As a car owner in the UK, you know that vehicles more than three years old must be taken for an MOT test. However, a lot of people appear at their MOT test without having their car serviced first, only to wonder why it failed the test. One of the best things that a driver can do is to have their car serviced prior to undergoing an MOT test. It helps save money, stress and ensures that the vehicle passes the first time.
This blog is aimed at car owners to break down the importance of car servicing before an MOT test and the advantages of it to every motorist.
What is an MOT Test?
The MOT is an annual assessment for cars that checks whether they are fit for the road and friendly to the environment, according to Government requirements. It spans from brakes and lights to tyres and exhaust emissions. Vehicles must be taken out of circulation if they fail their MOT, and they will not be able to be driven on the road until they have been repaired.
The MOT test is not designed to test all aspects of the car’s condition – only to ensure that the car meets the basic legal requirements at the time of the test. This is where Car Servicing Leicester comes in.
What is Car Servicing?
Car servicing is a check and maintenance procedure which helps the vehicle run well. When the mechanic is servicing the vehicle, he or she will inspect numerous components, replace the oil and filters, check fluid levels, and examine the vehicle for worn or damaged parts.
Car servicing is not a legal obligation, but unlike an MOT, it is strongly recommended! A well-serviced car will be safer, more reliable and much less likely to fail its MOT.
How Car Servicing Helps Before an MOT?
1. It Catches Problems Early
The greatest benefit of getting a car servicing done before an MOT is that the mechanics can identify problems before the test day. Worn brake pads, worn tyre tread and faulty lights are just a few examples that can lead to an MOT failure. If these issues are identified and resolved when the car is in for service, it is much more likely to pass.
It is usually easier to deal with problems if you can resolve them before the MOT. The driver knows that the car is fine, rather than discovering issues on the day of the test.
2. It Saves Money
Some people would like to skip servicing their vehicles to save money, but this may cost more. Anyone who fails their MOT will have to pay to fix the car and for a re-test. A service, in many instances, could have prevented the retest and repair costs.
Regular vehicle maintenance also aids in the prevention of minor issues from developing into big, expensive problems. A worn belt or a leaking seal may be a minor problem, but when unaddressed, these problems can lead to significant damage to the engine or other critical components.
3. It Improves Safety
An MOT only tells you if a car is legal to drive, and does not assess if it is a good car to drive. A complete car service does much more. It considers the health of the vehicle and ensures everything is in good condition and functioning, not just enough for a test.
When you have a car that is maintained to the highest standards, you can have a lot more peace of mind, especially for families and frequent travellers. When you know the brakes are in tip-top condition, the tyres have lots of tread, and the engine is in tune, everyone on the road is much safer.
4. It Keeps the Car Running Efficiently
A well-maintained vehicle gets better fuel efficiency. Clean engine oil minimises friction; clean air filters enable the engine to function as it was designed; and properly inflated tyres create less road resistance. These factors together save a lot of money at the petrol station as they have a positive effect on fuel economy.
Poorly-maintained vehicles release more harmful gases, and an MOT test will test for emissions. By keeping up to date with car services, there is a good chance of low emissions, which is good for the environment and helps the car meet the emissions section of the MOT Leicester.
5. It Protects the Car’s Value
If you’re considering selling your car down the road, it is actually very beneficial to have an extensive service history. Purchasing a car that has been serviced regularly is more likely to be trusted by buyers, and they will likely pay more for it. If a vehicle has a full service record, it means that it has been well taken care of.
However, if a vehicle has recently passed its MOT test after a full service, this lends even more confidence to those wishing to purchase the vehicle.
What Happens If You Skip the Service?
It is easy for many drivers to assume that they’re driving a safe vehicle just because it appears to be in good running order. However, cars can have problems that are not immediately apparent to the driver; worn brake pads may not feel different until they are very close to wearing out.
Taking an MOT test with no previous car servicing is comparable to taking an examination without revision. Although the car could pass, it is much more likely that it will not. The repair cost could also be much more if it breaks down, compared to what a service may cost.
When Should Car Servicing Be Done Before an MOT?
There are a number of recommendations that are generally made to get a car serviced a few weeks before the MOT test is conducted. This allows time to fix any identified problems without rushing. If you plan on booking both the service and the MOT at the same garage, it can also save money in some cases, as there are garages that provide both services under one quote.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to be told that their car doesn’t pass its MOT. The bright side is that, for most of the issues that can cause a car to fail its MOT, you can prevent them entirely by getting regular servicing. A good service makes sure that the car is safe, roadworthy and in the best condition to pass inspection easily.
Whether you are a new driver who wants to maintain your car, an existing driver who wants to save money, or someone who wants to be safe on the roads of the UK, car servicing in advance of your next MOT test is all but essential.
