What is the difference between an MOT and a Service?

The difference between an MOT and a service is that an MOT is a legal requirement – and every vehicle needs a MOT each year it’s on the road. Without an MOT, you can’t tax or insurer a vehicle. A service is not a legal requirement, but most new cars come with a servicing plan when you buy them.

However, even though a service is not a legal requirement, regular servicing can ensure your car is safe and road worthy – and passes it’s MOT.

For new vehicles, they don’t need an MOT for the first 3 years – but then need one each year, from year 4.

An MOT test checks whether all warning lights are working, if there are no serious leaks anywhere in the vehicle, wipers must be fully functional etc. A service checks certain components and systems of a car to ensure they function properly and will not cause damage by wearing down over time. The difference between an MOT and a service is what each test includes so we will explain further:

What is an MOT?

An MOT is an annual check by the government inspectorate, called VOSA -Vehicle and Operator Services Agency which decides how often you have one done depending upon such things as the age of your car, what kind of fuel it uses and whether or not you have had any recent advisory notices.

What is a Service?

A vehicle service is an optional check that is done by your car’s manufacturer, not the government. It will be at least once a year but can be more often depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle. If you feel that there may be an issue with your vehicle or if it’s due for its service, contact your local garage to book it in today. They are experts in vehicle maintenance so they can easily tell you when it is time for a service based upon the age and mileage of your car. They can either be an interim service or a full service.

Tips to get your MOT done

When your vehicle is due for its MOT test this will be booked in by the garage so there is little chance of forgetting when it is due unless you are using a courtesy car, although many garages now offer late bookings on request.

An MOT service includes items such as checking windscreen wipers, lights and lenses – checking tyre condition, pressure levels etc. It also includes checking steering , suspension , brake fluids and filters .  If the technician finds any problems with any parts or components you will be advised and may need to have them replaced.

An MOT does not include such things as oil and filter changes, so these should be done before the test is due – many garages offer a ‘while you wait’ service for this.  It also does not include leaks – if your car has a fluid leak or is losing concentration then this needs to be fixed and cannot be tested again unless it is after the day of the test .

If your vehicle’s MOT fails at first you can re-take the test within two weeks if there are no other issues on your car which would cause any rejection but until it passes there will be no refund of the paid. When an MOT fails because of advisory notice it can be retested as many times as required but you will not receive a reimbursement if fails for this reason.

There are also now new MOT rules which state that all cars and vans must carry:

– A warning triangle (in case of breakdown)

– Reflective jacket (to be worn in the event of a roadside breakdown).  You can make your car exempt from having these items – simply fill out the appropriate forms available on VOSA’s website – but you will need to contact them with proof that your vehicle already has one or both such as an after market fitment triangle and reflective jackets .

If something major is wrong with your car then they will advise you that it needs to be fixed before the next MOT test. If they advise you to spend more than £250 you can still have it tested but they will charge for this which is usually around £30-£40 .

If your vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT certificate and is deemed fit to drive by an authorized person then you are insured  against any accidents that may occur. It is against the law not to be insured on the road or not have a valid MOT if your car meets these requirements.