The Technical Inspection of Vehicles (much better known as ITV) continues to add items to review in future exams. With the increase in electronic devices in our vehicles, there are also more and more elements to control.
As is already the case with the aid packages and ADAS safety systems at the wheel that will be implemented in the coming years in vehicles, required by the European Union, in 2018 a step forward was also taken in this regard. Since that year, all vehicles must have eCall. A security system that is already mandatory to check on the ITV.
What is eCall and how is it checked
eCall is a security system which automatically puts the vehicle in contact with the emergency services 112 if the vehicle has been in an accident. This call also includes the GPS positioning of the car, the direction of travel at the time the accident occurred and when it occurred.
This system, in addition, can also be activated manually if the driver suffers from some type of indisposition that requires the action of the emergency services. It’s as simple as push the red button of emergencies with which all approved cars must have as of March 31, 2018.
Now, in addition, this system is also being reviewed in the ITV, as indicated by the Royal Decree 750/2022. It details that the importance of this test is linked to the fact that “as it is an emergency system, it requires the highest possible level of reliability, and the precision and quality of the minimum set of data and voice transmission must be guaranteed”.
In the same Royal Decree 750/2022, the faults are established because the system does not work correctly. However, despite the importance given to it in the previous wording, it is considered that all faults will be minor, unless the system itself or some component is absent, a reason for mark the deficiency as “serious”.
For example, that “GPS signal” anomalies are detected, in “mobile network communication” or even “incorrect functioning of audio components” are detected, are errors that will only be classified as “deficiencies”. minor” and that, therefore, will not force us to a new inspection.
