The MOT and connected technology

 

Connectivity is all around us in everyday life. It helps us do business more efficiently. It enables us to work anywhere we wish. It allows us to share data with friends and family, and even switch the heating on without even being at home via our smartphones. Now that connectivity is part of the MOT thanks to the introduction of connected technology in testing centres across UK.

 

The benefits of connected technology

Back in October last year, Roller Brake Testers were mandated as the very first connected technology for the MOT marking a new era of vehicle testing.  All replacement and new installations from October 2019 must be connectable to the MTS (MOT Testing Service).

 

More recently, new or replacement portable brake meters/decelerometers, such as the ubiquitous Tapley Meter, must be MTS connectable from February 2020.

 

Switching to this way of working brings with it many benefits to both the garage owner and the end customer. Not only does it save valuable time for all parties, it also improves the overall accuracy of the MOT and facilitates the collection of real time data about each vehicle.

 

By connecting the testing equipment directly to the MOT system, the chance of errors being made are reduced and the entire process is faster. The ultimate objective being to eliminate the number of results entered incorrectly and prevent fraud.

 

The new connected technology will soon be rolled out to include; Headlamp Beam Testers, Exhaust Gas Analysers and Diesel Smoke Meters.  Ultimately, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras will also be included in the MOT bay to enable the vehicle details to be automatically entered into the MTS.  This will eliminate operator input error and allow cross checking with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to eliminate fraudulent vehicles.

 

Time saver

Time is money in any industry and a big plus point for connected MOT equipment is that key data will be recorded instantaneously rather than the technician inputting test results.  Over the course of a year, the time saved on each test will deliver a cumulative cost and labour saving, thus improving the efficiency of the test centre.

 

At the same time, adopting connected technology ensures that the MOT test is future proofed and is able to keep pace with the ever-changing vehicle technologies including electric and hybrid vehicle (EHV) development, Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) and lane departure. In a digital age, the MOT test must be fit for purpose and align with the vehicles that require testing. Connected MOT equipment that integrates and reports directly to the MOT system is the only way forward.

 

Do I need to buy connected MOT equipment now?
At the time of writing, all new MOT Testing Stations must have a connectable Roller Brake Tester and Decelerometer.  This requirement also applies to existing Test Stations if they have to replace faulty brake testing equipment, assuming it is not possible to upgrade it to connectable technology.

 

Here at Prosol UK we began gearing up for these changes to MOT testing over two years ago, assisting in the development of the Tapley Electronic Brake Meter, an MTS connectable decelerometer. Click here to view product. As of February 2020, all new and replacement decelerometers must be connectable to the MOT Testing Service.

 

Feel free to give any of the team here at Prosol UK a call to discuss how we can cost effectively supply you a connectable decelerometer. We’ll be only too happy to offer our professional advice and assist however we can.