Common postLVV certification modifications

Don’t take it for granted! Just because a vehicle is fitted with an LVV certification plate (engraved or electronic), this does not guarantee all of the vehicle’s modifications have been LVV certified.

A while ago we published a series of articles on the LVV Modification Threshold Schedule, and where the limits lie in terms of a vehicle needing LVV certification. A common misconception is that this Threshold still applies to vehicles that have already been LVV certified, but this isn’t necessarily true – any modification that causes a vehicle to differ from its LVV certification plate information means the vehicle must be referred to an LVV certifier. This is because the sort of low-level modifications listed in the Threshold may be fine for a vehicle that is otherwise unmodified, but a vehicle that has undergone substantial modifications may have characteristics that mean any further modifications need careful consideration. For example, fitting the OE wheels to a vehicle LVV certified for a brake upgrade (involving larger rotors and six piston calipers), could cause clearance issues between the LVV certified new brakes, and subsequently refitted original wheels.

There are also modifications that are often carried out to vehicles post-LVV certification, and while these should be picked up at WoF time, they are not always recognised. With that in mind, below is a handy list of things to watch out for when looking at an LVV certified vehicle:

• Tyre size changes – while this was not usually recorded on an older LVV engraved certification plate, as part of the change to electronic data plates (EDPs), the information is now captured in the ‘Wheels and Tyres’ information field of the EDP. This change was necessary, as previously the tyre size was only recorded on the Statement of Compliance form, which was filled out as part of the LVV certification - and due to its paper-based nature, often went missing. Obviously, changing the tyre size can have detrimental effects on a vehicle’s handling and braking abilities, particularly if the tyre diameter is increased. With the tyre size very rarely recorded on an older LVV engraved certification plate, things aren’t as clear-cut. Some tell-tale signs that indicate the tyres fitted to the vehicle aren’t the same size as it was LVV certified for are signs of tyre rub on the body or chassis at the extremities of steering and suspension travel, an inaccurate speedometer, or just simply terrible braking performance. If in doubt, ask the owner for a copy of the F001 Statement of Compliance - we can provide a copy to the vehicle owner on request, but there is a retrieval fee for this, as our archives are kept offsite.

• Exhausts – note that while exhausts are not usually covered under an LVV certification unless the vehicle is scratch-built, an LVV certified vehicle must still meet applicable noise limits (an LVV certification plate does not cover an excessively noisy exhaust). A vehicle that is scratch-built, or has been green-stickered for excessive exhaust noise previously, will have an exhaust system fitted with an LVVTA objective noise test label, which is proof the vehicle has met the LVV Exhaust Noise Emissions Standard. One notable exception to this is for motorsport vehicles that have a valid LVV Authority Card, as noise limits do not apply where the vehicle is being used on a road for the purpose of servicing or repair of the vehicle - or driving to and from a competition

Calculating ride height tolerances:

Here’s a quick guide on how to work out height tolerances for an LVV certified vehicle, using a raised Nissan Safari as an example. In this case, the ‘Suspension’ field data on the LVV certification plate reads:

‘RAISED SUSPN/535mm F 535mm R +or- 5%’.

As part of a WoF check, an AVI would do the following: brian.anderton@mta.org.nz michael.wells@mta.org.nz

• Express 5 percent as a decimal, which is 0.05.

• Multiply the recorded height by 0.05, which in this case would be 535 x 0.05 = 26.8mm. This is the amount the ride height can differ by, either up or down. To figure out the downward travel amount, subtract the tolerance (in this case, 26.8mm) from the quoted height, or add it to the quoted height for the upward travel amount. Our example vehicle would therefore have an absolute minimum ride height of 508.2mm (535mm – 26.8mm = 508.2mm), and an absolute maximum ride height of 561.8mm (535mm + 26.8mm = 561.8mm).

• Measure the vehicle’s ride heights from the centre of the wheel to the top of the guard, and compare to the minimum and maximum values.

