What is the difference between a car service and MOT?

Every driver is familiar with the terms "service" and "MOT." Most people are aware that a car service in Reading and a MOT serve the same purpose. Both involve a professional set of eyes inspecting your vehicle with the ultimate goal of sending you out on the road with a fully functional and safe vehicle.

Having said that, there are some significant differences between the two. In this article, we will discuss the differences between a MOT and a car service, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.

What exactly is a MOT?

The abbreviation for Ministry of Transport is MOT. An MOT is a legal test that must be performed on your vehicle to ensure that it is roadworthy, safe, and meets the UK government's environmental standards.

For vehicles older than three years, a MOT must be performed annually. If your car is brand new, you won't need a MOT for the first three years. Driving your vehicle without a valid MOT certificate is illegal.

An MOT check will look at the following aspects of your vehicle:

• Electrical system

• Suspension and steering
• Braking system
• Wheels and tyres
• Seat belts
• Emissions and exhaust
• The body

What exactly is a car service?

As previously stated, a car service is similar to a MOT check in that similar components, such as tyres, steering, and brakes, are checked. A car service, on the other hand, is completed in accordance with the guidelines established by the Ministry of Transport rather than the guidelines established by the manufacturer.

A car service, unlike a MOT, is not a legally required requirement to drive your car on UK roads. Although it is not required, it is strongly advised that you have your vehicle serviced at least once a year. This is because a car service focuses on the health of your vehicle and can detect faulty equipment in your vehicle that may need to be replaced.

A car service, in addition to replacing faulty equipment, will change engine oil, filters, and brake pads, all of which are necessary to keep your vehicle performing at peak levels.

The following are some indicators that your car needs to be serviced:

• Warning light on the dashboard
• Strange noises emanating from the vehicle
• When driving, there is a loss of power
• Brakes that do not work
• You haven't driven your vehicle in a long time.

Should you service your car before taking it in for a MOT?

It is recommended that you perform a service after having your vehicle inspected for a MOT. This is due to the fact that faults discovered during a service can be easily identified during a MOT check. A failed MOT is not caused by a service light on the dashboard.

Can I drive my car home after a MOT failure?

If the test results show that your vehicle has ‘dangerous' or ‘major' problems, it will fail. You may be barred from driving until the problems are resolved.

You may also receive a list of 'minor' or 'advisory' issues to monitor or fix in the future.

If your car fails its MOT, the test centre will issue you a ‘refusal of a MOT test certificate,' which will be recorded in the MOT database.

Driving a failed vehicle - You can have your vehicle if your current MOT certificate is still valid, and no 'dangerous' issues were identified in the MOT. Otherwise, you'll have to have it fixed before you can drive.

If you have the ability to remove your vehicle, it must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT due to a 'dangerous' problem can result in a £2,500 fine, a driving ban, and three penalty points.