How to reduce emissions before an MOT

When it's time for your MOT test, one important element your car needs to pass is the emissions check. This test looks at how much pollution your vehicle is producing. If your emissions are too high, your car can fail its MOT, which means you won't be able to drive it legally in the UK. In this car emissions check guide, we'll explain what you can do to reduce emissions for an MOT.

Why Emissions Are Important in an MOT

The MOT emissions test checks if your car is safe to drive and whether it's harmful to the environment. It measures the gases coming from your exhaust to make sure they're within legal limits, and cars that produce too much pollution not only damage the environment but they can also harm public health. That's why failing the emissions part of the MOT can lead to expensive repairs. It can also make it harder to sell your car in the future.

What Makes Emissions Increase?

Petrol engines usually give off fewer harmful gases than diesel engines. Diesels tend to produce more nitrogen oxides and soot. However, both types must meet Euro 6 standards during the MOT test. Using better quality fuel can also help. Premium fuels burn cleaner and produce fewer harmful gases, which helps to reduce emissions for an MOT.

Older cars usually produce more pollution, especially if they were made before 2001. These cars may not meet current emissions rules and can struggle to pass the MOT.

Keeping your car in good condition can make a big difference. Regular checks and services help your car run more efficiently and pollute less. Your local Protyre garage offers servicing and MOTs to keep your car in great condition.

Your driving style affects your emissions, too. If you speed up quickly, brake hard or leave the engine running when you're stopped, your car will burn more fuel and produce more pollution. Driving more gently and turning off the engine when you're parked for a while can help lower your emissions.

Engine and Emissions Technology

Newer cars often come with parts that are made to reduce pollution. These include:

• Catalytic converters, which turn harmful gases into safer ones

• Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), which catch soot

• Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which reduce nitrogen oxide in diesel engines

If these parts become blocked or stop working, your car's emissions can rise and cause you to fail the MOT.

Tyre Pressure and Car Weight

If your tyres are under-inflated, the engine has to work harder, which increases emissions. Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure helps your car run more smoothly and use less fuel. If you need new tyres for your vehicle, at Protyre we supply and fit tyres from market-leading premium, mid-range and budget brands including Bridgestone and Pirelli. You can buy your tyres online today and arrange for fitting by using our tyre finder.

How to Lower Emissions Before Your MOT

Here are some simple ways to get your car ready for the emissions test.

Get Your Car Serviced Regularly

Servicing your car helps identify problems early. Issues such as clogged air filters, contaminated spark plugs or broken oxygen sensors can all cause high emissions. Fixing these before your MOT can save time and money.

Check the Exhaust

Make sure the exhaust system isn't damaged or leaking. Even small issues can lead to more pollution. Your mechanic can test it and suggest repairs if needed.

Clean the Engine

Fuel system cleaners or additives can help remove dirt inside the engine and improve how well the fuel burns. This can lower emissions, especially in older cars.

Newer Vehicle Options

If you're thinking about changing cars, you might want to consider an electric or hybrid model. These cars produce far less pollution, and many are now affordable and easy to charge. Modern cars also include technology that helps cut emissions, such as start-stop engines and regenerative braking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles