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MOT Changes 2018

MOT Changes 2018

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As of 20th May 2018, the MOT test has undergone some of the most significant changes of its near 60-year history. Some of the changes include new defect categories, stricter rules for Diesel car emissions and some cars over 40-year-old will be exempt from the MOT test. The main changes which you need to know about are explained below.

Defects Categorised Differently

Defects found during an MOT test are categorised as Dangerous, Major or Minor and will depend on the issue found and how serious it is. MOT testers will still give advice on items that you need to monitor. Below shows how each category will affect your MOT results:
• Dangerous – fail - do not drive the vehicle until it has been repaired
• Major – fail – repair it immediately
• Minor – pass -repair as soon as possible
• Advisory – pass – monitor and repair if necessary
• Pass – pass – ensure it continues to meet the standard

Tighter Rules For Diesel Car Emissions

For diesel cars with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), there are now stricter rules for the emissions. Your vehicle will get a major fault if the MOT tester:
• Can see smoke (of any colour) coming from the exhaust
• Finds evidence that the DPF has been tampered with.

You should check your vehicle’s handbook if you are unsure if your car has a DPF.

New Things Included On The MOT

MOT testers will now be tasked with inspecting new items that they previously did not have to; these include:
• Obviously underflated tyres
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Fluid leaks posing as environmental risk
• Brake pad warning lights/missing brake pads/discs
• Reversing lights on cars first used from 1st September 2009
• Headlight washers (if applicable) on vehicles first used from 1st September 2009
• Daytime running lights on vehicles first used from 1st March 2018 (most vehicles first MOT will be in 2021 for this check).

MOT Certificate Will Change

The current MOT Certificate seen below on the left, will change to the new style (on the right). The new certificate will list any defects under the new categories, so they are clear and simple to understand.

Some Vehicles Over 40 Years Old Won’t Need An MOT

Until now, only vehicles which were first built before 1960 were exempt from needing an MOT. Cars, Vans, Motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles wont need an MOT if they’re over 40 years old and have not substantially changed. You can check the date your vehicle was registered by clicking here.

You don’t need to apply to stop getting an MOT for your vehicle. However, each time you tax your historic vehicle (even if you don’t pay a fee), you will need to declare it meets the rules for not needing an MOT.

Other Information

• The maximum fee which MOT Centres can charge won’t change
• You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. You can sign up for a free MOT reminder by text message or email a month before your MOT is due.
• In January 2018, the Government decided to keep the age a vehicle needs its first MOT at 3 years, rather than extending it to 4 years.

Want to find out more about the MOT changes? Contact our Centres today, our team of friendly experts are more than happy to answer questions you may have. You can also book your car in for its MOT test by clicking here today!

Richard Hardie Durham Supporting Local Hospice

Richard Hardie Durham Supporting Local Hospice

Posted on: 19th Jan 2018

Both the Sales and Service team at Richard Hardie Durham have helped to support St Cuthbert’s Hospice, a local charity offering care services to people with life limiting conditions.

Driving Test Changes In December 2017

Driving Test Changes In December 2017

Posted on: 4th Dec 2017

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have confirmed that from today (Monday 4th December), changes to the driving test are now in effect.

Winter Driving Questions Unveiled: Part 1

Winter Driving Questions Unveiled: Part 1

Posted on: 15th Nov 2017

With the cold winter days fast approaching and the dark nights now here, driving can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re driving to work, the shops or travelling to a relative’s home for Christmas ensuring your car is in full working condition is essential. Sometimes though, we forget some of the rules of the road during the colder months; rea...

The All-New Peugeot 5008 SUV Coming Soon To Richard Hardie

The All-New Peugeot 5008 SUV Coming Soon To Richard Hardie

Posted on: 26th Oct 2017

Arriving to Richard Hardie Peugeot Centres in January 2018, the All-New Peugeot 5008 SUV is set to make heads turn with its sharp robust design. If you can’t wait till January, Richard Hardie Ashington and Durham are holding exclusive preview events in November. See the bottom of this article to book your appointment!

Richard Hardie Raise £254 on Macmillan Coffee Morning

Richard Hardie Raise £254 on Macmillan Coffee Morning

Posted on: 3rd Oct 2017

On Friday 29th September 2017 our Richard Hardie Group participated in the world's biggest coffee morning. We baked, bought and ate cake to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. We had a great day eating cake and playing various fundraising games and in all we raised £253.64 between our five Centres in Ashington, Durham, Newcastle, Silverlink a...

