Is A Service Different to an MOT?

You may be asking yourself, ‘My car has passed the MOT test so why do I need to have a service?’. Even if there’s nothing wrong with your car, you should not dodge a service simply to save money. This is because these two things are very different and despite your car passing the MOT test it still needs to be serviced.

What is a service and what is an MOT test?

Service:

A service is a vehicle inspection that is based on the guidelines of a car manufacturer to keep your car in safe and peak condition. While the two tests may have some similarities in their checks, a service is more thorough as it includes the replacement of some parts to ensure smooth running. There are three different types of car servicing, and what type of service you need will depend on things like age of your car, how you use your car etc.

MOT Test:

MOT stands for the Ministry of Transport, and despite the Government changing the name to the Department of Transport back in 2002, the name for MOT test stuck. The MOT test is an annual inspection of your vehicle which is required by law if your car is on the road. The test follows a strict checklist set out by the DVSA to determine if your car is in a roadworthy condition. You may need to carry out some work to pass your MOT and the test itself does not include any repairs

Why should I MOT and service my car?

Firstly, if you have a car that is 3+ years old it is a legal requirement to have an MOT certificate for your vehicle. It is against the law to drive a car without an MOT test and insurance will be invalidated.

A service is completely up to the driver, but there are reasons why regular servicing is essential:

● If you look after your car, it is likely to last longer. Regular servicing is crucial if you intend on keeping your vehicle for a long time.

● By servicing your car, you can save yourself money in the long run as it could spot potential issues early on.

● It increases resale value, evidence of regular servicing or a full service history is more likely to attract potential buyers.

Do you need to prepare your car for MOT or get a service? Get quotes from garages and mechanics in your local area with MyCarNeedsA.com!