MOT and Car Servicing: What’s The Difference?

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about car maintenance and the steps you can take to maintain your car in roadworthy condition? We’d venture to guess that your response was either from a yearly MOT Cardiff or a routine servicing.

Both are excellent responses, but a lot of drivers admit that they have no idea how to differentiate between the two or even what happens when they take their car to the garage for these crucial inspections.

In light of our most recent data, which shows that up to 59% of Britons are genuinely uncertain about what precisely is included in their MOT and service, we thought it would be beneficial to explain the distinctions and dispel some common myths.

What is an MOT Check?

What better place to start than here, as 85% of drivers, according to a recent survey, were unaware of the meaning of the abbreviation MOT. Ministry Of Transport is what MOT stands for, even though it hasn’t existed since 1970.

What is Included in an MOT?

The test is a legally mandated yearly check of your car. It utilizes a stringent set of standards established by the DVSA to ascertain whether your car is roadworthy and suitable for its intended use. The MOT test does not cover any repairs or replacement parts; however, your car might need extra work to pass.

Although the car is safe to drive, the test does not indicate that it is operating at its best. This is due to the fact that the MOT test only examines “safety critical” components in your car, not necessarily its overall condition.

Thus, while components like seatbelts, brakes, lights, and tyres are tested as part of the MOT, your engine is not. Here’s where a service can come in handy.

So what is a Vehicle Service?

A service, as opposed to a DVSA inspection, is an inspection conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements, which maintains your car safe, dependable, and operational. A MOT test and a service share many similarities, including the inspection of components such as the brakes, seatbelts, and tyres.

A service, on the other hand, is more extensive since it addresses the whole health of the car rather than simply the “safety-critical” components. In order to keep your car running smoothly, you also need to replace certain elements, including the engine oil.

To further enhance vehicle performance, a full service might also include replacement air, fuel, and spark plug filters (where appropriate).

To illustrate the distinctions between a MOT test and a service, consider the scenario of a mountain climber getting ready to summit Mount Everest.

You see a doctor who does a general health check to ensure you are in good enough health to undertake such a strenuous excursion and that you do not have any conditions that could endanger your life.

Similar to your MOT, this test verifies that your car satisfies the DVSA’s minimal safety standards and is fit for the road. You may now try the excursion if your health is clear, although it might not be the best option.

Instead, you go to a personal trainer who helps you reach your best physical state so you can complete the climb. Without this training, you can get so tired that you have to give up, or you might even hurt yourself rather badly.

The fitness trainer is comparable to auto maintenance in that it extends the life of your car. If you neglect to service your car, you can wind up breaking down and, in the worst situation, damaging the engine irreversibly.

Why Should You Have an MOT and Service?

A current MOT certificate is legally required if your car is three years old or older. Driving a vehicle without an MOT test is not only illegal but will also void your insurance.

It is up to the driver to get their car serviced, but here are four reasons we believe frequent maintenance is necessary:

• Improved safety: Over time, wear and tear accumulate, so even though your car seems OK, it may not be in perfect condition. Frequent maintenance can reveal hidden problems and give you confidence that the car is safe and roadworthy.
• Vehicle lifespan: Your car is likely to survive longer if you take better care of it. If you plan to own your car for a long time and want to have many years of trouble-free driving, regular maintenance is essential.
• Save money: A service’s initial fee could be off-putting, but the long-term costs of forgoing your Car Servicing Cardiff could be far higher. Frequent maintenance can assist in spotting problems early on that may later become expensive to fix. Additionally, you can increase your car’s fuel efficiency by having new oil and filters changed during your service.
• Enhanced resale value: If you’re selling your beloved car, a full service history or at least documentation of routine maintenance will probably attract more buyers, who are willing to pay more for such well-maintained cars.Enhanced resale value: If you’re selling your beloved car, a full service history or at least documentation of routine maintenance will probably attract more buyers, who are willing to pay more for such well-maintained cars.