Richard Hardie Staff Race To The Finish Line At The Great North Run 2017

Richard Hardie Staff Race To The Finish Line At The Great North Run 2017

Posted on: 14th Sep 2017

Last weekend (Sunday 10th September) some of our fitness fanatic staff completed the Great North Run, which is the largest half marathon in the UK with over 57,000 runners participating each year! Do you want to find out how our team got on? Read their inspiring stories below…

A Guide To Child Seat Laws

A Guide To Child Seat Laws

Posted on: 29th Aug 2017

Check out our handy guide on the new child seat laws and everything you need to know about choosing the correct seat for your child.

Updated Peugeot 308 Coming To Richard Hardie Centres

Updated Peugeot 308 Coming To Richard Hardie Centres

Posted on: 11th Aug 2017

The Peugeot 308 is a popular family hatchback, perfect for those looking for a practical yet stylish vehicle for everyday adventures! It won the European Car Of the Year back in 2014 and we can see why! Take a look at the changes for the updated model.

Jeep Now Available At Richard Hardie Sunderland

Jeep Now Available At Richard Hardie Sunderland

Posted on: 28th Feb 2017

We have exciting news! The Jeep range now located at our Sunderland Centre, as well as in Newcastle. There is a great range of new Jeep models available in our showroom, including the all-new Jeep Renegade Night Eagle II and Jeep Renegade Desert Hawk. So wherever your adventurous side takes you, we’re sure we have the Jeep for you! Here is a bit mo...

All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV- A Big Hit Among Drivers

All-New Peugeot 3008 SUV- A Big Hit Among Drivers

Posted on: 24th Feb 2017

It’s safe to say that the new Peugeot 3008 SUV is already a huge hit with motorists all across the UK. Having only been on the roads a short time it has already scooped up a number of awards. We take you through the titles the new Peugeot 3008 SUV has won and why we think you should buy one!

Valentine’s Day Road Trip Ideas

Valentine’s Day Road Trip Ideas

Posted on: 13th Feb 2017

Looking for something extra special to do this Valentine’s Day? How about a road trip? The UK has some wonderful places, especially around the North East. Here we share with you those places and how to make your Valentine’s Day that little more special.

Five Reasons to Buy the Fiat 500

Five Reasons to Buy the Fiat 500

Posted on: 31st Jan 2017

The Fiat 500 is a recognisable car across Britain’s roads. Its unique shape and style make it stand out from the crowd. We love it, and here we’ve listed our top five reasons why you should buy a new Fiat 500.

Richard Hardie Raise over £378 for Save the Children

Richard Hardie Raise over £378 for Save the Children

Posted on: 30th Dec 2016

On Friday 16th December 2016 our Richard Hardie Centres in Ashington, Durham, Newcastle, Silverlink and Sunderland, flaunted their Christmas Jumpers to raise money for Save the Children. We had a great day playing various fundraising games and in all we raised £379.72 between our five Centres in the North East!

Winter Driving Tips

Winter Driving Tips

Posted on: 22nd Dec 2016

Here are our top winter driving tips to get you and your car through the next few months.

Taking Your Car Abroad

Taking Your Car Abroad

Posted on: 23rd Aug 2016

Our top tips on how to prepare for your European driving holiday.

Richard Hardie Durham to Complete Demanding Two Day Coast 2 Coast Challenge

Richard Hardie Durham to Complete Demanding Two Day Coast 2 Coast Challenge

Posted on: 15th Aug 2016

Some of the team at our Durham branch are embarking on a gruelling two day challenge later this month to support and raise money for excellent charities close to their hearts. The team are doing the Coast 2 Coast starting at Whitehaven on the 26th August and finishing the challenge at Sunderland on the 28th August 2016.

Abarth and Fiat Anniversary

Abarth and Fiat Anniversary

Posted on: 29th Jul 2016

The end of this month will see the 44th anniversary since Fiat and Abarth merged.

Chris Moody Celebrates 25 Years at Richard Hardie

Chris Moody Celebrates 25 Years at Richard Hardie

Posted on: 1st Jul 2016

Chris Moody celebrates 25 Years with the company on 1st July 2016. Chris originally started as an YTS apprentice for 2 years at the Chester le Street branch and then became employed on the 1st July 1991. Since then Chris has had many promotions from then and became Group Parts Manager in 2001.

Is Your Car Ready For Summer?

Is Your Car Ready For Summer?

Posted on: 27th Apr 2016

Our cars take a bit of a beating over the cooler months. Follow our tips to ensure your car is ready for long summer drives!

