Are There Any Differences Between an MOT and a Car Service?

 

Wear and tear of the vehicle is inevitable. Therefore, it has to be timely maintained. Vehicle service and MOT Test Clevedon are two things that are essential for the upkeep of the vehicle and making sure that it's roadworthy. It assures that the vehicle is safe enough for the road and, at the same time, it is legally eligible to be on the roads. Both vehicle maintenance and MOT tests are critical to the effective running of the vehicle. However, both differ from each other in a lot of ways. For the upkeep of the vehicle, it is essential for it to be serviced frequently, while undergoing the MOT test is a legal necessity.

Understanding the Differences Between an MOT and a Car Service

MOT is a mandatory test that is conducted on the vehicle each year. On the other hand, not keeping the car maintained will not bring any legal consequences. However, it is detrimental to the condition of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to give the vehicle the maintenance it needs, as keeping the vehicle in good condition aids in increasing its chances of clearing the MOT test.

What Is an MOT Test?

An MOT test is a test in which a vehicle is annually inspected for its performance and safety to ensure that it is roadworthy. It is a mandatory test for all vehicles, as without a valid MOT certificate, one cannot legally take their vehicle on the road. This test is in alignment with the safety and environmental standards, and clearing this test means that the vehicle is safe to drive and is not a hazard to environmental safety. Thus, it is a test that assures that the vehicle is compliant with the governmental rules of safety and performance. Also, it is legally important to carry the MOT pass certificate, which is given upon clearing the test. Not having a valid MOT pass certificate makes the vehicle susceptible to fines and penalties.

What Is a Car Service?

A car service is something that is done for the upkeep of a vehicle and to discover the hidden faults in it. This service is performed in accordance with the advice of the car’s manufacturer. There is no legal requirement to get the car serviced; however, it is essential for the maintenance of the vehicle. If car maintenance is neglected for a long time, then it leads to the worsening of the undetectable issues in it. A car service is also a requirement. However, there are no legal consequences or penalties for not getting the vehicle serviced. It ensures that the vehicle is working efficiently, can be trusted for its functions, and that there are no underlying faults in it.

Here are the differences between an MOT test and a car service.

Assuring and Assessing

A car service runs a comprehensive check on the vehicle and assures that it's in good working condition. Different parts of the vehicle are checked during the Car Servicing Clevedon, such as the tyres, seats, seat belts, engine, brake fluid, suspension, etc. All these parts are checked to make sure that they are in good condition and are repaired or replaced, if needed.

Then, there is the MOT test, which assesses the performance of the different vehicle parts to see if they are working optimally. Based on this assessment, the vehicle either passes or fails the MOT test. If the vehicle fails the test, then it means it's not roadworthy or safe, and thus, is not allowed to be on the UK roads. Passing the test means that the vehicle can have its MOT pass certificate and drive legally on the UK roads.

Suggestion and Compulsion

Vehicle maintenance is more like advice or a suggestion for the upkeep of the vehicle. There is no legal necessity that makes car service essential. Keeping the car serviced timely helps in improving its function and longevity. It also prevents a breakdown or the possibility of any kind of damage to the vehicle. Therefore, getting the vehicle periodically serviced is crucial advice.

On the other hand, the MOT test is a legal requirement as it is an essential document for the vehicle. Without an MOT, a car cannot be on the roads since it is not trusted for its performance due to the absence of an MOT pass certificate.

Replacement and Inspection

In a vehicle service, components that are not working efficiently or that have failed are replaced. For instance, brake fluid or oil is changed in a vehicle service, and it also includes the replacement of damaged parts of the vehicle.

However, the MOT test only evaluates the components for their functions, and does not include the repairing or replacing of any parts. For the repairs of the parts due to MOT failure, the vehicle is taken to the repair station.

Conclusion

While a car service is not compulsory, however, the car needs it. If the car is not given timely service, then it is bound to fail the MOT test. And if the car is frequently serviced and maintained, then it has high chances of clearing the MOT test. Therefore, both are crucial for the upkeep and performance of the vehicle.