What Air Team Does and Where to Find Them

Air Team is an independent emissions testing station in Lincolnshire that carries out MOT emissions tests and related vehicle inspections. They test whether your vehicle's exhaust meets the legal limits set by the Department for Transport, and they issue the emissions certificate that forms part of your MOT pass or fail. Air Team operates as an approved testing facility, meaning they follow the same testing protocols and standards as any other MOT station in the UK.

The station is located in Lincolnshire and accepts vehicles for testing by appointment. You can contact them directly to book a slot, and they will tell you what documents to bring and how long the test typically takes. Like all MOT stations, they are required to keep records of every test they perform and report results to the DVLA.

Key Takeaways

  • Air Team performs the emissions portion of the MOT test, checking that your exhaust gases stay within legal limits for carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
  • You must book an appointment in advance; walk-ins are not may provide to be seen, and testing slots fill up during busy periods.
  • Bring your V5C registration document, proof of insurance, and a valid form of ID when you attend your test.
  • If your vehicle fails the emissions test, you can return for a retest within ten working days without paying the full fee again.
  • The emissions test is only one part of the MOT; Air Team will also check your brakes, lights, steering, and other safety systems if you are taking a full MOT.

What the Emissions Test Actually Measures

The emissions test measures four main pollutants in your exhaust: carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The limits depend on when your vehicle was first registered and what fuel it uses. A petrol car registered after 2016 has stricter limits than one from 2005, and a diesel vehicle has different thresholds again.

The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Your vehicle is placed on a rolling road dynamometer — a machine that simulates driving conditions — and the exhaust gases are drawn through a probe and analysed in real time. The technician will run your engine through a set sequence of speeds and loads to see how your emissions behave under different driving conditions. You will see the results on a screen before you leave.

If your vehicle passes, you receive a certificate showing the measured values and confirmation that you meet the legal standard. If you fail, the certificate will show which pollutant exceeded the limit and by how much. This information helps you understand what might be wrong — for example, a high CO reading often points to a fuel system issue, while high NOx can indicate a problem with the engine management system.

Booking an Appointment and What to Bring

Contact Air Team directly by phone or through their website to book a testing slot. They will ask you for your vehicle registration number and the date you need the test. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance during spring and autumn, when many people renew their MOTs, so book as early as you can.

When you arrive, bring your V5C registration document (the logbook), proof of insurance, and a valid form of ID such as a driving licence or passport. The technician will check these documents against the vehicle to confirm you are the registered keeper or an authorised person. If you are testing a vehicle you do not own, bring written permission from the owner.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so the technician has time to inspect the vehicle visually before it goes on the dynamometer. They will check that your exhaust system is intact, that there are no obvious leaks, and that the vehicle is safe to test. If they spot a serious fault — such as a missing exhaust silencer or a fuel leak — they may refuse to test until it is repaired.

What Happens If You Fail the Emissions Test

If your vehicle fails, you have the right to a retest within ten working days without paying the full testing fee again. Most stations charge a reduced rate for retests, typically around half the original fee. This gives you time to have the fault diagnosed and repaired without losing money on a second full-price test.

Before you book a retest, take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them read the fault codes using a diagnostic scanner. The emissions certificate will tell you which pollutant failed, but it will not tell you the root cause — that requires proper diagnosis. Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a blocked particulate filter, a malfunctioning catalytic converter, or an engine management light that needs clearing.

If the repair is expensive or your vehicle is old, you may want to consider whether it is worth fixing. A vehicle that consistently fails emissions may have underlying engine problems that will cost more to repair than the vehicle is worth. Your mechanic can advise you on the likely cost and whether the repair makes financial sense.

Emissions Testing vs. a Full MOT

The emissions test is one component of the MOT, but it is not the whole test. A full MOT also includes checks of your brakes, steering, suspension, lights, wipers, horn, seatbelts, and bodywork for corrosion or sharp edges. If you are taking a full MOT at Air Team, all of these checks happen on the same visit, and you receive one pass or fail certificate that covers everything.

If you are taking an emissions-only test — for example, because you already have a valid MOT but need to prove your emissions compliance for a specific reason — that test stands alone and does not affect your MOT status. Some vehicle owners do this if they are selling a vehicle and want to show a buyer that the emissions are current, or if they are appealing a parking charge or traffic enforcement decision that relies on emissions data.

Ask Air Team when you book whether you need a full MOT or an emissions test only. The cost and time required are different, and the technician needs to know in advance so they can schedule the right amount of time.

Understanding Your Emissions Certificate

Your emissions certificate is a formal document issued by Air Team on behalf of the DVLA. It shows your vehicle registration number, the date of the test, the measured values for each pollutant, and whether you passed or failed. The certificate is valid for the purposes of the MOT for 12 months from the date of issue.

If you fail, the certificate will show the limit for each pollutant and the value your vehicle measured. For example, it might show "CO limit: 0.5%, measured: 0.8%" — this tells you that your carbon monoxide is 0.3 percentage points over the legal limit. This information is useful when you take the vehicle to a mechanic because it narrows down the possible faults.

Keep your certificate in a safe place. If you are stopped by police or a traffic enforcement officer and they ask for proof of a current emissions test, you can show them the certificate. If you lose it, contact Air Team and ask for a copy — they keep records of all tests for at least one year.

Common Reasons Vehicles Fail Emissions Tests

The most common reason for an emissions failure is a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and tells the engine management computer how to adjust the fuel mixture. When it fails, the engine often runs too rich (too much fuel), which causes carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to spike. A replacement oxygen sensor typically costs between £80 and £200 depending on the vehicle.

The second most common cause is a blocked or failing catalytic converter. This component converts harmful gases into less harmful ones. When it becomes clogged or damaged, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter rise. Catalytic converter replacement is expensive — often £400 to £1,000 — but it is necessary because a blocked converter will eventually damage the engine.

Other common causes include a faulty engine management light that needs clearing, a fuel system leak or fault, a worn fuel injector, or a problem with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. Diesel vehicles sometimes fail because of a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF), which can sometimes be cleared by a mechanic using specialist equipment, though replacement is often necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test a vehicle that is not registered to me?

Yes, but you will need written permission from the registered keeper. Bring the permission letter with you along with your own ID. Air Team will check the V5C registration document against the vehicle to confirm the details match.

How long does an emissions test take?

The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes on the dynamometer. Add 10 to 15 minutes for the visual inspection before testing and paperwork after. If you are taking a full MOT, allow 45 minutes to one hour total.

What if my vehicle has a check engine light on?

Air Team will still test your vehicle, but you will likely fail because the engine management system is not working correctly. Have the fault codes read by a mechanic before you test. In many cases, clearing the codes and fixing the underlying problem will allow you to pass.

Can I appeal an emissions test failure?

You can request a retest within ten working days at a reduced fee. If you believe the test was carried out incorrectly, you can contact the DVLA to lodge a formal complaint, though this is rare. Most failures are genuine and indicate a real fault with your vehicle.

What happens if I do not fix a failed emissions test?

Your vehicle will not pass its MOT until the emissions fault is corrected. If your MOT expires while your vehicle is still failing emissions, you cannot legally drive it on the road. You must either repair the fault or take the vehicle off the road.