Booking a service for your vehicle at the same time as your MOT test can be a savvy decision. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it can also provide various benefits for your car’s overall health.
Combining an MOT test and a car service allows professionals to thoroughly inspect your vehicle and address any potential issues in a single appointment. This ensures that your vehicle is not only legally compliant but also running at peak performance.
Moreover, addressing maintenance needs during an MOT appointment can lead to long-term cost savings. By taking care of maintenance tasks simultaneously, you may eliminate potential problems before they become serious and expensive to repair.
Why Schedule an MOT and Service Simultaneously
- Time: by booking an MOT and service together, car owners can minimise the amount of time spent making appointments and travelling to and from the garage.
- Convenience: many garages offer customers the option to book both an MOT and service at the same time, enabling them to deal with both in one appointment. This helps to reduce the hassle of keeping track of separate schedules.
- Save money: combining the services may lead to a reduction in overall costs of both services, as opposed to booking them separately. By having a service performed alongside the MOT, car owners can identify and address any potential issues before they worsen and become more costly to repair.
- Improved MOT pass rates: by scheduling a vehicle service to take place before the MOT test, it provides the opportunity for your vehicle to be inspected and rectified before the test itself.
Call 01455 558360 to book in your Service ahead of your MOT.
The Importance of MOT
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an essential annual examination performed on vehicles in the United Kingdom. Conducted by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), this test ensures that vehicles adhere to road safety and environmental standards. British legislation mandates that cars aged three years and older undergo an MOT check each year to maintain a road legal status.
During an MOT test, various components of a vehicle are thoroughly inspected for any faults. Critical components such as brakes, lights, tyres, and exhaust emissions must comply with specific criteria before being deemed safe and roadworthy. If the vehicle passes the MOT, a new MOT certificate will be issued, and the result will be recorded in the national database.
Unfortunately, there may be times when a vehicle does not pass the MOT test. Failing the examination, the owner is obligated to have the necessary repairs done in order to achieve compliance. Arranging for these repairs can be time-consuming and costly, particularly if left to be scheduled after the MOT check. Servicing the car ahead of the MOT date will increase the likelihood of a successful MOT result on the first attempt.
Breaking Down the Service Types
Interim Service
An interim service is suitable for vehicles that cover a high annual mileage or require more frequent checks. This car service includes essential checks and maintenance tasks, such as an oil and filter change, tyre pressure check, and fluid level top-ups. It ensures the vehicle remains in good condition between full services, reducing the chances of unexpected issues arising.
Full Service
A full service is a comprehensive vehicle service performed annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. It typically includes a thorough inspection of a car’s engine, suspension, braking system, and electrical components. In addition to the tasks covered in an interim service, a full service involves various checks and adjustments to ensure the vehicle is running optimally. Some examples include air filter replacement, spark plug examination, and brake fluid assessment.
Major Service
The major service is the most extensive vehicle service, usually recommended every 24,000 miles or every 2 years. This type of service includes all elements of a full service, as well as additional checks and replacements. A major service can involve the replacement of components such as the timing belt, fuel filter, and coolant, ensuring the vehicle is in peak condition for the long term. This service is vital to extending the life of a car and maintaining its performance.
Avoiding MOT Failures and Unnecessary Repairs
Taking advantage of booking a service at the same time as your MOT can be of great benefit, as it helps to prevent MOT failures and avoid unnecessary repairs. MOT failures can lead to costly repair bills and can be rather inconvenient, as you are left without your vehicle for an extended period of time. By scheduling both MOT and servicing together, you can ensure that your vehicle is thoroughly inspected by professionals and that all potential issues are addressed before they escalate.
Booking a service and MOT together allows for the identification of potential issues during servicing, providing the opportunity for technicians to rectify these problems before the MOT test, thus reducing the chance of MOT failures. This proactive approach is not only efficient but can also save money in the long run, as it eliminates the cost of additional inspections and, in some cases, can mean lower repair bills.
The Economical Advantage
Additionally, having your annual service conducted at the same time as your MOT is a more economical option since the ongoing maintenance helps prolong the life of your vehicle. Regular servicing, including essential tasks such as changing the engine oil and assessing the overall condition of your car, ensures that you avoid unnecessary wear on your vehicle’s components.
Another financial advantage of scheduling both service and MOT together is the impact on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. By keeping your car well-maintained and serviced regularly, you can improve its performance, ultimately reducing the amount of fuel it consumes.
Maintaining Your Vehicle Safety
Regularly maintaining your vehicle is essential to ensure that it stays safe and functions correctly. One of the significant reasons to book a service at the same time as your MOT is to ensure all the essential safety aspects of your vehicle are examined and addressed. The manufacturer’s guidelines provide recommended service intervals, which typically involve crucial upkeep and safety checks.
Get in touch with Hammond Automotive to discuss our servicing packages. Call us on 01455 558360 to book in your vehicle for a Service and MOT.
