Do you know what is under your engine/underbody covers?

[AMGeed]

Not specifically engine covers, more so the ones alongside each sill that can hide a multitude of problems if you were to take the covers off. But who bothers?

Last week I found I had a leak of brake fluid, noticeable under the front passenger door. Got it booked into my local workshop as he makes up his own brake pipes. I dropped it off this morning and got a call around 1pm to tell me that not only was there one brake pipe leaking, but on removing the covers, five other lines were in shocking condition and need replacing. Literally, the lines were almost rusted through. This will involve dropping the rear subframe and add a couple of days to completing the job.

It does prompt the question, isn't it time that removing these covers to properly inspect the condition of the brake pipes should be made part of the MOT test?
My tester always remarks as an advisory that engine covers are fitted, but what is the point of an MOT if possibly the most important item safety wise isn't properly looked at. I bought the car last Sept with a week old new MOT and the one advisory, a track rod end, replaced. No mention of corroding brake lines as they hadn't been inspected thoroughly.
I'm going to make a point of paying my MOT tester extra to remove the covers and check the brake lines every MOT in future purchases. It could mean the difference between peace of mind or brakes possibly failing with the family onboard.

 

[EmilysDad]

I'd expect you'd have to book your car in separately from the MOT .... there's only so much time for a MOT test

 

[AMGeed]

I'd expect you'd have to book your car in separately from the MOT .... there's only so much time for a MOT test

If that's what it takes. Safety first.

 

[gliggsy]

You have a valid point but Imo annually is a bit over zealous, maybe think every 4 years!

 

[ajlsl600]

I keep it simple by inspecting my own pre mot
Saftey solution very simple. Have makers fit pipes that don't corrode at build time will add tuppence to cost. Safety issue fixed, no?
All my a class and clk pipes were that copper stuff, no lift for time being so no action taken on ml and too busy with dtf at moment.!

 

[EmilysDad]

I've a couple of advisories on the brake pipes for my Roadster ..... I've got the stuff to do it .... just need to enthusiasm & weather to coincide

 

[brandwooddixon]

I usually get my car serviced before an MOT and mention that to the garage. That way they check these items and I can get them replaced before the MOT.
I learned a long time ago that an MOT isn't really an indication of roadworthiness or car safety. Any car that I buy gets a full service from my favourite indie pretty soon after purchase.

I gather that an MOT tester is forbidden from removing panels to check items hidden behind, with more and more things being hidden to keep things looking tidy I expect this to be more of a problem as time passes.

 

[SL63 Mark]

I gather that an MOT tester is forbidden from removing panels to check items hidden behind, with more and more things being hidden to keep things looking tidy I expect this to be more of a problem as time passes.

This is true, and has always been the case. They can't remove panels dundertrays ue to

a) time required
b) possibly damaging the panel/fasteners
c) Where do you stop ? To inspect everything you might need to take the engine out (e.g. McLaren)

 

[AMGeed]

Inspected the underside of the S204 without the undertray. The brake lines are in very poor condition with many showing signs of corrosion in places. Having almost every one replaced.
I'm thinking £££'s
When the mechanic drove the car into the workshop, the brakes actually failed and he had to use the handbrake(footbrake) to stop going through the back of the garage. He reckoned I was extremely lucky it hadn't happened whilst I was driving.
Should be finished tomorrow evening.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Its quite common for us to find really rotten pipes etc under covers. Not mentioned by the MOT as they cannot see them, but for common ones, we make a point to look (211's rot and leak their brake lines under the rear covers, rarely mentioned on MOT)