Reference

• General vehicles, 11-1 Exhaust system
• Motorcycles, 11-1 Exhaust system

What is the purpose of the Noise Quick Check?

The purpose of this test procedure is to enable vehicle inspectors to carry out an exhaust noise check with an acceptable noise meter to ensure that vehicle exhaust systems that have been modified to be noisier than OE remain well below the maximum noise levels specified in law (ie be below the noise limits specified in the VIRM). Any vehicle that fails the Noise Quick Check needs to be made quieter and reinspected and/or referred to an LVV certifier for an Objective Noise Test (ONT).

This quick check test procedure is therefore a simplified version of the ONT to ensure results are comparable to the ONT.

What type of vehicle can be tested?

The quick check may be applied only to a vehicle of class LC, LD, LE, MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 or NA that is louder than when it was manufactured with its original exhaust system.

Test site specification

The test environment must be such that exhaust noise readings can be achieved as accurately as possible with as little interference from other noise sources as possible.

To achieve this, the test site must, within at least a 3m radius from the noise meter microphone:

1. be an open outdoor site (if this is not practicable, a canopied site may be used provided the canopy is at least 3m above the microphone)

2. be predominantly flat

3. be free from large sound-reflecting surfaces, including buildings, walls, billboards, vehicles, canopy/roof supports, trees or shrubs

4. have a solid surface, such as concrete or asphalt, that is free of any loose or sound-absorbing material.

It is important that a noisy background, eg due to road traffic or wind, is avoided. If in doubt, use the noise meter to measure the background noise either before or after the Noise Quick Check. The background noise must be at least 10dBA lower than the relevant exhaust noise limit specified in the VIRM. Sharp noise interference such as car doors slamming or loud footsteps must also be avoided to prevent false readings.

Which noise meters are acceptable for this test?

The noise meter must be of ‘Type 1’ or ‘Type 2’ (Class 1 or 2) standard to ensure accuracy. The noise meter specifications and a list of other equipment required for noise testing is available here.

The noise meter must be in good operating condition and be maintained within manufacturer’s specifications. Regular calibration is required. Make sure you know how to use it correctly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Vehicle preparation prior to testing

Before the noise test can be carried out, the vehicle must:

• have its engine at normal operating temperature
• be stationary with park the brake applied
• have the gear selector positioned in neutral (manual) or park (automatic)
• have the air-conditioning system turned off
• have the engine bonnet closed.

Setting up the microphone for testing

1. Ensure the microphone is fitted with the foam wind shield.

2. Height of microphone

3. Distance of microphone from exhaust outlet

Distance of microphone from exhaust (outlet to the rear)

• Position the noise meter 500mm from the exhaust outlet at 45 degrees outboard to the longitudinal centreline of the exhaust outlet.

Distance of microphone from exhaust (outlet to the side)

• If the exhaust outlet is at the side of the vehicle, position the noise meter 500mm/45 degrees where it is the furthest from the engine.

Distance of microphone from exhaust (outlet underneath vehicle)

• For exhaust outlets terminating underneath the vehicle body, fit as close as practicable, but no closer than 200mm to the vehicle body. The 45 degree angle may be reduced to ensure a clear path between the microphone and the exhaust outlet.

Distance of microphone from exhaust (two outlets)

• If the vehicle has two exhaust outlets less than 300mm apart, treat them as one outlet with the microphone positioned at the outside outlet. If the two exhaust outlets are more than 300mm apart, measure each one, with the higher of the two taken as the noise level for the vehicle.

Select the test engine speed

Select the appropriate test engine speed from the table on the next page. Use the vehicle’s tachometer when doing the test (if no tachometer is fitted, use your judgement).

Motorcycle engines

Engines other than motorcycle engines

Testing the noise output

1. Make sure that you (the tester) and one assistant (if you require one) are the only persons in the test area.

2. Position and prepare the meter: switch on – warm-up – calibrate (Note)– set to A-weighting – set to fast response – select the correct noise level range (usually ‘High’) – press the Peak-hold or Max-hold button when ready to measure the noise output.