Following on from our previous article, based around the different types of MOTs, we felt it important to go over the key differences between a car service and MOT. Both are necessary for your vehicle’s healthy lifespan, but when to use both services can vary. We understand the world of motoring can be confusing and wish to rid you of any uncertainty when trying to correctly service your vehicles.

Upon reading this article, you’ll feel certain whether your vehicle needs a service, or a specific type of MOT. 

The key differences between a car service and MOT

It’s crucial to visualise and understand the differences between a car service and MOT. An MOT is a legal requirement, which helps decide whether your car is safe and roadworthy at the time but doesn’t determine its optimum running performance.

Try to see a service as being much more in-depth. It’s a process that follows specific, detailed guidelines, set by the vehicle’s manufacturer.  A service’s main aim is to ensure your car stays in optimum, peak condition.

MOTs

Ever since 1961, the MOT test has been an annual compulsory part of car ownership, that is required by law, should your vehicle be three years or older. A concise, rigorous checklist is adhered to when the vehicle is going through each stage of the MOT.

The MOT check process

Your vehicle will undergo a thorough inspection, involving the following elements being checked for any faults or potential issues:

• Registration plates
• Vehicle Identification number (VIN)
• Steering and suspension
• Lights (including all internal and external lights)
• Wipers and windscreen inspection
• Fuel and emissions
• Seat belts and seats
• Horn
• Bodywork inspection including doors, bonnet, mirrors, wheels and tyres)
• Brake checks

As a vehicle owner, you are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is prepared for its MOT. You can do this by regularly keeping it clean, completing simple checks (such as your wipers and topping up the fluid levels) and ensuring your paperwork is up to date, present and correct.

Upon successfully passing its MOT, your vehicle’s MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards at the time.

It’s important to realise that as this result was at the time of the test, it doesn’t safeguard your vehicle for its whole lifespan; hence why regular maintenance and checks are also required.

Servicing your vehicle

Just as you attend a medical appointment when something isn’t quite right, your car needs a service in a remarkably similar way. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, different preventative actions and protocols will need to be undergone from year to year. This is why its essential you choose a garage you can trust. One who understands your vehicle’s full-service history, as the maintenance checks your vehicle requires will vary from car to car.

Although there are obvious cross-overs between an MOT and a service (such as the areas that are checked) an MOT is much more focused on the minimum requirements, and a service goes further. A full service will also focus on whether the car is running to an optimum state in terms of its fuel efficiency, longevity and financial running costs.

It’s important to differentiate between an MOT and vehicle service, as during an MOT Test the general mechanical condition of your vehicle is checked. The test itself covers a visual inspection of your engine and gearbox (if visible). It however doesn’t check the serviceable components which a vehicle service would cover such as your spark plugs, engine oil and your fuel filter, which could lead to unidentified issues.

Any additional work that may be needed will be identified during a service. If your car is serviced regularly and therefore well maintained, it should essentially pass its MOT with flying colours. Another advantage of regular car servicing lays in the fact it will inevitably attract more buyers, as care and consideration have been taken throughout the vehicle’s life so far. Therefore, servicing should result in fewer vehicle costs overall.

MOT & Servicing at John Delany Motors

At Delany’s, we want you to have complete peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that your vehicle is protected from any harm or potential danger. Therefore, if your vehicle’s service or MOT history is causing you any doubt, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have designated FAQ pages for both your vehicle’s MOT and servicing. We’re on hand to help!

To book either your vehicle’s hassle-free MOT or your next service, contact us today. You will be able to browse our range of MOTs and services, (such as manufacturers, interim and full). You can also conveniently book your next service or request a custom quote from us.

One of our specialist team looks forward to assisting you very soon.