What Mechanics Check During Car Servicing vs MOT Test?

Car servicing and MOT are two terms which come up whenever the question of maintaining a car in good condition arises. The words are very different, and many car owners use them in the same way, yet they are two very different things. Knowing what occurs in each of them can enable car owners to make better decisions about taking care of their cars and being safe on the road.

What Is Car Servicing?

Car servicing is a regular check and maintenance process that is performed by a mechanic to ensure a car is running smoothly. This is not a legal obligation, but it is highly encouraged. A service can be used to detect small issues before they turn into big, costly problems. It further assists in maintaining the car in its best performance and has the potential to extend the life of the vehicle.

Car servicing has various levels. Typically, there is an interim service, a full service, and a major service. The more detailed the service, the more a mechanic will check and replace. Car servicing is usually done either once a year or after some set number of miles, whichever comes first.

What Is an MOT?

The MOT is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom for most vehicles that are three years old or older. The test is named after the Ministry of Transport, which introduced it many decades ago. An MOT is a test that verifies that a car is as safe as it can be and that it is as eco-friendly as possible. In the absence of a valid MOT certificate, it is illegal to drive the car on the roads.

A yearly MOT should be conducted in a certified testing centre. It does not cover maintenance or wear and tear, as it is merely a test of whether the car is safe and roadworthy on the day of the test.

What Do Mechanics Check During Car Servicing?

Servicing of cars includes many types of checks and tasks. This will be determined by the specific service being performed, but the following is usually included.

1. Oil and filter change: Changing engine oil and the oil filter is one of the most important aspects of car servicing West Bromwich. Old oil gets dirty and becomes unable to properly lubricate the engine. New oil makes the engine run well and reduces wear.
2. Fluid levels: A mechanic will check and top up all the essential fluids in the car. These are coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. It is essential to maintain these at the correct levels to make the car function properly.
3. Brakes: The brakes are checked during the car servicing process. The mechanic will inspect the wear of the brake pads, discs, and drums. In case the brakes are too worn, they might be changed to ensure safe stopping.
4. Tyres: Tyres are examined in terms of tread depth, pressure, and any evidence of wear or damage. Worn or damaged tyres are dangerous, and this is a significant aspect of the check.
5. Battery: The battery is checked to ensure that it holds a charge. A weak battery can leave a driver stranded, particularly in cold weather.
6. Air filter: The air filter is inspected and changed when necessary. A clean air filter helps the engine work better with air and improves fuel economy.
7. Lights: All lights are inspected, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. Any bulbs that have blown are replaced.
8. Belts and hoses: The mechanic will examine the timing belt, drive belts, and hoses to determine whether they are cracked or worn. They are very important parts, and their failure can result in serious damage to the engine.
9. Spark plugs: Spark plugs can be checked or replaced depending on the nature of the service provided. These small components are very important to the engine starting process and ensuring the smooth running of the engine.

What Do Mechanics Check During an MOT?

An MOT is a standard test with a fixed checklist approved by the government. The tester is not in place to service the car or perform any repairs; they are only checking whether the car meets legal standards for road use. The following is what is involved in an MOT test.

1. Brakes: The brakes are checked to ensure that they are functioning well and stopping the car efficiently. This involves inspection of brake pads, discs, and the handbrake.
2. Lights: All the lights should be in proper condition during an MOT West Bromwich. This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, and number plate lights.
3. Tyres: Tyres should not have a tread depth that is less than the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6 mm. They are also examined for cuts, bulges, and any other obvious damage.
4. Steering and suspension: The tester makes sure that the steering is responsive and that the suspension is working properly. There should not be excessive looseness or abnormal movement that could lead to failure.
5. Windscreen and wipers: The windscreen should be free from any big cracks or chips that may block the driver’s view. The wipers should also be effective and clear the screen properly.
6. Seatbelts: All the seatbelts are inspected to ensure that they fasten, unfasten, and re-fasten properly. A defective seatbelt will lead to MOT failure.
7. Exhaust and emissions: The exhaust system is examined for leaks and excessive noise. The vehicle should also undergo an emissions test to ensure that it is not emitting more pollution than the law permits.
8. Horn: The horn is checked to ensure that it functions. It is a basic yet crucial safety inspection that is part of the MOT.
9. Number plates: Number plates should be present, securely fastened, and clearly visible.

Key Differences Between Car Servicing and an MOT

The main distinctions between car servicing and an MOT.

The greatest difference is that an MOT is required by law, whereas car servicing is not. An MOT is a test of the legality and safety of the car on the road, but does not involve any maintenance. Car servicing, on the other hand, is concerned with maintaining the car in good condition through regular upkeep and part replacements.

The other important distinction is the purpose. Car servicing is about preventing problems. A MOT is concerned with checking existing ones. A car may fail its MOT even after a service, and a well-serviced car may still fail its MOT if a safety issue is detected.

Conclusion

Car servicing and the MOT are very important in maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle. An annual MOT is not enough to maintain a car in good health. Regular car servicing ensures the vehicle is maintained throughout the year, not just when the MOT is due.

To any car owner in the United Kingdom, the best approach to avoiding sudden breakdowns, expensive repairs, and driving an unsafe car is to ensure that they keep up to date with both car servicing and MOT requirements. A well-maintained car is not only safer but also more fuel efficient, more reliable, and more likely to retain its value over time.