MOT Test and Car Service: Why a Car Needs Both?

Performance, comfort, and reliability are some common factors a driver looks for while driving their car. Car owners do not want their cars to break down suddenly or cause mechanical issues on a busy road. You have to consider two main procedures to ensure performance, smoothness, and safety. These two procedures are the MOT test and car service.

Many people have questions about Car Service Newbury and the MOT test. Many of them think both are the same, and others skip one and focus only on car servicing or MOT.

What is an MOT Test?

The MOT test is an annual test. This test is carried out in authorized MOT centers. The main aim of this examination is to check the car’s roadworthiness. You should note that MOT is a legal requirement in the UK. According to MOT instructions, you need a valid MOT certificate if your vehicle is over three years old. After your first MOT, you will get your first certificate that is valid for only one year. Next year, you need to get a new certificate. It means you have to take your car for an MOT test every year. Without a valid certificate, you cannot drive your vehicle on the roads.

During the test, the MOT technicians focus on safety. According to their standards, your car should not have serious faults.

Generally, MOT technicians check the components like:

Seat & seatbelts

Doors & windows

Lights and electrical components

Brakes

Tyres

Lights

Suspension

Exhaust

Bodywork

Number plates

You should note that MOT is not a thorough check. It just looks at safety issues.

What is Car Servicing?

Car servicing is a maintenance checkup. Your mechanic does it to keep your car running well. So, this procedure is not about just passing a test. Moreover, this is not a legal test. Car servicing is extremely essential because it keeps every part of your car in good condition.

Generally, a car servicing procedure includes:

Engine oil and filter change

Air and fuel filter check

Fluid check

Tyre check

Wheel alignment and balancing

Coolant level checkup

The main focus of car servicing is not only on safety aspects, but the mechanic also improves the overall performance of your vehicle.

MOT vs Car Service: What’s the Difference?

A MOT certificate is just like a doctor’s health certificate. Your health certificate says that you are fit to go out and do your work. Similarly, the MOT certificate is proof of the roadworthiness of your vehicle. You may drive your car on public roads.

Car servicing is a deeper checkup of your vehicle, addressing various aspects, such as performance, safety and comfort. This procedure ensures that your car does not lose its strength and remains active on the roads for a long time. Moreover, regular car servicing saves your car from sudden illness.

MOT is a legal test. It means you cannot avoid this procedure. On the other hand, your carmakers provide a user manual with your vehicle. This document has vital information about the routine care of your vehicle. Car servicing is an important part of this routine care.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Either

Your approach is not correct if you think you do not need a service since you have done your MOT. Similarly, you are wrong if you skip the MOT test because of car servicing. Both approaches are risky.

Skipping the MOT is an illegal action. You can get fines, or your insurance can become invalid due to the absence of a valid certificate. Moreover, you would not be able to drive your car on the roads.

Skipping car service is also a serious issue. However, you would not get yourself in legal trouble, but your car can experience major problems. You may receive big repair bills due to your wrong approach.

How They Work Together

MOT test Newbury and car servicing are two sides of a coin. MOT ensures that your car is safe and legal on the roads. On the other hand, car servicing ensures your car is healthy and strong.

Your car may pass the MOT if it does not safe issues, but it may miss some essential car maintenance steps. Car mechanics take these steps during car servicing.

Similarly, you may service your car regularly with the help of a car mechanic. But it would not be legal on public roads after failing the test.

So, you have to do both. MOT is for safety, and car service is for performance and health condition.

When to schedule them?

You do not need to have the MOT test and service your car on the same day. But it is a good idea if you check your car before the MOT test.

Your user manual comes with a pre-defined car service schedule. You have to follow the same schedule to keep your car in good condition. Generally, you need to visit a car service center every 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months according to the car servicing schedule.

You have to schedule your first MOT after the third anniversary of your vehicle. After getting your first certificate, you can have your test one month before the expiry date. You have to repeat the same process every year because the certificate is valid for only one year.

Final words

Your car works hard every day. Therefore, it deserves care and attention. You should maintain your car with proper car servicing at regular intervals. Moreover, Book MOT in Newbury and always drive your car with a valid certificate to prove that your car is safe for the roads.