Electric MOTs – What’s the Difference?
With electric cars becoming more popular than ever, there are many people asking just what it’s like to run one from day to day and year to year. While they do run differently to regular, non-hybrid cars, they still require an annual MOT test once they have turned three years old. While this isn’t new to any current motorist, what an electric MOT involves specifically certainly is! Just like your regular MOT, the test is compulsory and is designed to examine all aspects of the car’s components, with one exception of an emissions test, however.
The normal routine
As stated earlier, an electric vehicle will, by and large, follow the same routine which a standard petrol or diesel car would follow. Headlight alignment and brightness will be examined, so will all other lighting functions, including hazard lights, turn signals and brake lights. Seatbelts will be checked, along with windscreen wipers, the windscreen itself, horns, washer fluid – everything you can think of, really!
Just like any diesel or petrol car, if the car isn’t up to standard in any of these areas it will fail, so going electric is no reason to slack.
Corrosion and rust
Checking for signs of rust and corrosion will be a key part of the test and will be checked all over the car, especially under the bonnet and the body of the vehicle. The chassis suspension, brakes and mounting points will also be examined. The key difference with this aspect of the test, then, is that an MOT examiner isn’t permitted to remove any part of the vehicle in order to check for rust. Many electric vehicles come with a fixed underbody panel, which will remain in place throughout the test.
Brakes, wheels and mechanical checks
Once your vehicle has been elevated, the examiner can then perform the necessary mechanical checks to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Wheel alignment and steering checks will be carried out, as well as a visual inspection of the tyres and the wheels themselves. Once completed, your brakes, suspension and bearings can be checked, focusing on excess wear and tear.
The key difference: no emissions test
While you will still need to make sure that your electric car is functioning to the same standard as any petrol or diesel car before your MOT, there is one area where you don’t have to sweat: the emissions test. While this isn’t a huge difference, it’s still one less thing to worry about!
Whether you’ve got an electric, petrol or diesel vehicle, you won’t regret opting to service your car with the team here at Munster Tyres. We are a leading provider of tyres and car servicing in the Fulham and West London area, having served our customers for 40 years with our blend of expertise and efficiency. We pride ourselves on offering a service that is friendly, professional and effective in equal measure – we strive to ensure we achieve the best possible results with every job, no matter how big or small.
For more information, or to book your car in for a service, simply get in touch today.