What’s the Difference Between an MOT Test and Regular Car Servicing?

Currently, there are 41.4 million licensed vehicle owners in the UK. 78% of homeowners have a single car or van; 34% of homeowners have two or more cars. Being a vehicle owner in the UK, one is familiar with terms like the MOT test and the importance of regular car servicing. Most vehicle owners are under the assumption that car servicing and the MOT test mean the same thing.

Some even believe that by doing car servicing, one does not need to prepare for the MOT test. However, the harsh reality is that a regular car service and an MOT test both have different objectives. Through this blog, one will understand the major differences between the two and why both are important for a vehicle owner.  

What’s an MOT Test?

Every country has its specific Ministry of Transport regulations, tests which vehicle owners have to take and strictly follow. In the UK, an MOT test is a legal annual inspection of a vehicle that is three years or older. The main objective of the test is to check that a vehicle satisfies the basic safety and environmental standards laid out by the UK government.

What Does an MOT Test Assess?

The MOT test does not evaluate the vehicle’s mechanical condition. The main purpose of the MOT test is to determine if the key parts of a vehicle are performing safely and meet the necessary legal guidelines laid down by the UK government.

What Parts of a Vehicle Are Inspected?

The MOT-certified tester checks parts of a vehicle, as explained below:

  • Brakes
  • The vehicle’s emission level
  • The vehicle’s exhaust system
  • Indicators and light
  • The condition of the tyres and wheels
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Seatbelts
  • Wipers and windscreen
  • Vehicle bodywork and basic structure

If the specified requirements are met, the vehicle receives an MOT certificate. However, if the vehicle has faults, it will not clear the MOT test. In some cases, where the issues are quite major, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road until all the issues are resolved and the MOT Stourbridge test is taken again.

What Is Regular Car Servicing?

This is a regular car maintenance process which helps to keep the vehicle running smoothly and stop any mechanical issues that might escalate into major issues. Regular car servicing is not a legal requirement. However, expert car technicians always recommend that vehicle owners service their vehicles periodically.

What Happens during a Regular Car Servicing?

A car servicing process includes inspecting the vehicle, maintaining it, and repairing or replacing parts of the vehicle that have worn out. Car servicing is of different types, which indicate what type of servicing is being carried out on the vehicle.

Basic car servicing tasks include the following:

  • Replacing the engine oil.
  • Replacing the oil filter.
  • Inspecting and replacing the air filter.
  • Inspecting the brake system.
  • Checking the fluid level.
  • Testing the battery.
  • Assessment of the tyres.
  • Replacement of spark plugs if needed.
  • Checking the cooling system.
  • Inspecting the drive belt.

When vehicle owners invest in regular car services, they reduce breakdowns and avoid costly repairs.

Major Differences Between Car Servicing and MOT

It is essential to note that both processes inspect a vehicle. However, both have different goals.

Legal Requirements vs. Preventive Care

The vital difference is that an MOT test is a mandatory legal requirement for all vehicles that are three years or more old in the UK. If a vehicle driver is driving without a legal MOT certificate, the vehicle driver faces severe fines, and the vehicle insurance will be nullified. On the other hand, servicing the vehicle is voluntary. A vehicle owner might face complex repair issues if he does not do it periodically.

Maintenance of Safety Standards vs. Vehicle Health

The MOT test thoroughly examines if the vehicle meets the basic legal safety and environmental standards. A vehicle may have several mechanical issues but still pass the MOT test. Car servicing Stourbridge checks the car extensively to improve its health and increase the overall efficiency of the vehicle. The main objective is to increase the lifespan of a vehicle and prevent future costly repairs.

Conclusion

A regular car servicing and an MOT test will both check the vehicle thoroughly, but their basic goals are different. The MOT test is a legal requirement that tests whether the basic safety and environmental guidelines specified have been followed by the vehicle. While car servicing is a preventive measure taken up by the vehicle owner to ensure their vehicle runs effortlessly on the road.  A reliable vehicle owner should equally treat an MOT test and regular car servicing with importance. Together, they help the driver to keep his vehicle dependable, efficient, legal and safe through its lifetime.

Location: Stourbridge, UK

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