Be your own MOT inspector.

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Purchasing classics there

An APK judge is not small

So we don't joke about that. But even without a multi-gas meter and brake test bench, you can go a long way as a classic enthusiast. With common sense. You can properly check your own car with limited resources. In the process, you get to know your own car and keep it safe for traffic.

It starts with a round of the car

With our cars, changing lights is no problem. Make sure that the usually small screws do not get lost (magnetic bowl) and grease them before mounting light. Note for a moment: if two reversing lights are mounted, then both must do it. Or don't. That's good too.

A golden tip in difficult times:

at the 'Lot' rest lot shop, lamp sets cost just under two euros. On the other hand: the light image of those cheap lamps is often to whine. The ceiling light does not have to work on the inside.

But the dashboard lighting must work. More control work from the driver's seat: the windshield wipers and windscreen washers also have to do it. The wiper blades on the other side of the window must be good, streak-free and not squeaky and tilt over the window.

The interior mirror and the exterior mirror (s) must be good. The mechanism of any seat belts must work, the attachment of the seats to the carriage must be firm.

As for that windshield

A seed or asterisk does not have to be a reason for rejection. But with regard to the 'visible part' for the driver, the rules are strict. The windshield defroster must work. The horn should also sound loud and clear. Problems in that corner are often due to a bad ground connection.

Under the hood

Under the hood, an MOT inspector first checks whether the battery is properly secured. The level of the brake fluid must also be good and a critical judge will certainly make a consideration when he sees that the brake fluid is the color of coffee wrong.

The 'brake hoses' and fuel lines must be in good condition. Flexible, rubber or plastic fuel lines must not be dried or cracked. Replace older flexible pipes immediately but preventively. Do not start work on the braking system without prior knowledge! Today's petrol contains so much acetone that older hoses are eaten or dissolved by it. An engine fire can be the result.

The clips around it must also be tight. That brings us aside to say that it is not unwise to have a fire extinguisher on board a classic. Also check whether the chassis number is still legible, but that should not cause any problems after previous MOTs.

To the DIY garage

To be able to view the car at the bottom, it is handy to visit a friendly garage mechanic. Of course the car can be jacked up to carry out the action in its own barn. But always support him on support! Never work under a car that is only jacked up!

The real AKP judge first looks at the exhaust

It must be securely suspended and gas-tight. Tie wraps and iron wire are not recognized as official confirmation material. Also check the underside for excessive oil leakage. Judges also always look for brake lines under the car (they must not be corroded and also an extra thick layer of Tectyl can lead to comments). Steering wheel covers and other rubber bellows material must also be tear-free.

Broken wheel bearings

With the wheels off the ground we can check the wheel bearings. A rustling, grinding noise indicates defective bearings and - in the past - an APK rejection. A slight dragging noise from the brake shoes and / or brake pads will not hurt. Check the cheeks of the damage for damage and cracks. Remember that tires of more than ten years are not tolerated in any other European country. Rightly so.

In an earlier story we told everything about the mysterious coding on the band flanks. The handbrake, whether it works on the front or rear wheels, must do its work exemplary. If the handbrake is applied, the wheels must be firmly secured.

Back to the rotating wheels. Also look at the profile across the full width while turning. Bearing clearance is checked by grasping the wheel at the top and bottom and then 'tilting' it. Perceptible play and a metallic 'sound' indicate deceased bearings. On the front-wheel side, the fusion play can be checked by lifting the case with a long tire lever or a crowbar. Noticeable clearance is not good.

The problem can often be solved with the grease gun. Play on the steering balls becomes clear by not grabbing and prying the front wheels at the top and bottom, but by doing the same with the hands at nine and three o'clock. So in the horizontal plane.

Great thinkers remove the play by means of a targeted blow with a sledgehammer. Replacement is usually not a problem. The wheels must then be aligned again.

Finally: always have a purchase inspection carried out before purchasing an MOT-free classic

 

Being able to get on a bridge helps

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2 comments

  1. There are a few points that are incorrect:

    Non-working dashboard lighting is not a disapproval. This is not even checked at apk.

    Squeaky and streaking wiper blades is no disapproval as long as they get the water from the windshield.

    A windscreen washer installation is not a mandatory item with every classic car. Only after the date of part 1 30 September 1971

    Fuel and brake hoses should show cracks unless they are so deep that the reinforcement is visible.

  2. As an old MOT judge, I can only agree with the story.
    Extra tip, rust.
    Make sure that holes are closed with welded-on or crammed (every 2 cm minimum) plates.
    And you can't weld everything.
    Suspension has been replaced.

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