Why a Car Service is Just as Important as an MOT
Why a Car Service is Just as Important as an MOT
Many drivers believe that if their car passes its MOT, it must be in perfect condition. However, an MOT only checks whether a vehicle meets the legal safety and emissions requirements—it doesn’t assess the overall health or longevity of your car.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we see many customers fail their MOTs due to avoidable issues that could have been prevented with regular servicing. In this guide, we’ll explain:
✅ The difference between an MOT and a car service
✅ Why passing an MOT doesn’t mean your car is problem-free
✅ What a service covers that an MOT doesn’t
✅ How servicing helps prevent MOT failures
If you want to keep your car safe, reliable, and cost-effective, here’s why servicing is just as important as an MOT.
1. What’s the Difference Between an MOT and a Car Service?
While both an MOT and a service involve vehicle checks, their purpose is very different.
| Feature | MOT Test | Car Service |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Requirement? | ✅ Yes – If your car is over 3 years old. | ❌ No, but strongly recommended. |
| What is Checked? | Road safety & emissions. | General wear and tear, fluids, engine health. |
| Does it Include Repairs? | ❌ No – Only highlights faults. | ✅ Yes – Repairs & replacements can be done. |
| How Often is it Needed? | Every 12 months by law. | Every 6–12 months or based on mileage. |
| What Happens If You Skip It? | 🚨 Illegal to drive without a valid MOT. | 🚗 Car performance declines, risking expensive repairs. |
📌 An MOT ensures your car is safe to be on the road. A service ensures your car stays reliable, efficient, and problem-free.
2. Why Passing an MOT Doesn’t Mean Your Car is Problem-Free
An MOT test is a basic safety and emissions check—it does NOT cover:
❌ Engine wear or oil condition
❌ Battery health
❌ Suspension wear beyond a basic check
❌ Brake pad thickness (only tests braking efficiency)
❌ Tyre pressure (only tread depth is checked)
❌ Air filters or fuel system condition
🚗 Your car could pass an MOT but still have engine wear, worn-out fluids, or brake pads that are dangerously low.
📌 Skipping a service means you could be driving a car that’s “legal” but not roadworthy in the long run.
3. What a Car Service Covers That an MOT Doesn’t
Unlike an MOT, a car service is a full health check for your vehicle. It involves preventative maintenance—fixing issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
🔧 A typical service includes:
✔️ Oil & filter change – Essential for engine health.
✔️ Brake pad & disc inspection – Checks for wear beyond just efficiency.
✔️ Battery health test – Prevents unexpected breakdowns.
✔️ Coolant & fluid top-ups – Prevents overheating & engine damage.
✔️ Suspension & steering checks – Ensures smooth handling & stability.
✔️ Tyre pressure & alignment check – Improves fuel efficiency & tyre lifespan.
✔️ Air & fuel filter replacement – Keeps the engine running efficiently.
📌 Regular servicing ensures your car remains reliable, safe, and economical.
4. How Servicing Helps Prevent MOT Failures
🚨 Did you know? A large percentage of MOT failures are caused by issues that could have been prevented with regular servicing.
Common MOT failures that servicing helps prevent:
✔️ Brakes (1 in 10 MOT failures) – A service checks pad thickness and disc wear before they reach the legal limit.
✔️ Tyres (1 in 5 MOT failures) – A service ensures correct tyre pressure and tread wear before your test.
✔️ Suspension faults – A service spots worn shock absorbers & bushes before they cause an MOT failure.
✔️ Emissions failures – A service includes an oil change & air filter replacement, helping keep emissions low.
✔️ Lights & wipers – A service checks bulbs, wipers, and washer fluid levels, reducing failure risks.
📌 By servicing your car regularly, you’re more likely to pass your MOT without unexpected repair bills.
5. How Often Should You Service Your Car?
🚗 Service intervals depend on mileage, driving habits, and manufacturer recommendations.
🔹 Interim Service – Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (for high-mileage drivers).
🔹 Full Service – Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (recommended for most drivers).
🔹 Major Service – Every 24 months or 24,000 miles (includes in-depth checks and part replacements).
📌 If you only get an MOT once a year and skip servicing, your car may develop unseen faults, leading to breakdowns and costly repairs.
6. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Servicing & MOTs in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we offer:
✔️ Comprehensive Car Servicing – Choose from Interim, Full, or Major services.
✔️ MOT & Service Packages – Save money by booking both together.
✔️ Expert Technicians – Highly trained mechanics who diagnose problems early.
✔️ Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees—just honest, high-quality service.
✔️ Manufacturer-Approved Parts – Ensuring reliability and warranty protection.
🚗 Don’t wait until your MOT—keep your car in top condition with regular servicing!
Book Your Service & MOT at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for a professional car service in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Servicing & MOT Specialists.