Car Service and MOT: Ensuring Safety and Performance

The role of a car service Coventry is very important for keeping the vehicle safe, roadworthy, and performing as efficiently as possible. Routine car servicing not only increases the life of a car but also keeps a car in compliance with many regulations we are expected to follow, for example, in the UK, the annual MOT test. For car owners, it is helpful to understand how service and MOT fit together; both are important to ensure the car is safe and running as efficiently as possible. 

Importance of Regular Car Service 

A car is one of the most complex machines most people own, and it is made of many thousands of components. With an engine, a transmission, electrical systems, suspension, steering systems, brakes, and many other parts on a car, it is easy to see that some wear and tear will take place during the life of the car. However, if damage or wear to part of the car is not remedied when it occurs, it can deteriorate to become a major issue, often leading to costly repairs. Repairs that may be resolved for little or no cost through routine car servicing. 

The emphasis on regular car service is not simply because it may be a requirement of the manufacturer's warranty, although this is important. It is also important to regularly get the essential parts of the car checked, fixed and/or replaced. Important parts include all fluids in the car – engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. Regular car servicing can catch the small issues with your car before they become major issues that cause breakdowns, and when you want to be on the road. 

A car also works optimally as all of its parts operate better while consuming less fuel. It reduces emissions considerably, as well, and it is more reliable. Servicing a car can help save the driver's money and contribute to global environmental sustainability. 

What Happens During a Car Service? 

The car service you receive will vary according to the type of car service — interim, full or major — but the basic checklist will include:  

Engine Oil and Filter Change: Clean oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine to reduce friction and keep engine components from seizing and overheating. 

Brake Inspection:  Mechanics will check brake pads, brake discs and brake fluid levels to ascertain the safety of the vehicle.  

Tyre Inspection: The condition of the tyres will be checked for wear, tyre tread depth, and alignment.  

Suspension and Steering: As handling will depend on suspension and steering, the systems will be required to be tested.  

Battery Health: Modern vehicles depend heavily on the battery and electrical supply.  

Lights and Indicators inspection: Functionality checks are required to avoid hazards on the road. 

Air and Cabin Filters: Filters will be changed at the time of service, which is good for the engine's efficiency and the quality of air inside the vehicle's cab. 

Some other parts, like spark plugs, timing belts, and fuel filter, will be changed as required, depending on either mileage or the manufacturer's recommendation for a service. 

Understanding MOT and Its Connection with Car Service 

In the UK, once your vehicle is three years old, it is required to pass an MOT once a year. An MOT is proof that your vehicle is safe and meets environmental standards for road use. If your vehicle does not have a valid MOT certificate, you cannot legally drive it on public roads, nor can you validate your insurance. 

Some people make the mistake of believing that a vehicle service and an MOT inspection are the same thing, but there is a difference: 

MOT: This is a legal event that helps detect if your car is roadworthy. The badge covers: safety items (brakes, lights, tyres, seatbelts), emissions and visibility.  

Car Service: This is a maintenance executed on the car by the manufacturer's recommendation to maintain the car in mechanical condition and avoid major breakdowns, and to optimise the efficiency of the vehicle. 

While an MOT reassures you that your vehicle is safe to drive, having an MOT does not mean you are getting the best performance from your vehicle. That is why it is a good idea to combine an annual service with an MOT test, so you can be confident that your car is entirely compliant for safety, and you know that it is going to last. 

Advantages of Combining MOT With a Service 

Car owners like to have their car serviced and book an MOT together. This is because: 

• Time: Completing both inspections at the same time saves minutes to hours of checking and repair work. The car owner can plan on one visit to the garage. 
• Money: Many garages offer discount packages where both inspections are booked at the same time and offered at a cheaper rate to the car owner. 
• Convenience: The car owner not only knows the car has successfully passed the MOT but has also had a full service of the car's components, which will run smoothly.  
• Resale Value: The MOT certificate almost guarantees a car history with service history, and a valid MOT certificate is often preferred by buyers. 

Preparing for an MOT Test 

If car owners wish to be successful in passing the MOT by the first inspection, there is no harm in doing some simple inspections or checks at home before inspecting the car: 

• Check as many lights as you can, including indicators (largely important), the brake lights and reverse. 

• Check tyre tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6 mm. 

• Check screen wash is above minimum requirements, and that the wipers work. 

• Check mirrors and seatbelts are in order, including the horn. 

• Check the windscreen to ensure that it does not have obstructions/cracks, or chips that obstruct the driver. 

Small defects like bulbs gone faulty or wipers worn out are always cheap and simple repairs that can only help when you give yourself the best chance of having a successful pass.

Conclusion 

You are responsible for your car's service and an MOT Coventry every year. An MOT is a legal requirement that confirms minimum levels of safety are achieved; however, servicing aims to do much more, ideally improving the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the vehicle. It is the combined benefits of an annual service and MOT that will keep any vehicle on the road in a safe condition, as well as save you money in the long run, improve safety, and enhance resale value. In the end, every car owner is smart, practical, and safe by having a car serviced along with an MOT.