MOT - Rear Fog Light.

[autolycus]

Yes - for post 1/1/1931 cars.

"Check that the vehicle is securely fitted with
obligatory headlamps, as follows:
• a matched pair of main beam headlamps,
and
• a matched pair of dipped-beam headlamps
Note: Main and dipped-beam functions may be
provided by a single pair of headlamps"

The manual defines "matched pair", and the methods of inspection and reasons for rejection are all as one would expect.

The "Headlamp Aim" section of the manual is necessarily quite complex, given the range of beam patterns now in use on modern cars. I'm very tempted to pick up a cheap secondhand beam tester, as it's not easy to get the adjustment spot on, particularly laterally.

Kevin

[bmcecosse]

Oh well -thanks for that!

[drivewasher]

On cars (Class IV) Bmc is correct only obligotory equipment needs to be tested so you can put 6 rear fogs on a 1972 Moggie THEY WONT EVEN BE TESTED.

EG A 2005 transit connect I tested last week was presented with a working off side rear fog that emmitted a steady red light and a near side rear fog with a smashed lens cover that emmitted mainly a white light. Believe it or not this was a PASS. The reason is only an off side or centre mounted rear fog light is mandatory, the test does not apply to a near side rear fog so I can't fail it! When PC Plod catches him thats a different matter under construction and use.

Before you all start on me for it showing a white light to the rear, that doesn't matter the only light I can fail specifically for showing WHITE is a number plate light. All other mandatory light have to emmit a steady red at the rear or white at the front. Amber is ok at front as long as its a position light inside a headlight with an amber lens. Indicatrs have to emmit amber light 60 to 120 flashes a min. Fails for those are "not of the correct colour" and emmiting less than 50% of light from it's source IE an led side light strip or rear side light cluster made up of 20 tiny led's, If only 9 are illuminating it's a fail if 10 are lit then thats a pass (Tho I would advise on that)

[drivewasher]

In theory the earlier comment re 'mandatory' lights etc is correct - they only NEED to work if they are 'mandatory' for that car/year. But - it's not worth arguing with MOT Inspectors in my experience!!

I would welcome any comments from presenters in our VTS Wer'e not always right and everyone can learn something new. We pride our business's on customer relations. I would much prefer myself or my son (who is the AE in our VTS) to be the first point of contact with any query or issue they have. There are loads of dates to remember and sometime a jog from the presenter is all that's needed!