Exhaust System

Information 

This inspection applies to all vehicles. 

Method Of Inspection 

1. Examine the condition of the whole exhaust system, including the silencers and mountings, for security, deterioration and completeness. 

2. With the engine running, check the exhaust system for leaks. 

Note: A durable repair to an exhaust system which effectively prevents leaks is acceptable providing the system is structurally sound. 

Note:   A minor exhaust leak from, for example, a connection joint or a pin hole, is not a Reason for Rejection. 

3. Check for the presence of a catalytic converter on spark ignition engined vehicles first used on or after 1 July 2002 with, four or more wheels, a GVW of more than 400kg, not more than 12 passenger seats, and a DGW of not more than 3500kg. On Compression ignition vehicles check for the presence of a catalytic converter where fitted as original equipment. 

4. Check for the presence of a particulate filter on vehicles where fitted as original equipment. 

5. During all parts of the emissions test relevant for the vehicle, assess subjectively the effectiveness of the silencer in reducing exhaust noise. 

Note:  For vehicles not subject to an emissions test, the engine should be revved to around 2500rpm or approximately half maximum engine speed if this is lower. 

Reason For Rejection 

		Reason For Rejection	Deficiency Category
1	A	A part of the system missing or excessively deteriorated,	MAJOR
	B	An exhaust system mounting missing, or defective, but the system is secure.	MINOR
	C	An exhaust system mounting missing, or in such condition that it does not fully support the exhaust system.  Note:    An alternative mounting device is acceptable providing the system is secure and the fixing is not likely to fail prematurely.	MAJOR
	D	A catalytic converter or particulate filter missing where one was fitted as standard.	MAJOR
	E	No exhaust silencer fitted	MAJOR
2	A	A major leak of exhaust gases from any part of the system.	MAJOR
	B	Exhaust fumes entering the vehicle Note:   A minor exhaust leak from, for example, a connection joint or a pin hole, is not a Reason for Rejection.	DANGEROUS
	C	A silencer in such condition, or of such a type, that the noise emitted from the vehicle is clearly unreasonably above the level expected from a similar vehicle with a silencer in average condition.	MAJOR