Why You Should Book Your MOT And Service Together?
Regular checks are crucial for making your drive safer and keeping your car in good working condition, as required by law in the UK. The primary areas of concern when discussing vehicle maintenance are the annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test and routine car servicing.
In recent years, scheduling both the MOT and service for one appointment has gained popularity among vehicle owners. But this question might come to your mind: Is combined mot and service the wiser thing to do?
We will guide you through the pros, cons, and practical considerations of booking a combined MOT and service.
Understanding MOT and Servicing
What is an MOT?
The MOT is compulsory for vehicles three years old and above, and are inspected annually under UK law. The inspection ensures that cars are safe, roadworthy, and compliant with the emission standards.
The following items are mainly checked in an MOT:
- Lights and Electric Systems
- Brakes and Suspension
- Tires and Wheels
- Exhaust Emissions
- Seat Belts and Safety Equipment
- Structural Solidity
With a failed MOT, your vehicle is considered undrivable on any public road until repair work and a retest are carried out.
Looking for reliable MOT testing in Guildford? Our certified garages offer comprehensive inspections to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with UK regulations.
What Is Car Servicing?
Car servicing is not a legal requirement like the MOT, but manufacturers strongly recommend it. A car’s regular service involves thorough checks and maintenance work to keep your vehicle in its original condition.
Servicing generally encompasses the following tasks:
- Oil and filter change
- Engine performance checks
- Brake check and adjustment
- Fluid level checks and replenishment
- Belt and hose inspections
- Battery testing
Car service can comprise interim or small service (every 6 months), Full service (obligatory once a year), and Major or significant service (since the beginning of time and hereafter every two years), depending on the vehicle mileage and service recommendations by the manufacturer.
Advantages of Combining MOT and Car Servicing
1. Convenience and Efficiency
The combined MOT and Service make vehicle maintenance easy. It reduces the number of garage chores required for the vehicle, making it very convenient for anyone with a hectic or tight family schedule.
This suggests efficiency allows the vehicle owner to enjoy some spare time instead of running from one garage to another.
2. Cheaper to Combine
Many garages offer discounts for combined MOT and service bookings. Bundling is often more cost-effective than making separate appointments.
Issues found during the MOT can usually be rectified immediately during the service, so you avoid paying the extra labour charges.
3. Comprehensive Check
An MOT check with a car service means you cover all inspection angles. Remember that the MOT checks only for compliance with the minimum legal standards, while the service ensures that the car operates safely in mechanical terms.
This way, there is no possibility of drawing a fine line between many car problems, thus providing the vehicle with the maximum possible assessment.
4. Preventive Maintenance
Regular service, combined with an MOT, can identify minor concerns before they become major, costly repairs.
This preventative maintenance should also maximize the vehicle’s longevity, keeping it in good shape for longer and making it more valuable for resale. It should also have a properly maintained service record and MOT check history.
5. Better Resale Value
Any potential buyer will regard a decent service history as a reward. The service records of regular MOTs, combined with servicing, demonstrate responsible care and maintenance, thus increasing your car’s resale value.
Practical Tips for Combining MOT and Service
To gain maximum benefit from a combined MOT and service, some practical steps to consider include:
1. Plan Ahead
Pre-schedule your appointment for the MOT and servicing that works best for you. This is important since most MOT centers and garages may be busy with clients, especially in areas like Aldershot.
Pre-schedule your MOT and service appointment since most MOT centers and garages may be busy with clients, especially in areas like Aldershot and Guildford. If you’re looking for a reliable MOT test in Guildford center, booking in advance is particularly important during peak seasons.
2. Select a Garage With a Good Reputation
If you expect quality service and assurance, it is highly recommended that you select a trustworthy and well-known garage for your combined MOT and service.
Make sure the centre is DVSA certified. Search for garages with an excellent reputation, receive positive reviews online, and hold industry-recognized certifications.
3. Make MOT Test Priority
Generally, the best scenario is to have the MOT done first and then the service straight after.
Should any issues arise from the MOT, they are almost immediately sorted out during the service appointment, saving you extra trips and ensuring your vehicle is back on the road as soon as possible.
4. Keep on Top of Your Schedule
Just because your vehicle passed its MOT due to no faults does not mean any of the regular servicing intervals recommended by the manufacturer are unnecessary. Preventive maintenance helps extend the life and efficiency of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it more cost-effective to combine an MOT and service?
Yes, MOT and service are usually cheaper overall when combined. Garages often offer special discounts on these prepackaged services.
How long does a combined MOT and service take?
A combined appointment typically lasts 2-4 hours, depending on the vehicle’s condition and the type of service.
Should I choose MOT or service first?
It is generally desirable to perform the MOT first to address potential problems immediately during the subsequent service.
Conclusion:
For most car owners, scheduling a two-in-one appointment for MOT tests and car servicing is the best approach. The convenience, complete car checks, and reliability make it a shining option.
Inconveniences like extra repairs on the immediate and upfront costs will come to your mind, but, on practical considerations, the benefits are way more numerous than any of those.
For the best, ensure you always have in mind the unique concerns of the car, the budget for the service, and the choice of a reputable service provider.
By following this approach, vehicle owners can ensure their cars remain roadworthy, safe, efficient, and valuable, making the combined MOT and service a genuinely intelligent choice for modern drivers.
