What’s the difference between an MOT and service?

What is an MOT?

You could think of an MOT as an annual health check for your car, but remember it’s legally required. During an MOT, a professional mechanic will examine your car to ensure it meets the DVSA’s minimum safety standards and is safe to drive on UK roads.

If you want a text or email when your MOT is due, you can arrange this via the UK government's MOT reminder service.

All you need to sign up is the vehicle's registration number and your email address or mobile number.

You'll then receive a message one month before your car, van or motorcycle MOT is due or two months before a lorry, bus or large trailer MOT is due.

What does an MOT include?

Carworw's What is the difference between and MOT and a service blog post states an MOT will check the following:

• Brakes
• Steering
• Tyres and wheels
• Lights
• Seat belts
• Bodywork and structure
• Mirrors, wipers and windscreen
• Horn
• Number plates
• Exhaust and emissions
• Fuel system
• Diesel particulate filter (if fitted)
• Speedometer
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate
• Bonnet and boot latches

Although oil is not a standard MOT check, a leak could be a reason for failure.

If you drive a car after it has failed its MOT, you could face the following:

• A fine of up to £1,000 (£2,500 if the vehicle was classified as ‘dangerous’ in the test)
• Up to 3 points on your licence
• Invalidated insurance

If you end up in an accident while driving without an MOT, you could be liable to cover the costs and face significant increases in your annual premium.

Read our guide to check if your car is MOT’d or head over to gov.uk to check its MOT status.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport, a government department that no longer exists. MOT tests have been part of driving and car maintenance since the 1960s:

• 1960 - MOT tests introduced for all cars over 10 years old
• 1961 - All cars over 7 years old legally have to pass their MOT test every year
• 1967 - All cars over 3 years old legally have to pass their MOT test every year

It remains mandatory to this day for all cars aged over 3 years old to hold a valid MOT certificate. The only exemptions are cars over 40 years old, but many of the owners of these older cars prefer to run their prized possessions through the test every year for peace of mind.

For more modern vehicles, we’ve compiled a list of the cars most likely to pass their MOT.

What is a car service?

If an MOT is a health check, the service is where the work comes in to ensure your car improves or stays in top condition.

Although there are different types of service to choose from, they are all designed to keep your car working and in premium condition, improving efficiency and potentially keeping its resale value.

You can find out more about services in our car servicing guide.

Will they carry out the MOT or service first?

Many drivers book their MOT and service together for both convenience and cost-saving reasons. Although it will depend on the garage performing the tasks, many will look at the MOT test first. This is because it may identify issues that can be fixed during the service.

How much can I expect to pay for a service and MOT?

Again, this depends on where you’re taking the vehicle and its make, model, age, and condition but there’s a legal maximum price of £54.85 for the MOT. The RAC claims full services cost an average of between £170 and £300.

Consider shopping around and looking for deals that combine the two as often they are cheaper when booked together.

Should I book an MOT with or without a service?

Many drivers book an MOT and service together as they complement each other. Garages may also offer deals on booking both at the same time.

It’s recommended your car has a full service every 12,000 miles or 12 months and a major service every 24,000 miles or 24 months (whichever comes first). If you’re a high-mileage driver, you may want to look into an interim service every 6,000 miles or six months.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you. If you’re happy and confident your vehicle is in working order, you could have full services for two or three years running but it is always worth getting a professional opinion to keep the vehicle safe.

If your car is due an MOT or service, ensure you trust the garage or mechanic before booking it in. Still have plans and places to be while your car is being tested and repaired? Borrow a friend or family member’s car with temporary car insurance and keep moving..

Sources

*https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/car-service-how-much-does-it-cost-and-whats-included/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/how-to/what-is-a-car-service-car-service-checklist/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/what-is-the-difference-between-an-mot-and-service/

https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/servicing-and-mot-whats-the-difference

https://www.carwow.co.uk/editorial/owning-a-car/maintenance-repair-and-care/difference-between-mot-and-service