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Are fuel tank modifications safe?
I have a friend who purchased a Fiat Doblo which had already been adapted into a WAV. The modification included a lowered fuel tank which now protrudes c.3inches below the visible body and, when driving it, she regularly grounds on speed bumps. She has already cracked the tank and had it repaired. This doesn't seem safe to me as the fuel tank is fully exposed to any object on the ground. Neither the dvla or the mot checks seem to anticipate anyone would expose a fuel tank this way, they merely suggest that "unsafe" modifications may be illegal. What are your thoughts on this?
Asked on 3 June 2024 by Tyggz james
Answered by
David Ross
If the vehicle has successfully passed MoTs with the fuel tank modified in this way then it is fair to assume it has been deemed acceptable, but if it is regularly striking the ground then this is not a desirable arrangement. We would suggest looking at having additional protection for the fuel tank fitted, or possibly changing the vehicle's ride height by fitting different wheels and tyres or taller suspension springs to avoid the tank making contact with the road.
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