Problem with your car?

[Bricktop]

Re: Problem with your car?

I know its ok to have a brake light out IF you also have a brakeing strip (like in the roof edge)

Not sure about that, MOT requirements are that both the 'normal' brake lights should be operational, however if the high level light is not working then at this point in time it is just an advisory item not an MOT failure.

[oscar]

Re: Problem with your car?

Boom Boom Handy!

Bricktop, I would be interested to know how you managed to check the brake lights yourself! - long neck?

I know its ok to have a brake light out IF you also have a brakeing strip (like in the roof edge)

I wasnt aware of the lights thing ..... I know plenty that have an ECU light because of a sticky EGR? valve? 8V Astras are notorius for it. I also know some renaults where the airbag light can come on if you disconnect the battery.

I have a simpler answer than Handy taking the bulb out. Black paint or PVC tape.

[Handyman]

Re: Problem with your car?

I got pulled once for going the wrong way down a one way street as I was rushing to get to work.

The Policeman said didn't you see the arrows. I replied yes but I was tying to get away from the Indians.

He then said the reason he had stopped me was because I had a tail light out. I went to the back of the car and kicked the bumper and the light came on.

He said very good sir, now if you kick the front bumper will your tax disk pop up as well.

When he asked my name and where I worked I told him my name was Shagbreak and that I worked for Lord Hooray.

When he telephoned his Lordship to confirm I worked for him the Policeman asked do you have a Shagbreak at your place.

His Lordship replied don't be stupid man, I don't even give the staff chance for a bloody tea break.

Regards all, Handy

[Bricktop]

Re: Problem with your car?

It's for pre MOT work so I assume its drivable at the moment. So no problem.

If the car has defects that you know of and you drive it then you are actually committing an offence under one of the road traffic acts.

Hence if you get stopped by plod because your rear tailight has blown then you say
"has it officer ? thanks for bringing it to my attention, it was working when I left on my journey as I checked it prior to setting off, I will get it rectified asap"
and not
"oh yeah, it's people have been telling me about that for a few days"

[alland]

Re: Problem with your car?

As it's the mechanic driving the car between his garage and the testing station (presumably not far), would he be able to use trade plates?

Yes because he would have the vehicle booked in for the mot, so he assumes responsibility for the car being moved between his workshop and the mot station.
Today even trade plates have limited use that has to be complied with.or they are taken off you.

[Pixie]

Re: Problem with your car?

I'd argue the toss with any enforcer who cared to argue

And I know who'd be the winner!

[diddlydee]

Re: Problem with your car?

alland.

The thing is, they advertise that they do MOT's, and I book it with them. I only know they take it elsewhere due to the stamp on the MOT certificate giving the name of a garage 5 miles away.

My garage is so close I could spit further! In fact, I don't even have to drive it, if I pop round with the keys they come and collect it from my drive

So if I hadn't booked an MOT with them before, I would have no way of knowing that it isn't actually them that were doing the MOT (only any repairs necessary) and I'd argue the toss with any enforcer who cared to argue

[Pixie]

Re: Problem with your car?

Yes taxed and insured. It needs some work before the MOT. The mechanic will take it for its MOT and then do the work before retesting.

As it's the mechanic driving the car between his garage and the testing station (presumably not far), would he be able to use trade plates?

[alland]

Re: Problem with your car?

Found this link, cym. Doesn't specifically state how far the MOT testing station has to be? So long as the MOT is booked in...

I take my car to a garage around the corner, and they take it to another for the MOT to be done. So provided you have booked an MOT with the garage to whom you are delivering it, I can't see you are breaking any rules?

http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk....aspx?sid=3038

Strictly speaking, the concession that allows you to drive a vehicle without MOT is as long as it is pre-booked at the MOT station is just that. However driving it to a third party garage who then take it to the MOT station on your behalf is not part of the VOSA concession. But saying that, it would have to be be a right bas*ard of a cop who would book you for such a minor infringement, but it would be a good idea to have the name of the MOT place where it is booked in just in case..

I think a problem would only arise as a "get out of paying" clause by an insurance company if you was unfortunte enough to be involved in an accident on the way to the third party garage.

[Bricktop]

Re: Problem with your car?

You can take an untaxed and expired MOT car to and from an MOT testing station for an MOT test or MOT repairs, the vehicle must be booked in, there is no specific rule regarding distance to the MOT centre, however you should take the most direct route to and from the MOT centre. In other words don't book it in then go shopping in it.

If the vehicle passes and it is un-taxed then you should go straight home and not use the vehicle until it has valid roadfund licence.

Even having a valid MOT certificate does not guarantee you are not breaking some or other law in relation to having an unroadworthy vehicle.

I have an intermittent enine management light on my car. Means and does sod all.

Get that sorted, you will probably fail an MOT test if it's illuminated because of incorrect emmissions, added to the fact you might be using more fuel than necessary

[Handyman]

Re: Problem with your car?

Well that's something I didn't know. I have an intermittent enine management light on my car. Means and does sod all. It's a £10.00 sensor which at some point I will replace. If in doubt and I know it means taking the instrument dials apart, I would remove the bulb. No light No problem

But no if that's all, you can take your car where ever you like.

Regards, Handy

[cymruambyth]

Re: Problem with your car?

Thanks Handy. Car has a warning light which under the new rules is a failure. We had a similar problem with our last car and a local mechanic quoted a fortune, whereas this mechanic 'is an old fashioned mechanic' and repaired the car for a few pounds!

[Handyman]

Re: Problem with your car?

You need Alland or Bricktop for to answer this one.
So you say its Taxed and Insured, no problems there. It's for pre MOT work so I assume its drivable at the moment. So no problem.
Step son in Brighton always take his car to his mate in South Yorkshire for it's MOT.

Not that his mate is anything less than thorough, just that if he needs work doing the Labour and parts are a lot less than down Sarf.

Besides he makes a few days of it to visit friends and family.

Doesn't matter where you live in relation to the Test Centre. Only problems I know off is if the car is uninsured, or
un-roadworthy.

Regards, Handy

[oscar]

Re: Problem with your car?

Yes taxed and insured. It needs some work before the MOT. The mechanic will take it for its MOT and then do the work before retesting.

As far as I am aware then, that is fine, you are taking it for an MOT or to a place of repair.

[cymruambyth]

Re: Problem with your car?

That's what I was hoping, but wondered if any one knew otherwise.