If you own a car, you’re thinking about getting one, or you’re learning to drive, you’ve probably heard of servicing and MOT tests before. Service centres like us advertise them throughout the country. But what actually are they? And what’s the difference?
We know that the world of cars can be quite confusing. That’s why we’ve put together this post to explain the difference between a service and an MOT, and why these two different jobs are very important for your VW.
What is an MOT vs service?
Let’s get a few things cleared up first of all.
An MOT test is a yearly test to check that your car meets the minimum standards to be safe on British roads. Originally set out by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and now administered by the DVSA, it involves inspections of things like tyres, suspension, lights, seat belts and so on, as well as an emissions test.
The result is either a pass or a fail. An MOT tester may notice defects listed as minors. These are developing problems that you should address, but they aren’t immediately dangerous. Your car will still pass its MOT with minor defects. Any major failures, however, make it illegal to drive your car without getting them fixed (unless you’re driving to a pre-booked repair job or MOT re-test). Major faults mean your car fails its MOT.
You’ll find any minor or major faults listed on your car’s MOT certificate, which you (and anyone else with your number plate) can also access online. Note that if your car does fail its MOT, you need to get a re-test once you’ve fixed the problems, either at the garage you had the test at or somewhere else. Provided the car doesn’t leave the garage or returns within a set period, the re-test only involves checking the problem areas; the tester doesn’t do the whole MOT again.
Unlike a service, an MOT test doesn’t contain any preventive maintenance. It’s an inspection, pure and simple. And while it may feel like a headache, it’s actually part of the reason that British roads are, comparatively, quite safe.
What is a service vs an MOT test?
A service is completely different from an MOT. It should always involve an oil and filter change, along with fluid top-ups and other filters. Technicians will also check and inflate tyres.
Alongside preventive maintenance like this, they’ll do a comprehensive inspection of the car, looking for problems and recommending any fixes. They won’t repair these issues by default; you’ll get a call advising you on the best next steps, but you’re free to choose your own path.
In some ways, the inspection part of a service blends with what happens in an MOT test. The difference is, an MOT is a Government-issued document that legally allows or prevents you to drive on the road. Service records are private and advice-based, although still contractually relevant in some aspects of your warranty.
Cars are built to be used. And as we use them, they wear out. That’s why they need regular services to keep them operating at peak efficiency. Manufacturers like VW require servicing every few thousand or every few months, whichever comes first. It’s important to stick to these service intervals, as they keep your car running smoothly and make sure you don’t compromise your warranty.
Do I need a service for my VW?
Yes. Your VW absolutely needs a service, no matter its age.
For newer VWs, servicing is particularly important because it proves you’re taking care of your car. This keeps your warranty intact and means fewer complications if you ever need to make a claim.
But that doesn’t mean older cars are exempt from servicing. Even if your warranty has long expired, a service keeps your engine purring over smoothly and makes your investment last as long as possible. Get it booked in as soon as the service notification pings up on the dashboard.
Does my VW need an MOT?
The vast majority of cars on our British roads need an MOT, so the answer is yes, almost certainly. There are, however, a couple of exceptions (at the time of writing):
- A brand new car doesn’t need an MOT for its first three years. (Because manufacturers build cars to certain strict tolerances that mean they should perform well for this period. They do, however, still need servicing during this time.)
- Classic cars (over 40 years old) are also MOT-exempt. This is because they qualify as Vehicles of Historic Interest (VHI), so it’s likely for an owner to use them sparingly. This exemption applies only if the vehicle hasn’t been substantially modified.
- Any car declared SORN doesn’t need an MOT. If you’ve declared your car SORN (a statutory off-road notification) instead of taxing it, you don’t need an MOT. It’s illegal to drive your car on the streets, though, and you’ll need a new MOT if you ever start driving it on public roads again. You need an MOT to tax your car.
Book your car in for its MOT today.
Why your VW needs servicing and an MOT
Basically, both servicing and MOTs keep you safe and efficient. One satisfies the manufacturer (whose main concerns are customer experience, warranties and safety), and the other satisfies the Government (who are also concerned about proving safety and fuel efficiency).
You need an MOT. It’s the law. You can be fined for driving without one, and if your car is in an unroadworthy state, the punishments rack up incrementally. Check your car’s MOT status online here.
You also need servicing if you’re to maintain the condition and warranty of your vehicle, although servicing isn’t legally enforceable like an MOT. It’s also almost always cheaper to get your car serviced than to risk developing problems or voiding your warranty.
Here’s the best approach: book a service and MOT (in that order) at the same time here at Sunset VW in Derby. Our technicians will conduct the service, change the oil, and do whatever else your particular service requires. If we find any problems, we’ll let you know.
That means that, when it comes to the MOT, your chances of passing first time are significantly improved. It’s a good way to minimise hassle and get your VW back on the road as quickly as possible.
If your car needs its MOT or its service soon, book in with Sunset VW today, and let our friendly team of experts keep you and your VW safe and compliant).