MOT Vs Service: What’s the Difference? Do You Need Both?

Keeping your car performing at optimal condition will mean taking it to the garage for an MOT or servicing. Yet, many of us are still unaware of the differences between the two, and why it’s important to spend your money on both. What most of us don’t realise is that only one of these is a legal requirement. Read on to find out more!

Is an MOT and Service the Same Thing?

So, the main difference between the two is that an MOT is a legal requirement to verify your car’s roadworthiness, whereas a service is highly recommended to keep your vehicle operating at maximum ability, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines. The latter is not a legal requirement, but it is highly advised.

To illustrate this better, imagine that you are thinking of competing in the Olympics and you require health checks, for this, you may go to the doctor. Your doctor might say that you have a poor immune system and need to lose some weight, but other than that, you are good to go. However, it takes going to the gym and undergoing dedicated sessions to get to the fitness level of an athlete. Furthermore, the doctor is your MOT giving you the green light on your fundamental health checks, and the gym is your service which is responsible for prolonging and maintaining your health.

While both an MOT and a service examine similar aspects, such as tyre tread depth and seat belt anchor points, a service goes beyond just inspections. It involves replacing certain components, which not only enhances your car’s overall performance but also boosts fuel efficiency and prolongs its lifespan.

What Exactly is an MOT?

An MOT is a comprehensive annual inspection of your vehicle, designed to assess whether it meets the safety and environmental standards required for it to be legally roadworthy. An MOT involves checking multiple components of your car. These include:

• Lighting and signalling equipment
• Seatbelts
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Tyres
• Exhaust

If your car fails your MOT check, it will not be allowed to surface the roads. These are the minimum requirements set out by the government, to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Avoiding or driving without an MOT could lead to hefty fines and serious legal action, therefore, it is paramount to ensure that your car is MOT checked and verified.

What is a Car Service?

A car service involves routine and maintenance checks performed on a vehicle by a mechanic. Just as each person’s health is different, this is also the same with cars. Each make and model has their own specifications, and this will be outlined in the manufacturer’s guidelines. This may include the repair or replacement of certain parts, such as the air filter or engine oil.

A service is performed to increase the longevity of the car to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. The more regularly you have your car serviced, the less likely you are to spend an expensive amount of money on serious repairs or maintenance. However, unlike an MOT, a service is not a legal requirement, meaning you won’t get fined or prosecuted if you haven’t had your car serviced for some time. However, it is highly recommended as it improves driver safety, increases the lifespan of your vehicle and maintains the vehicle’s value.

Do I Need to Get an MOT and Service at the Same Time?

Both MOT and servicing have recommended or required due dates for which they should be done.

• MOT: This should be done once a year, as it will expire after 12 months.
• Service: It is also recommended that this should be done every 12 months.

As both these checks are to be done every 12 months, it is a great idea to get them both done at the same time to keep your car as healthy as possible. It is also a good way to save time and money, making it easier to keep track of when you last did both.

Where Can I Get My Car MOT and Serviced?

Both of these checks can be taken to an approved garage and done by a qualified mechanic. If you are looking for a reliable service or car MOT in Peterborough, Vital Vehicle Care is a team of dedicated mechanics with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. We offer a range of services to improve the quality of your vehicle, including MOT tests and car servicing. Want to get your car booked with us?

Call us at 01733 788887 or email us at info@vitalvehiclecare.co.uk for more information and get your car roadworthy and healthy enough to run that marathon today!