Sounds like you went to a tyre and exhaust specialist. My heat shield was damaged on my Volvo, and my mechanic just removed it. Three years later things were still fine.
Found this:
MoT warning for unwary motorists
Garages will try it on, finds survey
A vehicle is more likely to fail its MOT test when using a garage that also carries out repairs, according to a recent survey, and women are especially at risk.
According to a random survey conducted this year of 838 Nottinghamshire motorists, we risk being handed a list of unnecessary jobs when applying for an MOT certificate. The conclusion -- hardly surprising perhaps -- is that some garages use the test as an opportunity to look for, and even create, work.
Failing brakes when only adjustment is required was the most common complaint, according to mail order specialist Car Parts Direct.
The survey also found that women taking a vehicle for an MOT were 12 per cent more likely to fail than men. Those using an MOT station where repairs are also carried out were 18 per cent more likely to fail their MOT test.
According to VOSA, the Government body responsible for overseeing MOT centre activities (see link below), 32 per cent of vehicles failed their MOT test last year. Around 10 per cent of all motorists driving in for an MOT failed due to a brake related problem. A similar number failed because of a smoky exhaust or high exhaust emissions.
Car Parts Direct boss Mark Cornwall said: "Dishonest garage traders profit from vulnerable motorists. Checking brake pads and discs is an easy job for motorists and a smoky exhaust can normally be reduced by adding an injection cleaner to the fuel – it’s one of our best selling products to help pass the MOT emissions test."
Cornwall claimed that more than half of all motorists could avoid the need for an MOT re-test and expensive unnecessary repairs by following a few simple rules. Naturally enough, his company provides an online check list -- for free -- on how to pass your MOT first time and avoid garage scams.
Links
www.carparts-direct.co.ukwww.vosa.gov.uk