The government has announced that it is going to maintain the current MOT test frequencies and concentrate on improving testing standards and cracking down on clockers, which is welcome news. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) chief executive, John Lewis, commented as follows:

“The once a year after three years model works perfectly well for cars and vans as long as test centres do their job properly. Our only disappointment is that the government didn’t listen to our calls for safety recall notices to be made an MOT criterion. It is ridiculous that a car can pass its MOT while having an outstanding safety recall notification that hasn’t been dealt with.”

“We would also urge the government to go further in clamping down on clockers by introducing some sort of licensing system for mileage adjustment companies.”

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) latest poll has concluded that the proposed European MOT rules represent a road safety danger issue, with 60 per cent of motorists saying the first MOT should continue to be carried out after three years.

The new European Union directive is proposing we move to a minimum of four years for the first test and then every two years thereafter, rather than the annual MOT test in the UK. In Europe this is known as the four-two cycle.

In the UK, according to data released by the IAM, 27 per cent of all three year-year old cars fail their first MOT however in France, the failure rate for the first MOT (after 4 years) is only 6 per cent. The survey also found that most motorists are comfortable with the current UK MOT test procedure with 63 per cent believing the test will always pick up potential dangers.

IAM chief executive, Simon Best, said,”In a time when people are struggling financially, the MOT seems to be one cost they are happy to pay. The IAM is wary of abandoning our well-established and accepted cycle of MOT testing. The poll suggest that most motorists are happy with it”.

Alfa MiTo

The Fiat Group is running an MOT campaign to encourage Fiat and Alfa Romeo drivers to have their vehicle MOT tested at an authorised Fiat or Alfa Romeo workshop. If your car is over three years old and needs an MOT, if you put it through its annual safety check at an authorised dealer you will be entered into a prize draw.

The keys to a Punto Evo or Alfa MiTo is the top prize with the draw being held on the 18th July 2011. The campaign by the Fiat Group has been launched to remind everyone of the importance of regular servicing by approved and authorised dealerships and to try and increase the number of MOTs being carried out at Fiat Group Centres.

Even if you lease your vehicle, after the three year period, it will need an MOT and it is your responsibility as the lessee to ensure this happens. If you are interested in leasing a Fiat or Alfa Romeo then Fiat business contract hire and Alfa Romeo contract hire is on the site now.

Don't fail your MOT

Auto Windscreens is predicting a fourfold increase in MOT failures due to windscreen damage, as nearly 2 million vehicles (8.4%) fail every year due to glass issues. The problem has been even greater this year with all the damage done to UK roads, following the frost and snow, causing potholes and loose stones to be in abundance.

If there is damage of more than 10mm in the driver’s line of site or 40mm in the rest of the swept area, then the car is liable to fail its MOT and with councils facing a bill of in excess of £100 million pounds to patch up the roads, the problem is likely to continue.

When you lease a new car or van, the MOT is not due until the vehicle is three years old, so the MOT appplication process may not apply to you. However if your leased car is over three years old, or you have extended your contract rather than ordering a new vehicle, you must ensure your car has a valid MOT.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has now decided to publish MOT failure data following a campaign by BBC journalist, Martin Rosenbaum. The information will show you how often different makes and models of cars and vans fail MOTs, which could prove useful to you when choosing your next vehicle.

Kwik-Fit the fast-fit parts, repair and tyre retailer has announced a 48% increase in their MOT tests compared to the same period last year. Much of this success has been down to the success of their internet bookings which grew by 150%.

Motorists booking and paying online can get their MOT for only £35 which is nearly 35% off the statutory fee.

According to Kwik-Fit, the fast fit tyre and exhaust specialist, some 13.8 million British motorists say they struggle to remember when their MOT is due. With car leasing, you are still responsible to get a MOT after three years, so it pays to know when to do this. The research by Kwik-Fit also showed that some 8.1 million motorists have driven without an MOT.

Any motorist who is caught driving without a MOT can be fined £60, it may prevent your tax disc being renewed and of course it may also invalidate your vehicle insurance as well. The Direct Gov website explains all about MOTs

@ http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022109  

Kwik-Fit is also offering a service to remind you of when your MOT is due and if you want to register, just e-mail your Name, Vehicle Reg and MOT Renewal date to remindme@kwik-fit.com. They are offering a MOT for only £35 if you book online, which is less than the statutory fee of £54.

For details of the statutory fees, visit;

http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022514