MOT emissions failure - how do I fix it?

My 2001 Polo just failed MOT on emissions, high on everything. The mechanic advised I should replace the manifold cat, the standard cat and the lambda sensors. Quote for parts alone is over £700. I'd like...

Warning light after failed emission test - should I worry?

My 3 Series had its MOT today and showed a problem with the emissions test. 1st fast idle test it failed with twice the limit. The car display showed engine managment system in "limp home" mode. So they...

Quick fix for headlight lens 'bloom'.

Our 2004 Citroen C5 recently sailed through its MOT with a single advisory, noting that the Polycarbonate headlight covers had an external ‘bloom’ reducing light emission. Having spent many years in the...

Transferring a number plate from an old wreck

New rules come into effect in Nov 2012 ref pre 1960 car MOTs. My wife has a 1954 A30 which belonged to her late mother, but it has not been on the road for many years and has no MOT - and it would cost...

Premium fuel worth the extra?

My six year old Ford Focus only just passed the MOT emissions test, and I have been advised to use super unleaded petrol to keep the engine clean, is this a wise move?

Electric windows stopped working at MOT

During my MOT, the 'shaker' upset my electric windows which now do not work at all, dead at the switches all round. The garage have tried to fix it but were not able to resurrect them, describing the...

Are HID lights an MOT fail?

My car failed MOT because; "HID aftermarket kit fitted headlamp aim beam image incorrect", the garage said it couldn't be adjusted, the original lights must be fitted to pass. Are HID lights an MOT fail?...

Did you know that you can use the Direct.gov website to check a vehicle's tax and MoT history?

There is a way to check if a vehicle is properly taxed, and it's free and legal. Go to the Direct.gov website and put "vehicle check" in the search box. This will bring up a new page and from there it...

Is my Nissan X-Trail's electrical fault related to the tailgate?

My 2007 Nissan X-Trail Adventura failed its first MoT on a broken wire to the high level stop light in the tailgate. It then failed its second MoT on the same problem. Now the rear wiper has failed. It's...

Engine light

Dear HJ, you make reference in your reply to IP, Solihull June 30, that ‘Any illuminated dash warning lights will now mean an mot failure.’ I have an engine management light on, due to possibly a faulty...