What is MOT Equipment Calibration?

MOT equipment calibration refers to the process of adjusting and verifying the accuracy of testing instruments used in vehicle MOT inspections. This procedure is critical in guaranteeing that the equipment functions within specified tolerances, ensuring consistent and accurate readings.

The DVSA mandates that for all garages conducting MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests, “All testing equipment must be kept in good order and measuring apparatus must be calibrated regularly in accordance with DVSA’s requirements. In all cases, calibration records must be kept for a minimum of two years.”.  This is to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety standards.

Why is Calibration Important?

Calibration is crucial for maintaining the integrity of MOT tests. Accurate equipment provides reliable assessments of a vehicle’s safety and emissions, contributing to road safety and environmental protection. Regular calibration ensures that the readings obtained are trustworthy and in compliance with legal standards.

1. Accuracy and Reliability: Calibration ensures that testing equipment produces accurate and consistent results, preventing false passes or MOT failures.
2. Safety: Accurate MOT test results are paramount for road safety. Properly calibrated MOT testing equipment identifies vehicles that pose safety risks, preventing them from operating on public roads.
3. Compliance: Failure to maintain your MOT garage equipment can lead to non-compliance with DVSA regulations, resulting in fines, penalties, or even suspension of MOT testing privileges.

Commonly Used MOT Equipment Requiring Calibration

• Emissions Analysers: These measure the levels of harmful gases emitted by a vehicle.
• Brake Testers: Assess the braking efficiency of a vehicle.
• Headlight Aligners: Ensure proper alignment of headlights for optimal visibility and safety.
• Lifts and Jacks: Used to elevate vehicles for inspection and maintenance, this is also a Health and Safety requirement for all workshops.
• Axle Play detectors: Used for assessing steering and suspension joints (ATL & OPLT lanes).
• Tyre Depth gauge: Used to evaluate tyre conditions.

The calibrations include connected MOT equipment such as more recently purchased brake testers (RBTs) and emissions (gas and smoke) analysers.

What Are the Consequences of Not Calibrating MOT Equipment?

Failing to calibrate equipment can result in inaccurate readings, potentially leading to incorrect assessments of vehicle safety and emissions. This not only compromises road safety but can also lead to legal consequences for the garage, ultimately risking suspension of MOT testing privileges.

Choose Concept GE to Maintain and Calibrate your MOT Equipment.

MOT equipment calibration is essential an step in maintaining vehicle safety standards. Regular calibration ensures that measurements are accurate and in compliance with regulations, contributing to road safety and environmental protection. MOT Bay owners should prioritise and invest in calibration to maintain the reliability and integrity of their MOT testing equipment.

With Concept Garage Equipment by your side, as well as supplying and installing your MOT equipment, we can set you up with a regular maintenance plan to ensure everything is kept up to scratch, including all MOT equipment calibrations when required, to keep your garage equipment working for you with the minimal downtime possible.

Call us today on 0113 469 0572 today.

https://concept-ge.co.uk/