What Does Car Servicing Check That MOT Doesn't?

Most drivers in the UK confuse a car service with an MOT when it comes to maintaining a vehicle in good condition. Although they are both significant, they have quite different purposes. The MOT is a statutory test that ensures the car meets basic safety and environmental rules needed to drive on the road.

A car service, however, is more about keeping the car in good condition and having it continue to run for a long time. A car service examines a lot of things that are not covered by the MOT, and ignoring them can cause bigger problems later.

What Is the Difference Between a Car Service and an MOT?

The MOT is conducted yearly on cars that are three years old and above. It is a test of pass or fail where certain vehicle parts are inspected to check safety items such as brakes, lights, tyres and emissions. In case the car meets the required standards, it passes. Otherwise, the defects will have to be rectified, and then the vehicle can be driven legally.

Car service is not a necessity of law, but is highly advised. It is a service inspection that is far more detailed than an MOT. A car service considers the general condition of the car and addresses the wear and tear before it becomes an issue. The two are meant to work together and cannot replace each other.

1. Engine Oil and Filter

The engine oil is one of the most crucial items that a car service checks, and the MOT does not. The engine runs smoothly because of oil. With time, it degrades and becomes ineffective, and this could result in serious engine damage if not fixed. With car servicing Aberdeen, the oil is drained, new oil is added, and the oil filter is changed as well. The MOT does not examine the cleanliness of the oil, the correct amount, or whether it needs to be changed.

2. Coolant Levels and Condition

The fluid that prevents overheating of the engine is called coolant. An auto service will ensure that the coolant is at the right level and working properly. Outdated or contaminated coolant may result in the overheating of the engine, which can be expensive to fix. Coolant levels and condition are not even examined in the MOT.

3. Air Filter

The air filter prevents the entry of dust and debris into the engine. The performance and fuel economy of the car can be affected by a clogged or dirty air filter. When the car is being serviced, the air filter is checked and changed if needed. The MOT does not check this, although the effect of a clogged air filter can be noticeable in how the car runs.

4. Spark Plugs

The ignition of the fuel in the engine is done by spark plugs to start and run the car. They become worn with time and may either make the engine run poorly, use more fuel, or not start. The spark plugs will be checked by a car service and replaced as required. The MOT does not examine the spark plugs, and therefore, a driver may pass the MOT with faulty spark plugs that may be influencing the efficiency of the car.

5. Gearbox and Transmission Fluid

The gearbox requires fluid to work smoothly, just as the engine requires oil. With time, this fluid degrades and may make gears slip or be difficult to change. A car service involves inspection of the gearbox fluid and refilling it or changing it as needed.

Gearbox fluid levels and condition are not checked by the MOT, so this is one area that may not be checked for a long period unless a car service is conducted.

6. Battery Health

The battery in a car is used to start the engine, as well as operate the lights, heating and entertainment systems. Batteries become weaker as time goes by, and they may stop working without warning, especially during cold weather.

A car service will test the battery to check how much charge it holds and how likely it is to fail soon. The MOT does not perform a battery health check, and therefore, drivers might be left stuck due to a failing battery, even after a successful MOT.

7. Belts and Hoses

The engine is driven with the help of several rubber belts and hoses. The timing belt is the most significant of them as it controls the movement of the main engine parts. When a timing belt breaks, it may result in serious engine damage, which is very costly to repair.

A car service involves a close examination of belts and hoses to ensure that there are no cracks, tears or damage. Timing belts and rubber hoses are not checked during the MOT Aberdeen, so this is another important point that only a car service checks.

8. Cabin Air Filter

The air entering the heating and ventilation system within the car is filtered by the cabin air filter. A contaminated cabin air filter may limit air circulation, result in bad smells, and affect air conditioning performance. The cabin air filter will be checked and changed, where necessary, by a car service. The MOT does not examine this since it is not a safety-critical component.

9. Fluid Top-Ups

A car service will verify and fill a variety of fluids throughout the vehicle, such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid and more. Although certain of these fluids, like brake fluid, are important for safety, the MOT does not perform extensive fluid tests as a car service would. A poor quality or low level of brake fluid may affect how well the brakes work, although the brakes pass the MOT test.

Conclusion

It is often a common misconception to believe that an MOT is a good health check for a vehicle in general. The MOT almost establishes that a car is up to the minimum required standards at a specific point in time. It does not inform a driver how much life the engine oil has left, whether the timing belt is about to fail, or whether the battery is about to stop working.

All these gaps are filled by a car service. It provides a much more comprehensive picture of the state of the vehicle and prevents minor problems from becoming big and expensive. When drivers do not service their cars on schedule, they could discover that their cars wear out more easily, are more expensive to operate, and they can run out of fuel more quickly. 

The most effective way is to book a car service on a regular period, usually after a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, and to make it a separate and equally important appointment as attending the annual MOT. The two work together in ensuring that the vehicle is safe, efficient and reliable on the road.