Aftermarket February 2023

untested or approved brands. Richard observed: “There are numerous places where you can buy Retrofit LEDs no- questions-asked. Indeed many people are, to the extent where some MOT stations were allowing cars with non- road legal Retrofit LEDs to pass their MOTs. This has, since January 2021, now been formally squashed. However, there is nothing to stop vehicle owners submitting a car for an MOT with halogen lights and then putting the LEDs in, once an MOT has been obtained. Unfortunately, many of these retrofit LEDs are low-quality units, which are badly designed, cheaply manufactured and which not only perform poorly – making them a hazard to drivers for oncoming vehicles because of the glare - but also, because their poor heat dissipation systems make them potentially damaging and dangerous to the vehicle concerned and those in it.” Richard continued: “There is no doubt that a tested and approved road-legal approach for LED Retrofit car bulbs in the UK would help to create clarity and safety for car drivers who want to upgrade their car lights, to keep themselves and their families safer while traveling on the road. The products are already available and, given the UK’s ‘Independent Status’ in Europe, post-Brexit, there is now the opportunity for the UK to address the shortcomings of the regulations. “In the meanwhile, Halogen lights continue to evolve, with Philips multi-award winning RacingVision GT200 – rated at up to 200% more power than the industry standard bulb - and XtremeVision Pro150, with its stellar combination of performance, durability and lifetime offering excellent, cost-effective lighting upgrade options. Not only will they ensure an MOT pass, but also an enhanced and safer driving experience for the vehicle owner as well as a greater profit opportunity for a workshop supplying them.” Concluding with a oft-repeated but always relevant piece of advice, Richard added: “It should also be born in mind that if one bulb fails, then the other is likely to do so – so 38 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2023 MOT www.aftermarketonline.net headlight bulbs should always be changed in pairs.” For more information, visit: www.philips.co.uk/c-m-au/car-lights EVs and MOTs The changing face of the car parc means that more EVs are reaching the point every year where they need a MOT. Looking at the specific challenge of performing tests on these vehicles, Concept Garage Equipment (CGE) National Sales Manager Andy Davidson observed: “Electric cars do need an annual MOT test once they are over three years old, but the test for EV cars is slightly faster as there is no need for exhaust system or emissions tests to be carried out. With the huge increase in EVs on the UK roads, and the push towards renewable energy several things have changed. The only difference between the standard car MOT and the electric car MOT is the absence of the exhaust system and emissions tests. All other MOT tests are valid and need to be carried out to ensure roadworthiness of your electric car.” While some testing stations may not yet have seen an EV for a test, it does not mean they will never get one in, and as Andy observed, you need to be ready: “All garages that are registered to perform MOT tests are able to carry out MOT tests on electric vehicles, and no additional training is required. As a MOT Tester, you cannot refuse to carry out a MOT test on one of these vehicles just because you are not familiar with them and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct and up to date MOT tester training to perform the MOT tests on such electric vehicles.” Andy added: “Even though there are some minor differences between the electric car MOT and the standard combustion engine vehicle MOT, the costs for both remain the same. The maximum charge for a MOT, excluding any work or parts that may be needed to perform repairs, is £54.85. A MOT on a car will usually take between 45 minutes and an hour. However, since an electric car has a few items less to test, this can take a little less time to do, and may save between 15 and 30 minutes on performing the MOT test. However, the costs charged to the customer are currently the same for both standard combustion engine and EV MOTs, hence the income to the garage is very slightly better for MOT on electric cars.” For more information, visit: https://concept-ge.co.uk/