Stricter MoT test for 2012

The article over at ACE explains how the MoT test is going to be a lot stricter for 2012 and is clamping down on the likes of tinted windows, illegal engine modifications, corrosion and tyre clearance.

We know there are a lot of old VWs cruising around out there with super low suspension which will possibly not pass the test, especially if there isn't enough tyre clearance between the wheel and the arch.

Taken from the site:
"Starting in January 2012 a new stricter MOT will be introduced as the EU brings in a minimum standard of vehicle testing across all member States."

"The changes bring the requirements for car and commercial tests closer together with approximately 50 new testable items to be added.
VOSA are currently working with MOT testers to try to ensure that the new test is cost neutral, in other words no fee increase. Also they are working with testers to find the most efficient way of checking the new items. "

"New areas specifically affecting modified cars include:
HID headlamps and bulb incompatibility,
Tinted windows
Wiring condition
Mudguards(wings), spray suppression devices.

Visual inspection of wings:
(a) Missing,loose or badly corroded
(b) Insufficient clearance to road wheel
(c) Not in accordance with the requirements.

Engine performance:
(a) Control unit illegally modified.
(b) Illegal engine modifications.  "

You can read the article at ACE here: http://www.the-ace.org.uk/stricter-mot-test-from-2012.html

Luckily there seems to be a petition opposing all this that can be found here: http://www.the-ace.org.uk/assets/docs/Petition.rtf
They are asking that you fill it out and send it to your MP.  

So now you know to be wary of that rusty wheel arch and maybe to raise your suspension up a bit prior to an MoT this year. And make sure the tyres haven't fouled any part of the arch or inner arch as this too will be a failure.

On a separate note
We also found on the ACE homepage a very worrying article about the restoration or renovation of historic vehicles.

Taken from the article:
"Repair means the adaptation, refurbishment or replacement of existing or missing components. Repair aims first and foremost at implementing a pre-determined standard for mechanical integrity or in line with intended use. Repair does not care about the historic condition of components, the original materials or work techniques or the authentic substance of the vehicle; the only aim here is to make the object fully operable again.
Renovation concentrates on a more or less exact imitation of a "factory-new" appearance. Such a revision tries to extinguish all traces of real age and history on the vehicle, without much caring and on the expense of historic substance.
Vehicles or objects altered in this manner are in danger to lose their value as sources for cultural history. The renovation does normally not comply with the Charters approach on historic vehicles "


"Article 10: Any modifications required later for whatever reasons should respect the original's structure and appearance. Ideally, such modifications should always be reversible, and any important original parts removed in the processes should be kept with the vehicle to allow later re-utilisation and to serve as reference for the originally existing substance."

What this all means is still unclear but it has been suggested that historic vehicles that are modified away from original factory specification could lose their historic status. It has also been implied that if non-original parts have been used to restore a vehicle, you could face the same implications.

Read the full article here and let us know what you think it all means in the comments below: http://www.the-ace.org.uk/

UPDATE:

Thanks to Larry from Retro Custom, we now have a clearer idea of what the new MoT tests are going to be like for us VW owners. Here's what he says.

"I received a bulletin on the MOT changes and have looked at this in depth - some of what the ACE are saying is simply scaremongering and some of it was already included in the test before. The bit you mention about the corroded wings has been part of the MOT test for years. The window tinting thing only applies to the windscreen, the control unit modifications - I assume they are talking about speed limiters - the engine ECU is not part of the test. Illegal engine modifications - what's that all about? engine modifications aren't part of the MOT. A lot of what ACE have said on their website seems to be unfounded. There is a big thread about it on Volkszone, I suggest you check it out. There are some new things in the MOT which will affect old VW owners, one of which is leaking steering boxes - pretty much every VW has this! - just give it a wipe down as only excessive leakage is a fail. Also seats with the capability need to be able to move fore and aft. That's a lot of beetles and Bays buggered as their seats are siezed on the runners - I'm stocking up on rubber mallets for this! Also batteries need to be secured and a lot of buses have missing battery clamps. The visual check of wiring is just to make sure the wiring is safe and it'd have to be pretty dangerous or chafing or exposed to fail. There is also a new thing where a tester can reject a car for having what they deem 'inappropriate repairs or modifications' and this can include home made narrowed beams which are unsafe or not up to the job, and also other modifications. If a Bay has a tow bar fitted then if it has a 13 pin socket, all electrics must be checked. If it has a 7 pin socket then only security of the socket is testable. There is a full list of the new changes brought in here http://motuk.co.uk/images/Special%20Notice%2009-11.pdf "