September 2019

NEWS MOT connectivity continues to roll out, with more equipment needing to be able to link up to the MOT testing service going forward, the DVSA is reminding garages. From 1 October, anyone buying a roller brake tester will need to make sure it is a model that can connect to the MOT testing service. This includes buying one as a replacement for an old or broken roller brake tester, or as part of the process of opening a new MOT station. DVSA has not made connected roller brake testers mandatory for garages unless they are replacing a piece of equipment. Garages can continue to use non- connectable roller brake testers until they need to be replaced. DVSA has worked with roller brake tester manufacturers to develop software that will allow their products to connect to the MOT testing service. According to the DVSA, connected equipment will save time, reduce the risk of error in entering MOT results and help to reduce the risk of fraud. Chris Price, DVSA Head of MOT Policy commented: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone keep their vehicle safe to drive. We’re bringing in connected equipment to modernise testing in MOT garages and reduce the potential for mistakes. It will make testing quicker, more accurate and give motorists greater confidence in the quality of testing. Garages already using this equipment have seen benefits to their business.” DVSA is working with the GEA to agree the standards for connected equipment and approve models for use in MOT garages. Dave Garratt, Chief Executive of the GEA said: “The main concern for GEA members is to improve the quality of MOT equipment and remove any possibility of human error in the reporting procedure. Connecting MOT test equipment is a very logical step for us as it removes any miss-keying by the operator and speeds up the process. Starting by connecting brake testers makes good sense and since the introduction of Automated Test Lanes (ATLs) most may already be connectable.” Dave added: “Connecting all types of processor-based equipment is possible and as connectivity is applied across the whole test bay it will add increasing value for the motorist by reducing error and benefit the garage by speeding up the test.” DVSA is also working with manufacturers to develop diesel smoke meters, exhaust gas analysers and decelerometers that connect to the MOT testing service. There are plans to make connectable models of these kinds of equipment mandatory for replacement equipment and new garages too.This is part of an ongoing process. From 1 July 2019, DVSA agreed with the GEA that no new models of class 4, 5 and 7 roller brake tester would be approved for use in MOT centres unless they can connect to DVSA’s MOT testing service. From 1 August 2019, DVSA agreed with the GEA that no new models of diesel smoke meter, exhaust gas analysers or decelerometers would be approved for use in MOT centres unless they can connect to DVSA’s MOT testing service. From 1 October, new MOT centres will need a connected roller brake tester to receive approval and all garages will only be able to buy connectable roller brake testers as replacements. DVSA will be introducing the same rules for connectable models of decelerometer, exhaust gas analyser, diesel smoke meter and headlamp aligner. DVSA will confirm the date of rule changes for these kinds of equipment in due course. DVSA is encouraging manufacturers of garage equipment to work with them to make items connectable to the MOT testing service. For more information garages should contact: MOT@dvsa.gov.uk . 4 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2019 www.aftermarketonline.net MOT connectivity keeps on rolling Bosch Car Service has teamed-up with Payment Assist to offer its finance plans through the garage network. Motorists pay for their service or repair via a flexible, monthly payment option, helping them budget for servicing interest and fee free. Through the partnership, garages in the Bosch Car Service network will be able to offer plans to their customers. Neil Jeffery, Managing Director of Payment Assist, said: “We have now delivered over 220,000 service or repair finance plans to our customers, helping with over £120 million of service and repair invoices, using our simple and quick system. It highlights the need to offer an alternative payment option when a customer has a higher than expected invoice.” Ian Daly, Workshop Channel Marketing Manager for Bosch, added: “The implementation of the Service and repair finance product further strengthens our relationship with the Bosch Car Service network, as we continue to work to help the garage network enhance its customer service offering. With over 30% of the network now signed up to the scheme, we feel it shows how our garages understand the needs of their customers.” www.aftermarketonline.net Bosch Car Service offer Payment Assist