Understanding the difference between MOT and a Service

Understanding the difference between MOT and a service

Some people believe that after their vehicle has passed an MOT, all concerns with its functioning should be resolved; however, this is not the case because an MOT does not cover your vehicle's performance. Car Service and an MOT are two different things, and a vehicle owner must comply with both. An MOT will examine your vehicle's safety, among other issues, to verify that it meets DVLA standards. Servicing, on the other hand, ensures that your vehicle remains roadworthy.
An MOT is a legal requirement for your vehicle to be inspected every year. To comply with UK legislation, any vehicle above the age of three years must undergo an annual MOT test. It follows the DVSA's rigorous checklist of criteria to evaluate whether or not your vehicle is suitable for purpose and roadworthy. To pass your MOT, your vehicle may require further work, although the test does not include any repairs or replacement parts. The MOT is simply a visual assessment of your vehicle to see if it fulfils the DVSA's minimal road safety criteria. A qualified MOT tester will inspect the condition of your brakes, the operation of your lights, and the wear on your tyres.
An MOT Tester will inspect these areas during an MOT
• Electrical equipment, lamps and reflectors
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Registration Plate.
• Steering and Suspension Systems.
• Brakes, Wheels & Tyres.
• Seat Belts and Horn.
• Windscreen and Wipers.
• Exhaust, Emissions and fuel system.
• General vehicle body condition.
• Airbags.
If your vehicle is more than three years old, you must have insurance coverage and an annual MOT inspection in the United Kingdom. The test assures that the vehicle is safe to drive for a year after being tested, but it does not guarantee that it is functioning at its best.

Vehicle servicing is needed at regular intervals to keep your car in good working order and safe to drive. The Service is defined by your vehicle's manufacturer and often involves a more thorough mechanical inspection of your vehicle. Each vehicle manufacturer will provide recommendations to guarantee that your vehicle performs at its optimum. Your vehicle is inspected based on those specific standards during service to maintain it safe and functional. In some ways, the MOT may be considered a bare minimum safety inspection.

In contrast, the service is more targeted to guarantee that a specific vehicle is maintained to avoid excessive damage and alleviate wear and tear. Regular vehicles may save you money and help you keep part of the resell value of your vehicle if you decide to sell it, but not having regular car servicing can significantly reduce the value.

An MOT test generally takes 45 to 60 minutes, but if your vehicle fails the test and needs service, it will take more time to fix the problems. It's worth mentioning that if your car fails its MOT and is deemed unroadworthy, it's unsafe to drive and might result in points being added to your licence. As a result, it is strongly recommended that any faults must be resolved before driving the vehicle away. After the vehicle's issues have been rectified, an MOT retest will be necessary. In addition, an MOT test must be done by a qualified MOT Tester who has been trained and tested to execute an MOT Test at the MOT Training Centre. A four-year full-time automotive technician with experience in maintaining and repairing automobiles can be eligible to become an MOT tester. We provide a variety of courses for aspirants in Northampton, with a staff of MOT trainers and customer service professionals that have a 100% first-time pass rate.