Servicing vs MOT – Do You Need Both?

Two of the big annual events for a car owner is their annual MOT and their annual service. As a Dorset garage who offer both, our customers often ask us why do they need both? Couldn’t the MOT just do the job? And while the MOT is compulsory, and a service isn’t, there’s a good case for having both.

What the MOT covers

We all know the MOT, the dreaded test that comes around once a year and is a legal requirement to drive on the UK’s roads.  The test follows a set checklist of criteria that was created by the DVSA and tells the mechanic doing the test exactly what they have to check.  It is a pretty big list and there are things that can cause the car to fail while other times they may simply recommend that you fix them.

Examples of things included in the MOT are the lights, tyres, brakes, exhaust, safety systems such as seat belts and horn, windscreen (including wipers and windscreen wash), steering and suspension.

What is a service?

A service can be different depending on the garage that you visit.  Most garages will use a fairly standard series of checks and jobs but there is nothing set from the government.  Often garages might offer a tiered system that means you can have a basic service for one price and the number of jobs increases up the tier, as does the price.

Most services will cover some areas of the MOT like the tyres, brakes and safety systems.  It also involves replacing some key parts of the car’s engine to keep it running well.  These can include changing the engine oil, fuel and air filters and even spark plugs in some comprehensive packages.  It can also involve looking at suspension, car battery, brakes and a road test in some cases.

Do you need both?

It is a personal choice whether you have a service while an MOT is a legal requirement.  Many drivers choose to have both for a number of reasons.

For starters, the two covers quite a bit of different ground.  An MOT is like preparing for a long trip where you check all the systems are functioning, safety systems work, and the car is in good health.  The service is like the check-up after the long trip that replaces some of the systems that have worked the hardest and makes sure the rest are ready for the next trip.

Having a service can also help spot potential problems that could lead to a breakdown and reduce the risk of this happening.  This can make the car run better and increase its lifespan.  It may also be a condition of a warranty for new cars to ensure the terms are met.  And a well-documented service history from a reputable garage is a benefit when you come to sell the car and can help to increase the resale value.

Conclusion

Having an MOT isn’t a choice but having a service is.  However, most car manufacturers do recommend it and there are plenty of benefits.  Even if you get one every year or every so many miles, it can help make your car run better for longer.