Peugeot Create the Ultimate Mobile Office

Peugeot Create the Ultimate Mobile Office

Posted on: 24th Mar 2016

Peugeot have been showcasing a number of concepts this month at the Geneva Motor Show. One of the vehicles that caught our eye, was the Peugeot Traveller i-Lab. Peugeot have understood the need to be connected to everything, all of the time, and have designed this new concept vehicle around the business customer.

2017 Car Tax Regulations explained

2017 Car Tax Regulations explained

Posted on: 29th Feb 2016

In just over twelve months’ time the governments reformed Vehicle Excise Duty (Car tax to you and me) plans will come into place. These price increases may have an effect on when you want to buy your next vehicle. With 2016 plates nigh, it might be time for you to cash in and buy or lease a new car instead of putting it off until 2017 and being le...

Peugeot 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show

Peugeot 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show

Posted on: 26th Feb 2016

The French manufacturer are set to debut the revised crossover in Switzerland next month with some aesthetic tweaks and a new GT Line trim.

Top Tips For Your Practical Driving Test

Top Tips For Your Practical Driving Test

Posted on: 1st Feb 2016

Picture this – you’ve been learning to drive for a few months now, you’ve passed your theory test with flying colours and now you feel confident enough to take your practical driving test. However, now that the day has arrived and you’re sitting in the drivers seat, the whole experience becomes a little daunting and nerve-racking.

New Fiat 124 Spider Unveiled!

Posted on: 20th Nov 2015

It’s back! A new Fiat 124 Spider was just unveiled at the 2015 LA Auto Show and it looks fantastic.

New Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

Posted on: 5th Nov 2015

Recently a new special edition of the Abarth 595 has been launched to celebrate the brand becoming the official sponsorship and car supplier of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.

Peugeot’s 493bhp 308 R HYbrid

Peugeot’s 493bhp 308 R HYbrid

Posted on: 27th Oct 2015

Peugeot gave us the chance to see the new 308 R HYbrid at the Shangai & Frankfurt Motor Shows and confirmed that the car will most certainly enter production.

Fiat 500 Icon Reloaded Movie Wallpaper

Posted on: 13th Oct 2015

The Icon Reloaded launch brought with it a series of iconic movie features that Richard Hardie developed into poster and wallpaper for your desktop, tablet, laptop or smartphone or even your website.

The Oddballs Fiat 500 by Richard Hardie

Posted on: 25th Sep 2015

This week a brand new Fiat 500 Lounge was handed over to The Oddballs Foundation to help raise awareness of the charity and its great cause. Enter our competition to have the chance to win some prizes!

Peugeot Facelifts The 208

Posted on: 22nd Sep 2015

Peugeot has found new ways to personalise the 208 with a brand new facelift!

Peugeot Re-Energize The 208

Peugeot Re-Energize The 208

Posted on: 22nd Sep 2015

Peugeot's popular 208 has been re-energised and it now sports a new 'macho' style, with an optional textured paint and new two tone headlights...

Peugeot awarded Fleet World honours

Peugeot awarded Fleet World honours

Posted on: 21st Sep 2015

Peugeot is certainly on a roll. Having recently won the much coveted 2014 European Car of the Year title in March, the New 308 has now been awarded the key accolade at the 2014 Fleet World Honours of ‘Best New Car’, which recognises the appeal of cars in the important Fleet and Business Market.

It

It's Here - The New Peugeot 108

Posted on: 21st Sep 2015

Peugeot’s stylish new compact city car is in our showrooms! Introducing the New 108 and 108 TOP! Cabrio. Chic, full of character and with a multitude of options, the hardest part is choosing!

Peugeot 308 stars in the new film ‘Lucy’

Peugeot 308 stars in the new film ‘Lucy’

Posted on: 21st Sep 2015

Starring in its first big screen role, the New Peugeot 308, Car of the Year 2014 appears alongside leading actors Scarlett Johansson and Morgan Freeman in ‘Lucy’, Luc Besson's latest film, which has just opened in UK cinemas.

The Electrifying Peugeot Fractal Concept Car

The Electrifying Peugeot Fractal Concept Car

Posted on: 14th Sep 2015

The Fractal may look like something out of Sci-fi but this concept will be showcasing Peugeot’s plans to develop new electrical vehicles in the near future.

Success At Home for Team Peugeot Hansen

Success At Home for Team Peugeot Hansen

Posted on: 10th Sep 2015

Team Peugeot Hansen brought home a dominating victory in France’s stage of the 2015 FIA World Rallycross Championship at Lohéac.

