MOT Test : Windscreen wipers ...

[MIG Wielder]

Do you need to have both normal and high-speed settings of the Dolomite windscreen wipers working for the MOT ? It doesn't seem to be mentioned in the .pdf I have, but on the grounds that " If it is fitted, it has to work " do I need the hi-speed setting please ?
Thanks,
Tony.

[Russetauto]

Hi. Tony I'm an MOT tester of 25 years. Yeah I know groan! Lol nope basically just need to operate on any speed without the need to keep the switch pressed. And hope your mot. Man realises that they don't work that well !

Cheers Dave

[TrustNo1]

I have, but on the grounds that " If it is fitted, it has to work "Tony.

No such rule.

[markas]

basically just need to operate on any speed without the need to keep the switch pressed. And hope your mot. Man realises that they don't work that well !

Cheers Dave

And if he doesn't realise, find yourself a classic friendly tester!

[MIG Wielder]

Hi. Tony I'm an MOT tester of 25 years. Yeah I know groan! Lol nope basically just need to operate on any speed without the need to keep the switch pressed. And hope your mot. Man realises that they don't work that well !

Cheers Dave

Hi Dave, Thanks for that. It was most useful.
Hey, to use the younger generation's phrase ... Respect ! The MOT Inspector is the professional Referee of the Motor Trade where the Referee of the Football field has the last word on goal / no goal .

Tony.

[Carledo]

I have, but on the grounds that " If it is fitted, it has to work "Tony.

No such rule.

You are both right!

There is no universal rule that states this in black and white, BUT, it IS written in to many lesser rules for testable items that have age limits written in, specifically, rear seat belts (before1986), FRONT seat belts (before 1965) rear fog lights (1980) side repeater indicator lights (1984) High level brake lights (1996 IIRC) and quite a few more that my memory hasn't retained!

In all these cases, the items may be fitted to a car that does not NEED to have them to comply with DVSA rules as post production improvements. But if fitted, they BECOME testable items and MUST work!

But the rules on wipers are silent on how many speeds you have. The wipers must clear the screen effectively, be able to be switched on and off without holding the switch and the switch must be clearly labelled (i've had an advisory on this last point, the details of which are irrelevant) There is also no mention of the "self parking" function that most cars have had since the 60s.

Steve