AN MOT mechanic has revealed a common mistake that could cause your vehicle to fail its safety test.
Craig, who works at Walsall Wood Tyre & Service in the West Midlands, took to TikTok to share the little-known advice with drivers.
MOT mechanic Craig explained why your car might actually need two emissions testsTikTok/@walsallwood_tyre
In the video, he explained how your car’s emissions hold the key to a successful inspection.
He said: “Here’s one not a lot of people realise, some vehicles actually require two emissions tests for one MOT.
“It’s not very common today but vehicles with V-type engines and a twin exhaust system sometimes have an individual exhaust system on each side of the engine.”
V-type engines, as the name suggests, are laid out with two opposing rows of cylinders in a V-shape.
For example, the beloved V8 engine layout involves two rows of four cylinders opposite one another at varying angles.
Such engines are capable of putting out more power than straight-cylinder engines and also are better balanced as the engine timing means that at least one cylinder is always firing.
They also create a distinctive noise often associated with muscle cars like the Ford Mustang.
Craig explained that these sorts of engines often don’t have a collector system to combine the two emissions streams before they exit through the tailpipe.
This means that each of the two pipes will require separate emissions tests to pass an MOT to make sure both are within legal limits.
He added: “How many people have seen that one?
“Very, very few, but it’s out there.”
Social media commenters were stunned by the revelation.
One wrote: “Interesting, never been pulled up for it to be fair.”
Another added: “Done it a few times but not in the last 20 years.”
It comes after a car salesman revealed which three words should make customers run a mile when buying a motor.
Meanwhile, it was announced that the first “true flying car” would begin testing in 2024.
A breakdown recovery specialist, also based in the West Midlands, warned how another commonplace mistake could save drivers hundreds of pounds while putting them at risk.
And a veteran mechanic revealed a cheap tip double the life of your car as well as identifying a gaffe he says motorists often make when jump-starting their vehicle.
There has also been advice over the dangers of wiping your windscreen instead of demisting – plus which quick checks should be made to keep engines healthy.