Peugeot 308: The Perfect Fleet Vehicle

Posted on: 2nd Sep 2015

On the hunt for an ideal fleet vehicle? If so, then look no further than the Peugeot 308, the ultimate fleet car which ticks all the boxes…

Infographic: 30 years of Peugeot GTI

Posted on: 6th Aug 2015

To celebrate Peugeot’s 30th Anniversary of the GTi badge we have created an infographic to highlight the iconic events throughout its history. Take a look!

8 Damaging Habits To Avoid When Driving

Posted on: 21st Jul 2015

If your guilty of being lazy when driving then its time to stop! Here are some tips to on how to nip those bad drivings habits in the bud...

Fiat 500 Abarth: What

Fiat 500 Abarth: What's It Like To Drive?

Posted on: 30th Jun 2015

You’ll have read reviews of the Fiat 500 Abarth before, of course. But anyone considering buying the performance supermini might like to know what it’s like to actually drive one.

Peugeot Launches New Partner Tepee

Peugeot Launches New Partner Tepee

Posted on: 26th Jun 2015

Anyone searching for a practical and economical MPV might want to take a look at the new Peugeot Partner Tepee.

Peugeot 308 GTi Offers A Wild Ride

Posted on: 22nd Jun 2015

Get yourself down to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and prepare to be blown away by Peugeot’s new 270bhp 308 GTi.

Peugeot 408 GT Has VW Quaking

Posted on: 16th Jun 2015

German car website Auto Bild is stating that production of a new Peugeot 408 GT will begin in Europe next year.

Fiat-Chrysler Agrees Football League Deal

Posted on: 11th Jun 2015

The Football League play-off finals last month marked the start of a new official car partnership between Fiat-Chrysler and the Football League.

Fiat Aegea Debuts At Istanbul Motor Show

Posted on: 10th Jun 2015

The Italian Fiat Aegea debuted at last months Istanbul Motor Show, where it sported an elegant bold design with strong sculpted lines...

The 308 Head 2 Head Challenge

Posted on: 12th May 2015

There’s no surprise why the Peugeot 308 is an award winning car and to prove it, we’re putting it to the test...

Peugeot 208 Achieves 141mpg

Posted on: 11th May 2015

Got some long journeys planned? You could do worse than jump into a Peugeot 208 diesel.

The History of the Abarth 500

Posted on: 24th Apr 2015

Today the Abarth brand is synonymous with impressive motoring engineering and design excellence.

The PEUGEOT 2008 DKR testing in France

The PEUGEOT 2008 DKR testing in France

Posted on: 24th Sep 2014

As the countdown to the 2015 Dakar Rally begins to accelerate, the Peugeot-Total squad is continuing to develop the fearsome PEUGEOT 2008 DKR.

Meet The Manufacturer Event

Meet The Manufacturer Event

Posted on: 24th Sep 2014

We had a great response to our VIP Meet The Manufacturer Event on Wednesday and Thursday, the showroom looked great and we had a lot of happy customers by the end of the day!

Peugeot Quartz Concept: An SUV for the future

Peugeot Quartz Concept: An SUV for the future

Posted on: 23rd Sep 2014

The Peugeot QUARTZ Concept - a new vision for the Crossover unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. This next generation SUV blends dazzling design with innovative materials and a powerful HYbrid drivetrain to create the ultimate premium family car experience.

Fiat 500X - a little more revealed

Fiat 500X - a little more revealed

Posted on: 23rd Sep 2014

Due to be unveiled at October's Paris Motor Show, the Fiat 500X crossover, is strictly under wraps but you can see a sneak preview of this latest member of the Fiat 500 family.

Peugeot introduce more efficient engines

Peugeot introduce more efficient engines

Posted on: 23rd Sep 2014

Peugeot is rising to the challenge of defining ever-greener motoring by unveiling new Euro 6-compliant versions of its most popular models.

The 208 HYbrid Air 2L Demonstrator

The 208 HYbrid Air 2L Demonstrator

Posted on: 16th Sep 2014

Continuing its commitment to lowering fuel consumption and emissions, Peugeot is showcasing its 208 HYbrid Air 2L Demonstrator at October's Paris Motor Show. The 2L stands for two litres per 100km, equivalent to 141mpg, and is based on a production version of the Peugeot 208 1.2-litre PureTech 82hp 5-seater Hatchback.

The New Fiat 500X

The New Fiat 500X

Posted on: 16th Sep 2014

Currently under wraps but due to be unveiled at October's Paris Motor Show, see a sneak preview of the Fiat 500X crossover, latest member of the Fiat 500 family.