• External projections – hood scoops, blower hats, and high-rise air intakes also have a habit of being fitted to vehicles, or growing in height after a vehicle has been LVV certified. Often, these components are removed for LVV certification, as they cause the vehicle to fall outside of LVV sight-line requirements. Looking at the EDP photos is a quick way to check whether the vehicle was fitted with a bonnet protrusion at the time of LVV certification, and if so, as part of the LVV certification a measurement of the scoop or protrusion height is recorded. It’s important that this is checked as part of a WoF inspection to ensure it has not been changed (see Image 2).

• Handlebars – one of the advantages of the EDP is that it makes it very easy for an AVI to detect components that have been changed post-LVV certification. This includes handlebars fitted to a motorcycle, which are often changed or increased in height after a bike is LVV certified. Careful attention needs to be paid to the EDP photos to ensure the vehicle hasn’t been further modified.

• Suspension heights – this one is obvious, but checking the ride height of a vehicle LVV certified for suspension modification, is part of a WoF inspection. You can translate the height percentage tolerance on the LVV certification plate into the maximum downward or upward height difference by converting the percentage to a decimal and multiplying this by the recorded height. See Image 1: ‘Calculating ride height tolerances’ for an example of how to work out the maximum and minimum suspension heights of a modified vehicle.

For a vehicle with a bonnet protrusion, it is important an AVI checks its height is the same as the LVV certification data.

It’s also important to check any conditions listed as part of the LVV certification, such as a reduced number of seating positions, or in-service weight limits (particularly for vehicles with water tanks, or other heavy equipment). These limits are generally in place to prevent the vehicle exceeding its rated GVM, as often, vehicles will subsequently (post-LVV certification) have seats refitted to removed seating positions, or a full water tank where an empty tank is stipulated for on-road use. AVIs need to check any listed conditions carefully, as they may not be immediately obvious when inspecting the vehicle.

Aotearoa’s future: A ride through MTA’s ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’

On 9 May, MTA’s ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’ manifesto roared to life at Parliament, attracting members, politicians, and industry insiders. But what truly fuels this powerhouse of a document? Let’s buckle up and explore the four roads it maps out: People, Safety, The Future, and Strong, Fair Markets.

PEOPLE: Fuelling the industry’s engine

Without skilled workers, the automotive industry would sputter to a halt. Businesses need a strong workforce to keep their engines revving. However, a talent shortage has left some running on fumes, threatening livelihoods, communities, and safe travel.

Alongside other proposals, to help fill the tank, the Government should widen the immigration Green List and promote vocational education pathways. This way, we can ensure that the industry’s future workforce is responsive, accountable, and skill-ready SAFETY:

A smooth ride for all

Safe roads, safe cars, and safe air are crucial for every Kiwi traveller. To avoid the tragedy of losing loved ones in accidents, MTA calls for a review of Warrant of Fitness safety requirements and more frequent tests for vehicles older than 15 years.

Reducing harmful emissions is essential for cleaner air and healthier communities. MTA urges mandatory emissions testing for vehicles over 10 years old and increased awareness around the topic.

THE FUTURE: Navigating the road ahead

The automotive industry is at a historic crossroads, with new technologies and innovations steering us towards a better future. MTA advocates for a phase-out of the Clean Car Discount and a twoyear deferment of Clean Car Standards goals so it remains practical. This will ensure a smooth and fair transition. Consulting with the industry is vital to make this journey successful.

STRONG, FAIR MARKETS: Accelerating growth

With over 62,700 jobs and $5.5 billion contributed to GDP, the automotive industry is a key player in Aotearoa’s economy. To maintain growth, we need a level playing field with fair competition policies. MTA calls for regulation of power dynamics between small and big businesses, particularly in the fuel and car franchise sectors.

Fairness benefits everyone. The Consumer Guarantees Act should be amended to consider depreciation in forums like the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

Ready for the ride?

You can find the ‘Driving New Zealand Forward’ manifesto on our website or expect it in your mailbox soon. The proposals mentioned here are only a glimpse into the comprehensive content of the document, and we hope you will read it soon. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together and cruise into a brighter future for Aotearoa’s automotive industry.