A Full Car Service vs MOT Testing

Unexpectedly, many believe that a full car service equals a successful MOT test. However, they can not be any more wrong. In an ideal world, full car servicing should allow you to not worry about your MOT testing. But accidents are spontaneous, and even a fully serviced car can break down. Thus, the MOT is a necessity for your safety.


Having said that, it is true that there are many similarities between car servicing and MOT testing. But the following article will show readers how these two differ fundamentally.

Full Car Service and MOT Testing Are Different

Yes, both the MOT and full car servicing operate in similar areas. However, a MOT test checks whether your car is road-safe, while a full car service ensures that your vehicle is operating at its best.  Thus, in a MOT test, the priority is to check for safety issues and the control features of your car. And when you go for a full car servicing, it is to prolong the life of your vehicle. 

Thus, an MOT test entails checking components like tyres, brakes, steering, etc., while car servicing can include tuning up the engine or even replacing some older components.

What Does An MOT Entail?

The MOT, or The Ministry of Transport Test, is a mandatory, legal requirement for a vehicle to pass to be driven. You can get your car tested at any independent garage or a main dealer. However, be advised that it can only be done at centers showing the blue sign with 3 white triangles. You can easily get your MOT near Birmingham or any other cities. 

As an annual test for any vehicle older than 3 years old, MOT testing can be pretty extensive. But it is a test your vehicle has to pass, as mandated by the government. The primary aim is to check your vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety. As such, these are the components that are checked in an MOT:

  • Emission and Exhaust: Emission levels are checked for pollution and the exhaust for any major leaks.
  • Car suspension and Steering: The overall condition of your steering and suspension. 
  • Tyres and Wheels: Your tyre life will be scrutinized for tread depth, type, size, and security, along with your wheel alignment.
  • Seats and Lights: Overall brightness and direction of your lights and how secure the seats are.
  • Fuel systems: The Fuel cap and systems will be checked against leaks.
  • Brakes: Brakes are the core component of the MOT. They will be tested on their performance, condition, and operation. 
  • Vehicle Registration and Identification: Your registration plate should be clearly displayed and in line with the regulations. And your VIN should also be legibly displayed.

Is MOT Required Legally?

Started back in 1960, MOT has evolved over the years to be an annual test for vehicles older than 3 years. It is a mandatory test if you want to use any vehicle on a road as defined in the Road Traffic Act of 1988.  

Passing the MOT awards you the VT20 MOT certificate, which will carry your car details and the MOT test number. If caught without this certificate, you can be held liable and fined up to £1,000. It will also invalidate your insurance.

What Is A Full Car Service?

Unlike the MOT, which pertains to the safety of a vehicle, full car servicing covers everything necessary to keep it in optimum condition. Hence, you need to take your car servicing seriously. As such, it is recommended to go for a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles.

A full car service not only improves the safety and lifespan of your vehicle but also helps you save money by identifying and rooting out issues well in advance. Furthermore, you can also sell your car for much more if it is well-maintained and in optimum condition.

What Do You Get In A Full Car Service?

As mentioned above, a full car service is a comprehensive check of your vehicle that includes the following:

  • Components under the car bonnet: Things like your car battery, wiring, electrical components, coolants, cables, drive belts, brake pipes, and fluid levels will be checked. 
  • Car’s interior: Your warning lights, dashboard, climate control system, and interior lights will be serviced. 
  • Car’s exterior: It will cover your exterior lights, headlights, tail lights, windscreen, doors, fuel caps, and so on.
  • Brake Inspection: Just like the MOT, your braking system will be examined and serviced. 
  • Engine check: Your engine will be the highlight of a full service as the mechanic will look at the performance of your car.
  • Wheel alignment check: Your tyres and wheels will also receive servicing and maintenance. 
  • Necessary replacements: After all these checks, if no parts need changing, your engine will still get an oil and filter replacement.
  • Final check: Lastly, your car will undergo a road test and the service will conclude.

Benefits Of Regular Car Servicing

A full car servicing in Birmingham differs from an MOT, as it is not a mandatory requirement for your car. However, it is still something very beneficial to you as a car owner. If you want to get the most out of your beloved vehicle, you must go for a full car servicing once every year. By doing so, you can enjoy the following benefits of regular car servicing:

  • Better Safety
  • Optimum Car Performance
  • Fuel Efficient
  • Longer lifespan
  • Better Resale Value

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