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Emissions test and radiator leak

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martinpicasso
Owner/Driver

Posts: 2

Last Online: Aug 6, 2014 15:41:26 GMT 1

Emissions test and radiator leak Aug 5, 2014 19:03:56 GMT 1

Post by martinpicasso on Aug 5, 2014 19:03:56 GMT 1

Hello there

This morning I took my car for MOT, to a garage that I haven't used before. They later rang to say that, in addition to a couple of routine issues, they would need to fit (and bill me for) a new radiator. The explanation was that under the stress of the revs required for the emissions test a leak had 'popped' (to use their word). So my bill for £275 includes the repair/replacement of a radiator that (by their own admission) was not leaking when I gave them the car.

Could I ask, does the emissions test really place a significant strain on the cooling system that would not arise from normal driving? And is it reasonable that the customer is liable for damage that occurs during an MOT?

Many thanks

Martin

Gaz
VTS Council member

Posts: 2,157

Class tested: 4, 7

Last Online: Sept 7, 2019 10:16:48 GMT 1

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Emissions test and radiator leak Aug 5, 2014 19:20:45 GMT 1 via mobile David and martinpicasso like this

Post by Gaz on Aug 5, 2014 19:20:45 GMT 1

Customers are not liable for any damage occurred during a MOT test. The garage is solely responsible. I'm not a big fan of this rule as things can and do go wrong that the tester has no warning of. However, in your situation, a leaking radiator would be enough for me not to carry out an emissions test and abort the MOT to avoid risking further damage. A cooling system in good condition should have no problems surviving an emissions test, even a full cat test which may require the revs held at over 2500 for 3 minutes.

Last Edit: Aug 5, 2014 19:23:20 GMT 1 by Gaz -

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martinpicasso
Owner/Driver

Posts: 2

Last Online: Aug 6, 2014 15:41:26 GMT 1

Emissions test and radiator leak Aug 5, 2014 20:08:26 GMT 1

Post by martinpicasso on Aug 5, 2014 20:08:26 GMT 1

Gaz, many thanks for your prompt and honest reply. I can see why an MOT tester would be miffed if a radiator coincidentally sprang a leak during an MOT, which may well have been the case here. I was just upset at the way the garage has tried to handle it, in terms of customer service.

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