Pickup 4x4s are considered as commercial vehicles and as a result must undergo an annual Department of the Environment (DOE) test, carried out by an approved test centre.
This is a view of the front section of the ladder chassis that supports the 4x4 pick-up. This is a solid chassis which does not normally get a very intensive paint covering, so the joints can be prone to cracking due to corrosion or overloading and need to be checked in advance of a DOE test.
The test is not all about what’s under the bonnet, areas within the driver and passenger seats will also your require attention in order to pass.
This shows the rear axle brake lines in the Toyota Hilux. Most of the brake line is enclosed in a plastic covering, but sections near to this joint are not and need to be checked for corrosion and may need to be replaced even if the rest of the line is perfect.
These will include the condition of the driver’s seat. It must be secure and without rips to the cushion section.
Rats and mice have been known to enjoy the comforts of a 4x4 crewcab, especially one that’s used daily for feeding livestock.
This shows the level of rust intrusion on the rear joint of the exhaust pipeline, and will probably have to be replaced before a DOE test.
Within the comfort of the cab, overnight they can do serious seat damage, which sometimes goes unnoticed until the test day.
Many 4x4 picks-up have a tough off-road life and problems with the exhaust box are common, mainly in the form of cracks. These will have to be replaced to pass a DOE test.
All of the seatbelts must be fully functioning. They must not be damaged or frayed. And it also means that they must be able to fully extend and retract with equal ease.
This is the small stabiliser arm seal on the front axle that will be examined in a DOE test to ensure that it is not punctured. The front axle coil spring must also be free of cracks.
With wear and tear they get dirty, especially in farm conditions, so make sure that they are clean.
The windscreen must also be in good condition. Small cracks are acceptable, according to Seamus Martin, but large cracks are not. And you must remove any strong tints from the side windows; anything other than the tint level supplied by the manufacturer will have to be removed.
Lights have to work and that means all lights.
4x4 pick-ups are fitted with multi-leaf springs on the rear axle. If any one of the springs is cracked then it must be replaced.
If you have added a set of spotlights or a roof bar to pimp up your 4x4 then these must all work and be properly focused. Spotlight wiring can also be an issue and again rats and mice can play havoc in this area.
This shows the chassis section at the rear of the Hilux showing where the towbar is fitted to the chassis. This can be an area of weakness with all 4x4 pick-ups as it is also exposed to the engine exhaust gases and heavy trailer loading. There should be no cracks in this section of the chassis.
Some 4x4 pickups have failed DOE tests due to chassis structural problems, so it is important to spend some time under the vehicle before the test. Here you will get a view of the structural condition of the pickup.
Changing a fuel filter is a must ahead of a DOE test to ensure that clean fuel leads to the correct level of engine exhaust emissions. Makes sure that the filter is housing is properly secure and does not leak.
Towbars are also an area of concern. The condition of the hitch is important; the ball must not be worn as well as the bolts that hold it in place, not to mention the chassis fixing bolts.
It is sound advice to prepare thoroughly for the DOE. Clean down your pickup in advance of starting work and that means inside as well as out. You will quickly see the extent of the work that’s ahead of you.
In the accompanying photographs we look at the key areas that need to be examined before facing into the test.
Pickup 4x4s are considered as commercial vehicles and as a result must undergo an annual Department of the Environment (DOE) test, carried out by an approved test centre.
This is a view of the front section of the ladder chassis that supports the 4x4 pick-up. This is a solid chassis which does not normally get a very intensive paint covering, so the joints can be prone to cracking due to corrosion or overloading and need to be checked in advance of a DOE test.
The test is not all about what’s under the bonnet, areas within the driver and passenger seats will also your require attention in order to pass.
This shows the rear axle brake lines in the Toyota Hilux. Most of the brake line is enclosed in a plastic covering, but sections near to this joint are not and need to be checked for corrosion and may need to be replaced even if the rest of the line is perfect.
These will include the condition of the driver’s seat. It must be secure and without rips to the cushion section.
Rats and mice have been known to enjoy the comforts of a 4x4 crewcab, especially one that’s used daily for feeding livestock.
This shows the level of rust intrusion on the rear joint of the exhaust pipeline, and will probably have to be replaced before a DOE test.
Within the comfort of the cab, overnight they can do serious seat damage, which sometimes goes unnoticed until the test day.
Many 4x4 picks-up have a tough off-road life and problems with the exhaust box are common, mainly in the form of cracks. These will have to be replaced to pass a DOE test.
All of the seatbelts must be fully functioning. They must not be damaged or frayed. And it also means that they must be able to fully extend and retract with equal ease.
This is the small stabiliser arm seal on the front axle that will be examined in a DOE test to ensure that it is not punctured. The front axle coil spring must also be free of cracks.
With wear and tear they get dirty, especially in farm conditions, so make sure that they are clean.
The windscreen must also be in good condition. Small cracks are acceptable, according to Seamus Martin, but large cracks are not. And you must remove any strong tints from the side windows; anything other than the tint level supplied by the manufacturer will have to be removed.
Lights have to work and that means all lights.
4x4 pick-ups are fitted with multi-leaf springs on the rear axle. If any one of the springs is cracked then it must be replaced.
If you have added a set of spotlights or a roof bar to pimp up your 4x4 then these must all work and be properly focused. Spotlight wiring can also be an issue and again rats and mice can play havoc in this area.
This shows the chassis section at the rear of the Hilux showing where the towbar is fitted to the chassis. This can be an area of weakness with all 4x4 pick-ups as it is also exposed to the engine exhaust gases and heavy trailer loading. There should be no cracks in this section of the chassis.
Some 4x4 pickups have failed DOE tests due to chassis structural problems, so it is important to spend some time under the vehicle before the test. Here you will get a view of the structural condition of the pickup.
Changing a fuel filter is a must ahead of a DOE test to ensure that clean fuel leads to the correct level of engine exhaust emissions. Makes sure that the filter is housing is properly secure and does not leak.
Towbars are also an area of concern. The condition of the hitch is important; the ball must not be worn as well as the bolts that hold it in place, not to mention the chassis fixing bolts.
It is sound advice to prepare thoroughly for the DOE. Clean down your pickup in advance of starting work and that means inside as well as out. You will quickly see the extent of the work that’s ahead of you.
In the accompanying photographs we look at the key areas that need to be examined before facing into the test.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: