Do I Have To Get My Car Serviced Or Do I Need An MOT?

Is car servicing a legal requirement?

Although car servicing is not a legal requirement, you must keep your vehicle roadworthy. You have a legal responsibility to do this, and you could land yourself a fine of £2,500, three points on your licence, and even a driving ban if your car is found to be unsafe. Servicing goes a long way to making sure your car remains fit for the road. Let’s find out more about car servicing, garages in Barnsley, and the laws around car maintenance right now. So the question is Do I Have To Get My Car Serviced Or Do I Need An MOT?

What is the difference between a service and an MOT?

Many people are still confused about the difference between car servicing and MOTs. However, you cannot have one instead of the other. These check-ups actually consist of very different series of checks. Not everything included in one process is part of the other. An MOT is a legally-required process in which various tests are carried out to ensure your car is fit for the road.

No repairs or part replacements are made during the MOT process. However, you will be told whether your car needs any repair work to pass its MOT at the end. It can be helpful to see an MOT as a test to ensure that your car is safe to drive. Servicing helps it run to its highest potential, ensuring that worsening issues are swiftly addressed.

What happens during servicing?

When a service takes place, checks are made against manufacturer guidelines rather than those set out by the DVSA. Your tyres, seatbelts, and brakes will be checked during both an MOT and a service. However, services including more checks and some parts may be replaced. Your engine oil may be replaced to make your car run more smoothly, and new fuel filter, air filter, and spark plugs may be installed to boost performance.

Why have your car serviced?

A service can prolong the life of your vehicle and help you avoid breaking down and damaging your engine. You are not legally obliged to have your car serviced, but its performance could decline considerably if you don’t have servicing carried out at least annually. When you don’t take your car in for servicing, you risk being met with sizeable repair bills further down the line. A service gives industry professionals the chance to spot potential problems before they spiral out of control and cost you much more.

Identify developing issues

Even if you haven’t spotted any issues with your car recently, a problem you’re not yet aware of may be subtly developing. Regular servicing can tell you whether your car is roadworthy and alert you to any issues you need to know about. It can ensure you don’t need to scrap your car prematurely and helps you retain more of its value. What’s more is that when oil and filters are replaced during your service, your car becomes more fuel-efficient. This means you can get more for your money next time you’re at the pump. If you do decide to sell your car further down the line, you’re likely to have more success and get the price you want if you can show a full service history.

The dangers of postponing servicing

If you’re the proud owner of a new car, you may not need to have it serviced for three years. However, once you reach this three-year point, it’s wise to take it in for servicing annually. It’s important to note how serious engine damage can be when your fluid levels are low or you don’t change your oil frequently enough. The longer you postpone car servicing, the more likely you are to notice things like erratic light activity, bizarre-sounding noises, and problems running your vehicle. Regular servicing tends to result in better handling, more fuel efficiency, a smoother-sounding engine, and better braking.

Types of car servicing

There are numerous types of servicing for you to choose from. These include full and major servicing as well as basic, interim, and manufacturer servicing. The more comprehensive your checks are, the more you will pay. However, many motorists believe that full servicing is worth every penny due to the peace of mind that it delivers. The type of service you’re recommended can depend on factors such as how many miles you’ve driven since your previous service and the amount of time that has elapsed. It’s wise to have your car serviced at least each year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Choose Wyatts Autos for Barnsley car servicing

At Wyatts Autos, we are ready to hear from you if you are looking for garages offering car servicing in Barnsley. As a leading family-run independent garage and auto centre, we can get you back on the road safely, legally, and quickly. We can also provide you with MOTs, tyre replacement services, and repairs at highly competitive prices. Our team of mechanics have vast experience in servicing models from all the main vehicle manufacturers. You can count on us to listen attentively to what you have to say. We pay close attention to your vehicle so we can identify the best way to assist you.

Protecting your warranty

If your car is still under warranty, we can provide servicing without compromising it. Using official parts from your manufacturer, we ensure your warranty is not invalidated, whichever service you require. Our servicing treatments include 50-point checks, oil and air filters, and spark plug or fuel filter replacement. We can also strip and clean your breaks, check your tyre pressure, carry out interior and exterior checks, and much more.

State-of-the-art technology

Our Barnsley auto service centre is fully equipped with all the latest market-leading technology and equipment. All of the checks and replacements we offer can be carried out individually. We can also provide a comprehensive service that features each of these. Should we identify any issues, we will only proceed when we have your express consent.

Wyatt’s is one of the leading garages in Barnsley, so why not get in touch to discuss your car servicing needs? We can give you vehicle a comprehensive health check, ensuring you’re safe and legal to be driven on the roads.

Contact us

Now you know the answer to Do I Have To Get My Car Serviced Or Do I Need An MOT? to book an MOT in Barnsley, call us on 01226 979 087. Alternatively, send us a message via the form on our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can.