What You Must Know About Getting Your Car Serviced and MOT Tested

What Happens During a Car Service 

A car service can be assumed as a health check for your vehicle. The mechanic will conduct a detailed inspection of your car to assess its functions and overall condition. No, this check is not the same as the check you do for a MOT test. Car servicing will check if your car is in good condition. An MOT test London will check if the car is safe to drive and meets the relevant environmental regulations. 

Your mechanic will examine many different parts during a car service. They inspect your engine, brakes, suspension, steering, and electrical components. They also replace items that wear out over time. 

Three Main Types of Services 

Basic  

A basic service covers vital checks and involves inspection of the suspension, tyres, lights, brakes, and steering. The various fluids of the car are topped up. The basic service takes an hour or two and is recommended for new cars that haven't chalked up many miles. 

Interim 

An interim service is a basic test plus some other tests. If your car has accumulated a lot of miles, this service is for you. It does more than a basic one, but less than a full-service one. It includes everything that a basic service offers, plus extra checks on the cooling system, exhaust, and battery. They also run checks for electronic issues. 

Full 

A full service is a comprehensive check of the car and covers every vital part. The test involves many hours because there are many things to examine, including spark plugs, belts, filters, and brakes.

MOT Tests: The Legal Angle 

Every car over three years old must take an MOT Bermondsey test each year. The test checks three main key aspects: roadworthiness, safety and compliance with environmental regulations. Only authorised garages are allowed to conduct the all-important MOT test. They must have qualified testers trained in following the stringent test rules. 

What Gets Tested in an MOT 

Safety Checks 

All the parts that contribute to the safety of your car are tested during the MOT. The testing involves checking the brakes, the tyre treads, and the condition of the seatbelts. Your steering is also checked in detail. 

The testing also involves checking all the lights. If any of the lights are not working, you are likely to fail the MOT test. 

Emissions Testing 

The tester will check if the car's exhaust is causing excessive pollution. Petrol and diesel cars are tested in different ways. Electric and hybrid cars run through special checks. 

Body and Structure 

The car's body must not have signs of damage or rust. They can compromise the car's safety. The tester will also check if any modifications have been made that can make the car unsafe to drive. The checks will also include the floor, door pillars, and fuel system parts.

Why Choose Regular Services? 

Save Money in the Long-Term 

Detecting problems early is always better than taking your car for repairs after it breaks down. Failing to maintain vital components of the car can result in failures that can cost you lots of money.  

Cars with good service records gain in resale value. Buyers often pay more willingly for well-maintained vehicles. 

Enhanced Reliability 

Regularly serviced cars face fewer frequent breakdowns. They start smoothly, run without a glitch, and are fuel-efficient. No need to deal with unexpected breakdowns. 

Safety Assured 

Potential problems are caught early during regular servicing. It is unlikely that you will detect problems like faulty brake pads or worn tyres unless you get them checked professionally. A mechanic will identify and resolve their issues quickly. 

Warranty Protection 

Have you checked the terms of your warranties? Some warranties are valid only on regular servicing. You may have to pay a substantial sum for a defect that could have been avoided with proper care. 

How Often Should You Service Your Car? 

Follow the Manual 

Your car's manual is your guide to proper car servicing. Servicing is based on the mileage covered, the time since purchase, and registration. Check the manual for specific details, as different cars have varying requirements. 

Your Driving Decides 

Cars used more frequently require more servicing. If you drive occasionally, you do not need to service your car frequently. Consult a professional mechanic to know better. 

Getting Ready for Your Vehicle's MOT 

Check in Advance 

Run a few simple checks before your drive in for the MOT test. It will help you in many ways. You can complete a few basic checks and fix the problems in advance.  

Common Failure Points 

MOT failures are frequently associated with lights that don't work, worn tyres, or faulty brakes. Make sure your car doesn't have these issues to avoid an MOT failure. 

Conclusion 

Regular servicing and annual MOT tests will keep your car roadworthy and safe to drive. Regular servicing will help catch problems early and will help you sail through the MOT test with greater confidence. A well-maintained car with a valid MOT will help you drive on the road with confidence and add value to your vehicle.