{
  "id": 11659557,
  "title": "Why washing your car before the ITV test could actually cause it to fail",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/why-washing-your-car-before-the-itv-test-could-actually-cause-it-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T10:10:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/10/03/why-washing-your-car-before-the-itv-test-could-actually-cause-it-to-fail/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Thinking of giving your car a sparkling fresh clean before taking it for its ITV in Spain? It might seem […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Pressure from hoses can cause water to collect in engine bay",
    "Inspectors may misinterpret minor defect as serious issue",
    "Warm engine and firm braking can help clean discs and pads"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}