Meadowfield Invests in New MOT Emissions Equipment

There's a new arrival at Meadowfield Auto Centre this month as we continue investing in the equipment used at our MOT testing station in Ponteland.

On 13 February 2018, we took delivery of new Bradbury MOT emissions testing equipment, part of our preparations for changes being introduced to vehicle emissions testing during 2018.

Vehicle technology is changing quickly and MOT testing has to change with it.

For us, that means making sure Meadowfield has the equipment required to properly test the increasingly modern vehicles being driven by our customers in Ponteland and the surrounding Northumberland area.

MOT emissions testing is changing

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced changes affecting MOT emissions testing during 2018.

Updated in-service exhaust emissions data for petrol vehicles took effect from 1 February 2018, with MOT stations required to ensure their exhaust gas analyser databases were updated by 20 May.

More substantial changes to diesel emissions testing will follow on 20 May 2018.

The new requirements will introduce lower default smoke limits for newer diesel vehicles and greater use of the emissions limit specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Diesel smoke meters will consequently need to be updated or replaced so they can perform the revised test correctly.

Investing before the changes arrive

Rather than waiting until the new requirements are upon us, we're preparing Meadowfield in advance.

Our new Bradbury emissions equipment represents another investment in the MOT facilities at our workshop on Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Ponteland.

For customers, much of the technology behind an MOT test isn't particularly visible.

You hand us the keys and, hopefully, collect the car later with a pass certificate.

Behind that process, however, an authorised MOT testing station needs appropriate testing equipment, trained testers and procedures that keep pace with changing DVSA requirements.

Investing in our emissions testing capability helps us make sure Meadowfield is ready.

Stricter diesel emissions testing from May

The changes coming in May will be particularly significant for diesel vehicles.

From 20 May, newer diesel vehicles will be subject to stricter smoke limits. Where applicable, testers will use the manufacturer's specified plate value, while a new default limit of 0.7m⁻¹ will apply to diesel vehicles first used from 1 January 2014 where the relevant manufacturer value is unavailable.

The revised MOT will also introduce stricter requirements relating to diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Evidence of DPF tampering or visible smoke during the applicable test can result in a Major defect.

It's a considerable change to the way emissions form part of the MOT test.

And we want to be ready for it.

Continuing to invest in Meadowfield

It's just over a year since Meadowfield Auto Centre opened in Ponteland in January 2017, and investment in the workshop has been part of our plans from the beginning.

Within our first few months we invested in new Bradbury/GEMCO tyre changing and wheel balancing equipment, allowing us to fit and balance wheels up to 23 inches.

Now we're investing again – this time in the equipment required to keep our MOT testing facilities up to date as vehicle emissions standards evolve.

Cars are changing.

The MOT test is changing with them.

And Meadowfield Auto Centre will continue investing to make sure our Ponteland workshop changes too.