by Ash Hekmat
Motorists have been advised to ensure they are ready for the new mandatory test items being incorporated into MOTs this year.
One of the new tests highlighted by the AA will focus on the trailer/caravan electrical socket with a basic security and damage check of 7-pin sockets taking place, while a full electrical connectivity check will take place on 13-pin sockets.
This is to ensure that all electrics are properly hooked up so that your trailer or caravan is roadworthy, and the breakdown cover specialist has also warned that failing the check will result in MOT failure.
Other checks added into the MOT will test electronic parking brake controls, electronic stability control, warning lights, power steering fluid levels and tyre pressure monitoring systems fitted to new vehicles.
The Department for Transport has added the new mandatory checks to all MOTs taking place after January 1st, 2012, in order to bring UK testing in line with a revised European directive, aimed at ensuring vehicle tests include rigorous checks of electronic systems.
According to VOSA, which is responsible for MOT testing, failures relating to the new items will count as ‘advisories’ until April 1st, meaning motorists have until their next MOT date to fix problems identified before that date.
