When we take the car to an MOT station, the inspectors carry out a series of exhaustive tests and inspections to ensure that the vehicle meets the safety and emissions standards in accordance with current legislation. Although most of the time is spent checking aspects related to the car's mechanics, they also pay attention to the cabin to ensure that it meets the safety and comfort requirements for the occupants.
As a general rule, this inspection of the vehicle's interior usually goes unnoticed. In most cases inspectors do not find significant defects in this area. Only 3% of the total serious defects detected in ITV stations correspond to the interior conditioning chapter, according to data from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.
As for the vehicles that have the most defects in this section, buses and coaches occupy first place with 8.3%. They are followed by passenger cars and taxis and ambulances with 3.2% in each case, according to ministerial data analyzed by the Spanish Association of Collaborating Entities of the Administration in the Technical Inspection of Vehicles AECA-ITV.
As we can see ourselves when we go to an MOT station, the inspectors review a series of elements inside the vehicle to check the safety and comfort of the driver and passengers. AECA-ITV reminds that the cabin, beyond the aesthetic point of view, must be comfortable to allow full control of the vehicle from the driving position and provide maximum safety for all occupants in the event of a road accident.
For this reason, the employers' association of the vehicle inspection stations has released a series of photographs in which some of the defects, serious or very serious, related to the interior conditioning of the vehicles can be seen. These are deficiencies that not only affect the aesthetics of the car, but also - and more importantly - safety.
Below we are going to review which are the elements of the interior of cars that are reviewed at the ITV stations.
The belt is the most important element for the passive safety of vehicles because it is the only brake on the body in the event of an impact. It is mandatory in all car seats and its correct use reduces the possibility of death by more than 60%, according to the National Safety Office (ONS). Therefore, it is not only important to wear it during circulation, but also that it is in good condition.
In ITV inspections, each vehicle is checked specifically and in detail, the condition of both the belt itself and its anchors and fixings to the vehicle, explains the AECA-ITV employer association.
These airbags, which remain empty and inflate when a significant impact occurs, are complemented by the seat belt to reduce the energy with which the driver's or occupants' body moves. That is, they have the function of cushioning the body and minimizing possible injuries.
Airbags are single-use items. In the event of a road accident, they jump out and fulfill their function, so once used they must be replaced since there is no possible repair. At the ITV stations, their existence is checked and, furthermore, that no element is seen that could affect their correct operation or any sign that could indicate a failure of these security systems.
The function of the seat is not only to accommodate the body of the driver and other passengers in the vehicle. This element is designed to keep the occupants' body fixed and to absorb and transmit a large part of the impact energy through its anchors in the event of a road accident. In short, it is another passive safety element of the vehicle.
During periodic inspections, it is checked that the seats are in correct condition, including their anchors or fixings to the vehicle.
The dashboard and interior trim of the car often go unnoticed, but they play an important role in both the aesthetics and safety of a vehicle. During the inspections, it is checked that these elements do not have sharp edges or rigid or pointed parts that present danger to their occupants. Likewise, it is checked that they are well secured and that they do not present a risk of detachment.
When an inspection detects any serious or very serious defect that does not comply with safety and legal standards, it is considered an unfavorable or negative inspection. In these cases, it is indicated that the vehicle does not meet the necessary requirements to circulate safely and a detailed report of the problems found is issued.
In such situations, it is mandatory for the vehicle owner to make the necessary repairs and re-inspect the car to ensure it is compliant before it can be legally driven.
You have two months to correct the detected defects. If the result of the inspection is unfavorable, you will only be able to drive the vehicle to go to the workshop and pass the MOT again at an upcoming appointment. On the other hand, if you have received a negative assessment, you must move the vehicle from the ITV station to the workshop using a towing service.
