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[Kate]

Hi all.
 
My MOT is due on Sunday and I have a few questions about it if you don't mind:

1. If your car fails its MOT does that mean you cant use it even if there is some time remaining on you current MOT certificate?

2. My idler arm needs changing. Is that a big job?

3. My ABS ECU needs replacing. So does the timing belt. Are these two completely separate jobs or is it possible to combine them?

4. Some garages advertise MOT's for half price. What's the catch?

5. Do you have any other advice for getting your car through its MOT?


I'm moving to Cornwall on the 22nd so I'ma bit worried about this now.

Thanks for all the help.

[kevinp58]

If it fails then you won't be able to use it even if there is time left on the old MOT but if it passes the time will be carried over
 Usually the catch is that it fails and they make up with the work done to get it through
I think the Idler arm is a tricky job as to it being where it is
ABSA ECU could fail it on MOT but timing belt won't
give it an oil and filter change it will help the emissions and add a injector cleaner to the fuel and give it a thrash down the motorway to clear out things. 

[Kate]

If it fails then you won't be able to use it even if there is time left on the old MOT but if it passes the time will be carried over
 Usually the catch is that it fails and they make up with the work done to get it through
I think the Idler arm is a tricky job as to it being where it is
ABSA ECU could fail it on MOT but timing belt won't
give it an oil and filter change it will help the emissions and add a injector cleaner to the fuel and give it a thrash down the motorway to clear out things. 

Thanks very much.

[BazaJT]

As far as I can recall.If your car fails M.O.T. but there is still time remaining on old one then yes the original stays in force.I could be wrong and no doubt other more worthy types will know more.Sorry can't help with other questions.Must type faster,and apparently going on Kevinp58s answer I was wrong anyway!!

[05omegav6]

Idler is only a ten(ish) minute job, just requires the front end off the ground for access

Two nuts, two hammers, a spanner and new idler are all that's required

ABS ecu fiddly, but only six screws... have you the new one yet

[Kate]

Idler is only a ten(ish) minute job, just requires the front end off the ground for access

Two nuts, two hammers, a spanner and new idler are all that's required

ABS ecu fiddly, but only six screws... have you the new one yet

Yes I've got a new one. I'm getting the timing belt done soon so was wondering if it's best to get the ABS part fitted at the same time?

[05omegav6]

That depends on the Mot

How overdue is the belt

[Kate]

That depends on the Mot

How overdue is the belt

3 Years overdue.

[05omegav6]

Ah. Might be an idea to get it done all at once then

[Kate]

Ah. Might be an idea to get it done all at once then

Do the same parts have to be removed for both jobs or are they different?

[05omegav6]

Totally unrelated... Cambelt requires stripping the front/top of the engine (nothing like as drastic as it sounds).

Abs ecu requires the bonnet to be opened and not much else.

Steering idler needs two bolts nuts removing and nowt else.

 

[Entwood]

If it fails the MOT it is an unroadworthy vehicle - the degree of "unroadworthiness" does vary, but essentially the failure notice informs you that it is not roadworthy.

It is an offence to drive an unroadworthy vehicle... (it actually doesn't matter if this is "knowingly" or not .. the offence stands.) .. although it is legal to drive it away for repair UNLESS it is failed as "dangerous".. in which case it can't go anywhere...

So once it fails that is it .. and the new system puts the failure onto the computer instantly, so every ANPR camera in the UK knows ... 

[Toledodude1973]

ANPR is a very good point, its all so quick these days and getting harder to hide anything

[Kate]

Thanks for that.

[RobG]

IIRC the "new" MOT failure doesn`t cancel the existing one so the car can still be legally driven unless the tester has deemed it "unsafe for use"