Peugeot Backs British Rally Star

Peugeot Backs British Rally Star's Dream

Posted on: 2nd Sep 2014

To step into any brand new car for the first time is always slightly daunting: when it’s a full-blown Peugeot rally car and you’re driving on rally stages you’ve never seen before, it’s triply so. But last weekend Peugeot UK’s 20-year old rising star Chris Ingram rose manfully to the challenge at Barum Czech Rally Zlín in the Czech Republic, the ei...

The New Fiat Panda Cross - A Car Like No Other

The New Fiat Panda Cross - A Car Like No Other

Posted on: 1st Sep 2014

Being able to offer something truly unique in the increasingly competitive SUV segment is no small achievement but in the FIAT Panda Cross that's exactly what you get - a car like no other! The new FIAT Panda Cross combines the genuine capabilities of a proper off-road vehicle with the efficiency and practicality of a versatile city car.

Brand new look for Sunderland

Brand new look for Sunderland

Posted on: 12th Aug 2014

Our dealership in Sunderland has completed an impressive external makeover, revealing a remarkable new look at its showroom on Trafford Road.

Rare Peugeots gather in the UK

Rare Peugeots gather in the UK

Posted on: 22nd Jul 2014

One of the rarest collections of Peugeots ever assembled in the UK proved that ‘Motion and Emotion’ doesn’t just apply to the latest models.

The most radical GTi from Peugeot Sport

The most radical GTi from Peugeot Sport

Posted on: 1st Jul 2014

Peugeot has unveiled the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. As Peugeot celebrates 30 years since the iconic 205 GTi, it is now the turn for the 208 GTi to benefit from the expertise and racing pedigree of the engineers at Peugeot Sport.

Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary at Goodwood

Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary at Goodwood

Posted on: 18th Jun 2014

Peugeot is celebrating 30 years of the GTi in 2014 and at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (27th–29th June) in the Supercar & First Glimpse class, a specially-enhanced 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Limited Edition makes its world debut on display with dynamic demonstrations.

FIAT 500 range revised for 2014

FIAT 500 range revised for 2014

Posted on: 27th May 2014

The latest updates, including the new range-topping FIAT 500 Cult model, a new TwinAir 105hp engine and new colours, upholsteries and wheels go on sale in the UK.

Big star, small car! Clint Eastwood in his FIAT500

Big star, small car! Clint Eastwood in his FIAT500

Posted on: 26th May 2014

He can afford any car on this earth but forget a Lamborghini, the only Italian motor Clint Eastwood wants is a Fiat. The 83-year-old mega star arrived on set in Venice, California, in the Fiat 500 Hatchback.

RCZ takes DieselCar magazine

RCZ takes DieselCar magazine 'Sports Car' crown

Posted on: 21st May 2014

The Peugeot RCZ, uniquely distinguished by its double-bubble roofline, has been awarded the DieselCar magazine Sports Car of the Year Award 2014 – a title it has won for the past five years.

The New Peugeot 108 is now available to order

The New Peugeot 108 is now available to order

Posted on: 6th May 2014

Peugeot’s stylish new compact city car is here! Introducing the New 108 and 108 TOP! Cabrio 3-door. Chic, full of character and with a multitude of options, the hardest part is choosing!

The Peugeot 208 T16 Claims Maiden Rally Victory

The Peugeot 208 T16 Claims Maiden Rally Victory

Posted on: 28th Apr 2014

The keenly-awaited international debut of the new 208 T16 was rewarded with the first victory of its career! The Peugeot Rally Academy’s Craig Breen took the win ...

New Beats Edition of the Popular FIAT 500L

New Beats Edition of the Popular FIAT 500L

Posted on: 28th Apr 2014

New Beats Edition™ of the Popular FIAT 500L The FIAT 500L range goes from strength to strength in 2014 with the announcement of a new special edition - the FIAT 500L Beats EditionTM.

Fiat unveils Panda 4x4 Antarctica edition

Fiat unveils Panda 4x4 Antarctica edition

Posted on: 28th Apr 2014

Fiat is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fiat Panda by releasing a special edition 4x4 Antarctica. The car is denoted by its white paintjob and black roof, along with 15-inch diamond-finish alloy wheels, special badges and orange detailing.

Abarth 595 Special Edition

Abarth 595 Special Edition

Posted on: 28th Apr 2014

Fiat have launched a special edition Abarth 595 to celebrate the car’s 50th anniversary. The original Abarth was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in 1963, which propelled the original Fiat 500 into hot hatch territory.