, thanks for the info guys - I have booked it in a week or so ahead of myself and I think the hand break (foot break!!) needs adjusting anyway so they can deal with all that before the MOT. Am keeping my fingers crossed it passes, I've not had a car not pass an MOT before!

 

[SimonsMerc]

Silversaloon is right - it is good to give a diesel engine a good thrashing once in a while after it is fully warmed up (10miles) - if you do it properly (not just for 10 seconds - keep it at 4-5k revs for 2 to 3 minutes) you should find that the car runs more smoothly.

I always do this before the mot test of my 190k mile e300d and the test station is always amazed how quickly it goes through the emissions test - last year it passed on the first acceleration test.

Wow - really? 4-5k revs for 2-3 minutes? That seems like an awful lot to me! Is that everyone else's description of an "Italian Tune-up" as well?

 

[Dieselman]

Wow - really? 4-5k revs for 2-3 minutes? That seems like an awful lot to me! Is that everyone else's description of an "Italian Tune-up" as well?

It shouldn't do any harm, but 2-3 minutes seems more than is necessary, although a few minutes of high revs, even into the red is a good thing.