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What is purpose of emissions test? Find out more about how  vehicles are tested for emissions and why the emissions test is included in the MOT.

Emissions test determines the overall level of motor vehicle air pollutants emitted fuel consumption, alongside general tests of effectiveness. The goal and purpose of your real driving emission test are to reduce the number of pollutants that are most dangerous to the environment and ozone.

Most old vehicles and new cars in the UK must get an MOT which often includes testing the vehicle's exhaust emissions using a meter. It is essential to have your vehicle's emissions tested to benefit the environment. It will allow you to get to grips with the level of pollution your vehicle produces. Pollutants affect the air quality of those around you and can negatively affect your health.

The particulates from standard combustion engines are soot by-products of fuel leading to dangerous respiratory issues. Carbon dioxide, as we know, is a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming and too much smoke emitted will add to this dangerous level in the air. It's paramount to do as much as possible to ensure your vehicle is reliable, safe to drive on the road and safe to sell to consumers. 

Emissions testing In the UK

MOT Testing

Many vehicles worldwide must have their exhaust emissions tested in formal MOT tests. Often professionals use a meter to test the overall condition.

It was introduced by the government and vehicle manufacturers that those car models using petrol before August 1975 and diesel vehicles before January 1980 must be tested by sight. If your vehicle or car continuously fails the MOT test, you must get the issues fixed immediately to obtain the MOT certificate.

The only vehicles that do not require emission tests during an MOT test include:

Air Quality Management Areas

Across the UK, numerous borough councils are regarded as Air Quality Management Areas. Your local council can offer a single test for your vehicle on and around the roadside and provide fixed penalties for those drivers that fail due to faulty vehicles with a lack of maintenance and care. 

How Are Vehicles Tested For Emissions?

STAGE 1:

Your vehicle examiner will start by taking your car through a standard MOT test. Before you enter the inspection hall or centre, all details of your car will be accurately checked and recorded on a computer. They'll first check the exhaust emissions of your vehicle. 

Diesel smoke test:

All diesel engines, buses, and heavy goods tend to emit smoke that mechanics will assess at this stage for its density. These tests are carried out by calibrated and approved smoke meters.

Other vehicles that emit smoke that will need to be tested include:

STAGE 2

The second stage of your MOT test will then continue with a headlight alignment check. European headlamps tend to be the most prevalent type of headlamp that gets fitted onto a vehicle. They will check the aim on its dip beam for accuracy and brightness.

Often these headlamps come with an asymmetric dipped beam pattern; its cut-off on the right is distinctive and horizontal. It has a 'kick-up' towards its left side, a 15-degree wedge of light above that cut-off. You'll have no opportunities to adjust the alignment of your headlamp mid-test, so it is something you want to ensure is in the correct position beforehand. 

STAGE 3

The third stage of the MOT process begins with what is known as a shock absorber test. Often your examiner will proceed with a break test, where the wheels of your vehicle are placed atop rollers with the brakes applied.

At this point, your technician or mechanic will inspect the driver's compartment and its significant effect on your car. 

STAGE 4

At this stage, your examiner will position your car on its hoist so that it can have a complete body inspection. Underbody inspection often looks at all the items we've listed, and many involve your examiner taking your car on a short drive on the roads within or around the centre grounds to test it. Driving the car allows them to assess the governed speed and the car's performance when in motion.

The essential items they will search through and inspect include:

However, it is there to let officers or other mechanics know about the condition of your car. Such allows you to address the faults in good time before they develop into more severe issues.  In a way, they remind you and others that you are due services. However, if your vehicle does not pass, your examiner will provide you with a record sheet that fully details each fault you must have repaired before any retest.

After a failed attempt, you can book any retests at a more reduced fee within the following 21 days of your previous test. Retests at lower fees will often occur 60 days after your original test. If you miss the deadline, you'll be expected to pay the entire cost again.