MOT vs. Car Service – What’s the Difference?
MOT vs. Car Service – What’s the Difference?
Many drivers assume that an MOT test and a car service are the same thing, but they actually serve two very different purposes. While an MOT test ensures your vehicle meets legal safety and emissions standards, a car service is designed to maintain performance, reliability, and prevent breakdowns.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we offer both MOT testing and professional vehicle servicing, ensuring your car stays roadworthy and well-maintained. In this guide, we’ll explain:
✅ What an MOT covers vs. what a service includes
✅ Why passing an MOT doesn’t mean your car is in perfect condition
✅ How regular servicing reduces the risk of MOT failures
✅ Why both are essential for keeping your car safe and reliable
If you’re unsure whether you need an MOT, a service, or both, here’s everything you need to know.
1. What Is an MOT Test?
🚗 An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a legally required inspection to ensure your car meets safety and environmental standards.
📌 Key Facts About an MOT:
✔️ Required once a year for vehicles over 3 years old.
✔️ Focuses on roadworthiness, emissions, and safety components.
✔️ A pass certificate means your car meets legal standards at the time of testing.
✔️ A fail means your car isn’t road legal until repairs are completed.
🔍 What’s Checked in an MOT?
🔧 Safety Checks:
✔️ Brakes & Handbrake – Must work correctly and efficiently.
✔️ Tyres – Must have a minimum 1.6mm tread depth and be free from damage.
✔️ Steering & Suspension – Must be in good condition with no excessive play or leaks.
✔️ Lights & Indicators – All bulbs must work properly.
🔧 Environmental Checks:
✔️ Exhaust Emissions – Petrol and diesel vehicles must meet emissions regulations.
✔️ Exhaust System – Must not be leaking or excessively noisy.
🔧 General Roadworthiness:
✔️ Windscreen & Wipers – Must provide a clear view of the road.
✔️ Seatbelts – Must be fully operational.
✔️ Horn, Fuel System, and Number Plates – Must comply with legal requirements.
📌 An MOT is purely a pass or fail test—it doesn’t include maintenance, oil changes, or performance tuning.
2. What Is a Car Service?
🚗 A car service is a routine maintenance check that ensures your vehicle is running efficiently and reliably.
📌 Key Facts About a Car Service:
✔️ Not legally required, but highly recommended.
✔️ Prevents breakdowns and costly repairs.
✔️ Includes fluid changes, mechanical inspections, and performance checks.
✔️ Helps maintain fuel efficiency and engine longevity.
🔧 What’s Included in a Car Service?
🔹 Engine Oil & Filter Change – Fresh oil keeps the engine lubricated and running smoothly.
🔹 Air, Fuel & Pollen Filter Replacement – Ensures the engine and cabin air are clean.
🔹 Brake Inspection – Checking pad wear, discs, and fluid condition.
🔹 Suspension & Steering Checks – Prevents handling issues.
🔹 Battery & Charging System Test – Ensures reliable starting.
🔹 Tyre Pressure & Tread Check – Improves fuel efficiency and road grip.
🔹 Coolant, Power Steering, and Transmission Fluid Top-Ups – Essential for smooth operation.
📌 A service keeps your car in top condition—something an MOT doesn’t check.
3. Why Passing an MOT Doesn’t Mean Your Car Is in Perfect Condition
🚨 An MOT test only checks if your car meets the minimum legal safety standards at the time of testing—it does not check the overall health of your vehicle.
🔧 Common Issues That an MOT Won’t Detect:
❌ Dirty or Old Engine Oil – May cause long-term engine damage but isn’t an MOT failure.
❌ Worn Brake Pads – An MOT only checks braking efficiency, but pads could still be near the end of their lifespan.
❌ Clogged Fuel Injectors or Air Filters – Won’t fail an MOT but may reduce fuel efficiency and performance.
❌ Battery Condition – Your battery might be weak, but as long as it starts, it won’t fail the MOT.
❌ Suspension Wear – Some worn components may pass an MOT but still cause issues with handling.
📌 Regular servicing helps prevent mechanical issues that an MOT wouldn’t pick up.
4. How Regular Servicing Helps You Pass Your MOT
🚗 Booking a service before your MOT can prevent costly failures and unnecessary stress.
🔧 How Servicing Reduces MOT Failures:
✔️ Fresh Oil & Filters Keep the Engine Running Efficiently – Reduces emissions and improves fuel economy.
✔️ Brake Checks Ensure Safe Stopping Power – Prevents dangerous braking faults.
✔️ Tyre Inspections Identify Problems Early – Prevents MOT failures due to tread depth issues.
✔️ Suspension & Steering Inspections Improve Stability – Worn-out suspension often leads to MOT failures.
📌 By keeping your car serviced, you’re far less likely to get an unexpected MOT failure.
5. Do You Need an MOT, a Service, or Both?
🔍 Here’s when to book each one:
✔️ If your MOT is due – Book an MOT test to stay legal.
✔️ If your car is due a routine service – Book a full or interim service to maintain performance.
✔️ If your car is due both – Book an MOT and service together for convenience and potential cost savings.
📌 Getting both ensures your car is safe, roadworthy, and performing at its best.
6. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for MOT & Servicing in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we provide:
✔️ DVSA-Approved MOT Testing – Ensuring your car meets all legal requirements.
✔️ Comprehensive Vehicle Servicing – Helping your car run efficiently and reliably.
✔️ Affordable MOT & Service Packages – Save time and money by booking both together.
✔️ Expert Technicians – Experienced in working with all makes and models.
✔️ Honest & Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees—just fair, professional service.
🚗 Want to keep your car roadworthy and performing at its best? Book your MOT and service today!
Book Your MOT & Car Service at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for expert MOT testing and servicing in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted MOT & Car Servicing Specialists.