Although it is prohibited to circulate with an expired ITV, the AECA-ITV employer association estimates that more than two million vehicles do not have their inspection up to date. In 2022, traffic agents imposed 618,375 fines for this reason, 56% more than in 2015, when 396,666 sanctions were notified, according to data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). Absenteeism in inspection, intensified during the pandemic, is a risk for road safety, warn AECA-ITV.
In addition to complying with the regulations and not putting road safety at risk, those who carry out this procedure when necessary will save the corresponding fine that comes with driving with an expired inspection, which amounts to 200 euros. Doing so with an unfavorable ITV, that is, without having repaired the defects found by the inspectors, also carries a fine of 200 euros. The penalty for driving with a negative MOT is more expensive, since it is considered a very serious infraction and is punishable by a fine of 500 euros.
To ensure the chances of passing the inspection on the first try, which 81.5% of vehicles achieve according to industry sources, AECA-ITV recommends checking a series of elements of the car before attending the exam. In this way it is possible to detect defects that cannot be seen with the naked eye and avoid the cumbersome procedure of having to take the car back to the ITV.
The poor condition of the tires is one of the main causes of rejection in the ITV. Before going to an inspection station, it is advisable to check the tread depth, irregular wear and cuts that the tires may have. It is also advisable to have the appropriate pressure.
Your check should include the entire system of pads, discs or drums, the circuit, the brake fluid level, etc. When checking this level, the wear of the pads must be taken into account, so if the level is low it could indicate a leak in the circuit or that the brakes are worn.
The broadcasts are another of the main reasons for suspense on ITV. When taking the car to the workshop for a preliminary inspection, the mechanic must check that there are no leaks in the exhaust and observe the color of the smoke emitted by the vehicle. Before going to the station, it is recommended to run the car for at least half an hour, to warm up the exhaust system as much as possible and clean it of carbon.
It is checked with the vehicle cold and on a flat surface. The dipstick, without any traces of oil, is inserted and the operation is repeated to check the engine oil level. The mark must always be between the maximum and the minimum. If it is not in this range, it must be corrected as it may mean an engine breakdown (injector 'squirting' or valve segment/seat wear).
In addition to making sure that the tank is completely full of water or cleaning fluid, we must check the condition of the brushes. If they show cracks or loss of elasticity, they must be replaced.
We must check that the battery is securely attached to the frame and that there are no electrolyte leaks. Likewise, it is essential to check the condition of the terminals and connections.
It is just as important to check the operation of all the lights (brake, headlights, turn signals and reverse) as it is to check the alignment of the headlights.
Special attention must be paid to the effects of oxidation or corrosion, breakages and possible defects in the fixings of the elements outside the vehicle. The condition of the glass and mirrors should also be checked, as well as the correct operation of the doors.
Regarding the seat belts, you must check their condition (cuts, wear, etc.) and operation (the buckle anchors correctly, it retracts without problems, etc.), as well as the condition of the seats. Additionally, check that the indicator lights work correctly, reflecting the perfect functioning of the systems.
