Steverally

Major changes to the MOT test on 20th of May 2018 Some of you may have already heard that there are big changes coming to the MOT test this May. Here are just a... few of the biggest changes that are most likely to affect you. Please take these with a pinch of salt as nothing will be finalised until the end of April and will probably still be subject to change after that date. Remember it will take your MOT tester time to get up to speed with these too! So... Those of you who have changed your standard headlight bulbs for HID's will now get a major fail even if the aim is correct. It has always been an offence to fit HID bulbs to halogen headlamps so the MOT is now in line with that. Reverse lights are now part of the MOT for any car registered from 1st September 2009 (59 plate onwards). Daytime running lamps (DRL's) & front fog lamps must work on vehicles registered from March 2018 (18 plate onwards). Engine Management Light is now a major fail. It must come on with the ignition and then turn off when the engine is started. Brake pad warning lights are a major fail Handbrake with excessive travel is now a major fail. Before it would only a fail if there was no reserve travel. Contaminated (dirty) brake fluid is a major fail. Not sure how that will work as the MOT tester isn't allowed to remove the fluid cap. Oil leaks (engine, gearbox etc.) can be a major failure if they are deemed large enough. It seems they have removed the failure for tyres not being fitted according to sidewall instructions. Inner/outer or rotation incorrect. Any modifications/removal to emissions related devices, this includes DPF'S and EGR's is now a major fail. Where a DPF canister has clearly been cut open and re-welded, it will now fail. A vehicle fitted with a DPF that emits any kind of visible smoke during the metered test will now fail Emissions limits for diesels registered on or after 1st of January 2014 have been reduced. All diesels will now need to pass the limit that was set by the manufacturer when the car was new. This can be found on the VIN plate. For example the current limit for your diesel car may be 1.50. That could change to as low as 0.30 with the new rules. These are just some of the bigger changes to the MOT test the average motorist is likely to be affected by. There are dozens, perhaps even over 100 changes to the actual MOT test and to the way testers record tests on the MOT computer. Please remember these are all subject to change in the coming months and remember spare a thought for your MOT tester before you say... "Well it passed like that last year!" Source - https://www.gov.uk/…/mot-special-notice-01-18-inspection-ma…

I think I remember on the IS300h forum this being mentioned. Think the solution is to do with the maximum size (GB) of the USB device.

I think you're wrong with that reflector, it appears to be an illuminated one requiring wiring to it and I read the description as it being 'black' when not illuminated. But maybe I've got it wrong?

When I had a CT200 in 2013, I tried topping up a tyre pressure with pump but it let out more air than put in, so like you mention I went down route of getting 'space saver' and bought a little tyre compressor from Aldi, which I use regularly.

No, the lights on all the time unless its disabled

Think if you look in handbook that this is normal for light to be on, its a warning in case you need to put a child seat on the passenger seat. The air bag can be disabled, think this is done by opening passenger door and operating the switch on the side of the dashboard with the car key.

Leeds Lexus are selling an IS300h 2.5 SE premium navigation with 16.7K on clock for £18990. So I'd guess you'd be offered around £15 - 16K

John, I agree with Colin, but I've heard more often that tyre fitters argue that once 'gunk' has been used in tyres they want to sell new rather than repair. Regards my middle paragraph - if I have a puncture I'd use the space saver I purchased separately. If it was pouring with rain and the tyre had 2mm or less tread left I'd use my holts gunk knowing that I'll be buying a new tyre. (by the way got a puncture last week, about 5mm tread left, luckily spotted and got to repairers before having to resort to either of above - tyre was repaired - cost £15)

I have used winter tyres for last three years. Definitely worth it here near Pontefract in West Yorkshire. As ganzoom says it unbelievable what traction they provide, I've passed other vehicles who have stopped on some of the hills here. It is not cold enough for them yet, as someone else has said, it must be below 7C to get best results, when time comes they'll be on through to end of march

John, (rhosneigr). In my previous post I was indicating holts do a similar product to lexus for a very reduced cost £10 v £160+. I would only consider using the holts product in preference to the Lexus one if it was a get me home situation AND the tyre was down to about 2mm of tread, thus knowing a new tyre was going to be purchased. I certainly would not use it if I was going to call, AA/RAC as they can effect a temporary repair with a plug device. Steve

Stompe. I hate the bottles of gunk for no doubt the same reasons you do. Having just had a puncture two days ago in my IS, I was fortunate to get to the tyre dealer with plenty of air still in the tyre and he was then able to repair the tyre, a £15 fix. But I had already purchased a space saver and a Holts tyre weld can. I will never use the Lexus gunk, its too expensive to replace and will use the Holts can only when I deem that the tyre treads are nearing minimum, such that a new tyre is inevitable. Holts cans retail at Halfords for around £10.

Mark, My partner had the AA out to repair a puncture and they used a similar kit, but think the rubber core they used looked more substantial. They did stress it was a temporary repair and the tyre should be repaired properly asap. I would not like to think I'd risk driving at 70 with that sort of DIY repair, but then that's my personal view.

I hate tyre repair kits! Not that I've had course to use one.. that's tempting fate! I've heard so many stories about them, they're good for a quick repair to an ordinary puncture in middle of the tread, but what happens when you damage the outer part of the tyre or get a cut in the tyre wall - useless! Also rumour has it here in the UK a lot of repair firms are loath to clean out the tyre before making the repair so force you into a new tyre - fine if the tread is well worn but then you effectively have double the cost. Also the TRK's have a shelf life so if you're intending to keep the car for a while you may have the extra cost even if you haven't used the kit. I've gone down the route of purchasing a space saver on my last two cars, just for the 'peace of mind'. The down side being that many vehicles don't have a wheel well for storage so boot space is lost. Yes it would be good to hear other members thoughts and experiences on this.

Just noticed my 'Fuelly' badge show my old CT... can't seem to change until I do first fill up..just upto 500miles and still a 1/4 full.