What is the difference between an MOT and a service?
At Wyatt’s, we often get asked “what is the difference between an MOT and service?”. Even though the two can seem similar in some ways, they are in fact very different. Both MOTs and servicing are necessary for keeping a car running safely and efficiently. Read on to find out more.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is an annual test that all cars over three years old must undergo. During the test, we check important parts of the vehicle to ensure they meet the legal standards, including the brakes, lights, mirrors, windscreen wipers and fuel and exhaust systems. The test doesn’t cover the condition of the engine, gearbox, or clutch. The MOT tester will check that your car is fit for purpose and safe to drive on the roads.
An MOT pass certificate implies that the vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA. However, since the MOT tester won’t dismantle any components of the vehicle, the MOT test doesn’t provide information about its mechanical condition.
Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?
In most cases, it’s illegal to drive without an MOT certificate. The only exception to this is if you’re driving your car to a pre-booked test or to or from a garage for repairs. If the police stop you, they may ask to see proof of your appointment.
Don’t risk driving without an MOT. You could face a steep fine of up to £1,000. Many people don’t realise that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems on the UK’s roads can identify those vehicles driving without an up to date MOT certificate. This makes it easier than ever for police to find and punish people who are driving without an MOT.
What is car servicing?
A car service is a health check for your vehicle to assess everything from general wear and tear to the engine’s fluid levels. Generally, there are three different types of service: Interim, Full and Major. A major service, which is the most in-depth of them, involves around 50 or more checks of the system and components. Regular servicing helps to keep your car running safely and efficiently. Since it can help to identify issues before they become bigger, expensive problems, investing in regular servicing can help to save you money in the long term.
You might think you’ll save a few pounds by opting out of servicing, however, you may end up paying out much more if your car needs expensive work that could have been avoided if flagged earlier on during service.
Regular servicing can also help your car to maintain its market value over time. Frequent servicing can mean an increased resale value if you come to sell your car in the future. A full service history may well attract more buyers who are willing to pay a higher price for a well-maintained vehicle.
Which type of service should I choose?
Knowing which type of service to choose can be tough, especially if you’re not sure what each of them includes. At Wyatt’s, we offer full and interim servicing for vehicles of all makes and models. An interim service should usually be carried out every six months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first. This type of service generally includes checking brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, steering, and all fluid levels. It may also include an oil change, filter replacement, and drive belt inspection.
A full car service should ideally be carried out every 12 months or 12,000 miles. It usually includes everything in the interim service as well as extra checks and changes. Often, full service includes up to 80 different checks on your car, including fuel filter replacement, air cleaner replacement, and parking brake shoe inspection. This type of service is much more thorough and is likely to identify more issues than an interim service would.
Don’t let the cost of a car service put you off. You’re likely to recoup this back by saving money on repair bills in the future. The cost of servicing varies from garage to garage. However, you can expect to find the cheapest prices at independent garages like Wyatt’s rather than main dealers. We’re proud to offer extremely competitively priced MOTs and servicing in Barnsley and the surrounding areas.
My car has passed its MOT – is servicing still required?
Some people assume that since their car has passed its MOT, they don’t need to get it serviced. However, this is a common misconception. The reality is that an MOT and service are very different and it’s important to undertake both of them. Although car servicing isn’t a legal requirement, it’s highly advisable if you want to keep your car running as safely and efficiently as possible. An MOT checks a vehicle’s roadworthiness but a service delves deeper, identifying those issues that wouldn’t be spotted during an MOT test. “What is the difference between an MOT and a service?” is a common question and this shows just how many people don’t know how important it is for their cars to undergo these assessments.
Choose Wyatt’s for servicing and MOTs in Barnsley
Wyatt Auto Services is one of the leading MOT centres in Barnsley and Wombwell. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you require an MOT or servicing for your vehicle. We can often provide a same or next day service and our rates are amongst the most competitive in the area. We’re a local family run business with a fantastic reputation. Therefore, you can rest assured that work will be carried out to a high standard and at a fair price.
Contact us
If you’re still wondering “what is the difference between an MOT and a service?”, contact us today. Call us on 01226 979 087 to discuss your requirements with one of the team. Alternatively, send us a message via our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.