Why washing your car before the ITV test could actually cause it to fail

A thorough car wash before the ITV test in Spain might not be as helpful as one might think. According to Spanish newspaper El Debate, pressure from a hose or roller machine can cause water to collect in the engine bay and mix with dirt and oil, potentially creating the appearance of a leak. Inspectors do not have the time to analyze fluids and may assume the worst, leading to a minor defect.

However, it takes active dripping to be considered a serious issue. A minor defect requires repair within two months and does not result in a rejection. A serious defect will cause a rejection. Minor defects in the same area can be treated together as a more serious problem. While a wash may not necessarily fail a test, it may not be beneficial either.

Luis Ramnought, a local news writer, suggests that driving the car until the engine is warm and braking firmly a few times can help clean the discs and pads. It is important to be tidy and tolerably clean, as an extremely dirty car or a cluttered boot could lead to refusal by the inspector.