Controle Technique, the French MOT

  Today, it was time for our Green machine to undergo its first C T, or at any rate, the first since we bought it. One of the best things about the French system, is that it only takes place every TWO years, rather than annually, like the MOT. The other major difference, is that the test is carried out by a separate unit, NOT a repair garage. This does away with the obvious clash of interests between the fairness of the test and a sneaky yen to provide work for the repair side of the garage. I have had my doubts about several English garages...

  In the event , there were not too many unexpected shocks. I had, in fact, asked the examiner to check the rear tyres, as the car had shown a slight vibration and snaking at low speeds. As I had suspected, the tyres were slightly deformed, although not badly worn and will need to be replaced. The other two 'urgent' fails were two or three yellow indicator bulbs which are now white and will need replacing and, a real surprise, the 'stop' lights are not working, all three of them. I suspect a wiring or pressure switch fault. There were also some non-urgent worn items to keep an eye on. Our garage is shut today and tomorrow because of the 15th August bank holiday, so it'll have to wait until Tuesday. Could be worse, then!

    We witnessed a funny occurrence when we arrived at the Testing Station, though. The very competent and affable chap in charge was having a tense argument with the previous client, in for a re-test. His front tyres were unsatisfactory and needed to be changed. He HAD changed them, in fact before re-submitting his car, but only by exchanging them with the tyres on the rear wheels! Unfortunately for him, the tester had noted this subterfuge , and failed the car once more on the rear tyres.... The client was furious, saying he didn't have the right to re-test items which were already passed! What a brass neck, to wax indignant when one's little trick was found out! No shame, some people...

   Bye for now, nearly animal feed time in the Ark.