Reasons why car servicing and MOT are important?

What is an MOT?

An MOT test is a legal inspection of all vehicles that have been registered for three years. This is a mandatory test carried out to make sure the vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. MOT stands for Ministry of Transportation. In this specific test, a vehicle is thoroughly inspected, including all major and minor components. The professional technicians take the vehicle for testing at the reputed garage so as to deliver accurate and precise results. All the guidelines followed during the inspection are set by DVSA. It is illegal to drive a vehicle without an MOT certificate.

MOT is the most comprehensive of all services because it is authorised by the government. This test makes your car up to date so that even if you fail the test, the next attempt will make you pass because this time you are more vigilant towards your vehicle. 

What does a MOT test consist of?

An MOT Sutton test is pretty important for the vehicle to be able to drive on the road both legally and safely. The overall aim of this test is to fulfil the requirement for the vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. Some of the parts check, including:

  • Suspension
  • Windscreen wipers
  • Steering
  • Tyres
  • Exhaust, emissions, and fuel
  • Lights
  • Mirrors
  • Doors
  • Brakes
  • Driver’s view of the road 
  • Seatbelts, and many more

What pre-checks help in passing the vehicle?

A vehicle is more likely to fail the test, even if it has minor damage. This is the reason why it would lead to failure in the MOT test. A vehicle undergoes an in-depth inspection, which is why it is always a good idea to prepare your vehicle before taking it for an official test. So, by considering the vehicle as your foremost preference, you will be able to resolve the issues and pass the test.

Some of the following pre-MOT checks include:

Lights

All the vehicles which are inserted into the vehicle should be in proper working condition. This includes headlights, indicators, side lights, and brake lights. Make sure every light is secured, because any broken or faulty light results in MOT failure. 

Tyres

A perfect tyre condition ensures good performance while driving on the road. Overinflation or underinflation in tyre pressure might put your car at higher risk, resulting in MOT failure. Therefore, to get rid of such unusual situations, it is essential to check before taking the test. 

Mirrors

All the mirrors, whether front, rear, or side, should be intact, secured, and free from cracks. Any damage to the mirrors should be replaced as the top priority before the test. 

Why is car maintenance required?

The way humans require checks to keep track of their health is the same way vehicles require maintenance, for which it becomes necessary to opt for car servicing. Car service is a service that aims to improve the performance and longevity of the vehicle. It is possible when taking the vehicle for maintenance at regular intervals. To keep the vehicle running efficiently, smoothly, and safely, it is essential to take the vehicle for car servicing at a reliable service centre. More importantly, these services help identify the issue at an early stage before it becomes a major problem. 

Also, a fully serviced car adds value to your vehicle when you sell it, making potential buyers drive with the utmost confidence. 

Types of car services

Depending on the vehicle's condition and model, along with how many miles the vehicle has driven, the experts recommend service packages accordingly. 

Let’s have a look at three categories of car service Sutton:

Interim Service

Usually recommended every 6,000 miles or 6 months. Some of the checks included in this service are: 

  • Steering and suspension
  • Brakes
  • Tyres 
  • Battery 
  • Lights
  • Exhaust system
  • Brake pads
  • Engine oil
  • Tyre pressure, etc. 
Full service: Carried out after the completion of every 12,000 miles or 12 months. A few checks are: 

Steering alignment

Testing the car’s battery condition

Checking the cooling system

Engine oil and/or filter replacement

Hydraulic fluid and coolant levels check

Suspension checks, and many more. 

Major service: Detailed of all, performed every 24,000 miles or 24 months. Here are the major car services, including:

  • Oil filter change
  • Battery check
  • Power steering fluid replacement
  • Windscreen wipers
  • Brake fluid 
  • Suspension
  • Brake leaks
  • Spark plugs
  • Tyre inspection, and many more. 

Tools required to service your car

Getting your car serviced with the right tools is important. Numerous tools are required to get your car serviced, including:

  • Oil filter remover
  • Funnel
  • Torque wrench
  • Oil drain tray
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Set of spanners and screwdrivers 
  • Car jack and axle stands 

Conclusion

Both car servicing and MOT are essential for the vehicle's optimal performance on the road. MOT is the annual inspection of the vehicle, which is mandatory because, without a certificate, you cannot legally drive your vehicle in the UK. Whereas car servicing identifies the damage and helps to fix it immediately to keep the vehicle moving. Also, it helps to pass the vehicle in the MOT test because every component is thoroughly checked, and no such defect will be highlighted. 

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