Feb 12, 2020
As a car owner, you dread the thought of bringing your car for the annual MOT test, because even though you have been keeping on top of everything, your car’s emissions can guarantee a fail if they’re too high. Therefore, you cannot get your MOT certificate and can no longer drive your car until it passes the test.
Within Europe, there is now a large focus on reducing pollution levels that are produced by cars, in particular those with diesel engines. Certain limits had to be introduced to ensure that cars aren’t creating excessive emissions that are harmful to our planet.
Back in May 2018, one of the biggest adjustments was made to the MOT test and that was the emissions test being altered. Emissions tests are designed to measure the amount and concentration of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons that are being released via your car’s exhaust.
An MOT test uses a scale to help determine whether your car is safe to drive. Each time an item is checked, it will be marked as, ‘Pass’, ‘Advisory’, ‘Minor’, ‘Major’ or ‘Dangerous’. If any of the items are falling with the ‘Major’ or ‘Dangerous’ category will be an automatic fail. The ‘Dangerous’ category is defined as an immediate risk to road safety or that it has a serious impact on the environment.
Having your car serviced regularly helps to improve your car’s emissions as a service involves having your engine oil changed. The oil lubricates and cleans the engine, having it changed will help to keep the engine running effectively. Servicing your car regularly also includes a change of air filter which can lower your car’s emissions. If the air filter is clogged up the air to the engine is impacted, which can lead to a build-up in the engine and can cause damage.
Using those ‘super’ or ‘premium’ fuel pumps can help lower your car’s emissions as you are using a better quality or grade of fuel. These fuel pumps contain cleaning chemicals which remove all the dirt and build up in your engine.
For more tips on reducing your car’s emissions, read our blog “How Can I Reduce My Cars Emissions”
An obvious answer to emission problems is to stop taking your car on those short, unnecessary journeys when you could walk instead. Leaving your engine running before getting into your car is also unnecessary. If you can’t help the need to drive all the time, then it is time to improve your driving habits. The more you stay still in the car with the engine running, the more emissions the car will produce, which is why a start-stop engine was invented!
