MOT and car servicing: What’s the difference?
To a trained mechanic, the difference between a car service and an MOT might be obvious, but it can be more for the layman to see. Contrary to what many people believe, the two processes are fundamentally different and are undertaken for separate reasons.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at both of these inspections and explaining what the difference is between them.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is a test that determines whether your car is road safe, following a strict checklist of criteria set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The law requires every vehicle over three years old to take an MOT annually, during which a mechanic will check the following areas for problems:
- Registration plate
- Lights
- Steering
- Suspension
- Windscreen, wipers, and washer bottle
- Horn
- Seats
- Seatbelts
- Fuel system
- Emissions
- Bodywork
- Doors
- Mirrors
- Wheels
- Tyres
- Brakes
Although the inspection itself does not involve any repairs or replacements, you might need to undertake these following the inspection in order to pass the test. After the MOT is complete, you receive a pass or fail along with a corresponding certificate.
What is a car service?
Rather than being about road safety like an MOT, car servicing helps your vehicle is run smoothly. The point of reference for this inspection is the car manufacturer, instead of the DVSA, and it will almost always involve replacements and repairs.
Why are MOTs and car servicing important?
You don’t have a choice whether you get an MOT or not. Without one, you can’t legally drive your car. Because of this, your insurance will also become invalidated should you get into an accident. It’s best to check your MOT status periodically to make sure you get one before it expires each year.
Unlike an MOT, getting your car serviced isn’t a legal requirement. Some people mistakenly think it’s just a way for mechanics to make money – according to IBISWorld, the motor vehicle maintenance and repair industry is worth £28.8 billion in 2022.
However, there are some compelling reasons why you should do it.
Your car will be less likely to suffer from wear and tear. Issues with the inner workings of your car aren’t always obvious to the layman and often require an expert to dig deep to find them.
Identifying and resolving issues early on is a better idea than leaving them to build up and become unmanageable, both from a safety and a monetary point of view. Additionally, keeping your car in top shape will make it last longer. All this means that getting your car serviced regularly can actually save you money, contrary to what you might assume.