Car welding and MOT welding in Milton Keynes

How the MOT judges rust

The MOT inspection manual calls the parts of the car it checks most closely for rust "prescribed areas". These are the load-bearing parts that things like the brakes, steering and suspension are mounted to, plus "any load-bearing or supporting structure or supporting panelling within 30cm of the mounting location".

The manual's own example is a seat belt mounted on an inner sill: the outer sill, any door pillar and the floor within 30cm of that mounting are all part of the check. In those areas the tester rejects the car if "the corrosion has caused a hole in the metal" or "the area does not feel firm when you press it with your finger and thumb".

So a rusty sill near a seat belt mounting is a fail, even if the car drives perfectly. The fix is a proper welded repair in sound metal.

Source: MOT inspection manual, Appendix A: structural integrity and corrosion. Our guide: MOT corrosion failures and the 30cm rule.

Vans and classics too

We weld vans as well as cars, for trade and private customers, and welding is a big part of our classic car restoration work. If you're not sure whether a repair is worth doing on an older car, send us photos and ask. We'll give you an honest answer.