MOT vs Service. What’s the Difference and Do You Need Both?

When it comes to keeping your Suzuki in top condition, you might have come across the terms "MOT" and "service". While both are essential for maintaining your vehicle, they serve different purposes and are required at different times. But how do you know which one you need and when?

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between an MOT and a service, and explain why you might need both to ensure your Suzuki is running smoothly and remains roadworthy.

What is an MOT?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) is a legal requirement for all vehicles over three years old in the UK. The test ensures that your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the government. It doesn’t matter if you own a Suzuki or another make; if your car is over three years old, it must undergo an MOT every 12 months.

The MOT test checks various components of your car to make sure they are working properly and safely. You can visit the Gov.uk website for a comprehensive breakdown of everything which is covered during the test.

The MOT doesn’t cover everything, though and it isn’t the same as having your vehicle serviced. For instance, it doesn’t assess the general mechanical condition of your vehicle such as engine, gearbox, clutch or interior features such as the air conditioning. The focus is purely on the vehicle’s roadworthiness. If any issues are found during the test, you’ll be given a list of advisories or a fail, depending on the severity of the problem. If your car fails, it cannot be driven until the necessary repairs are made and the car passes a re-test.

What is a Car Service?

A service, on the other hand, is not a legal requirement, but it is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Unlike the MOT, which focuses on safety and environmental standards, a service involves a thorough check-up of the car’s overall health. During a service, your car’s engine, brakes, transmission, and other important elements are examined, and components are replaced or topped up as needed.
Services typically come in different levels, such as:

Minor Service
This is usually carried out every 12 months or 10,000 miles (whichever comes first) and includes basic checks and oil changes.

Major Service
A more comprehensive service that is done every 24 months or 20,000 miles (again, whichever comes first). A major service involves more detailed checks and replacements, such as air filters, spark plugs, and timing belts.
The main objective of a service is to keep your car running smoothly, extend its lifespan, and prevent expensive repairs further down the line. During a service, the vehicle technician will perform various checks, including:

• Changing the engine oil and replacing the oil filter to ensure that the engine is well-lubricated.
• Checking and topping up fluid levels  such as brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Inspecting the brake pads and discs to ensure they are in good condition and replacing them if necessary.
• Checking the battery's charge and health, and replacing it if needed.
• Replacing the air filter to ensure your engine breathes clean air and runs efficiently.

While an MOT only looks at your car’s roadworthiness, a service helps maintain its performance and overall condition. A well-serviced car is less likely to experience breakdowns, which can lead to costly repairs.

Do You Need Both?

Now that you understand the basics of an MOT and a service, you may be wondering: do I need both? The answer is yes, in most cases and these are the reasons why:

1. The MOT is a Legal Requirement, the Service is Preventative
   The MOT is a legal requirement to ensure that your car is safe to drive on public roads. You can’t legally drive your vehicle if it doesn’t pass the MOT. A service, however, is not required by law. But, by regularly servicing your car, you help prevent breakdowns, reduce the risk of expensive repairs, and keep your car running as efficiently as possible.
   
   
2. The MOT Doesn’t Cover Everything
   An MOT focuses on a specific set of checks related to safety and emissions. It won’t catch everything that could affect the performance of your car. For example, it won’t identify if the engine oil is low or if the brake pads are wearing thin. A service addresses these types of issues and ensures your car is in good health overall.
   
   
3. MOT and Service Work Together for Longevity
   Think of the MOT and service as working hand in hand. The MOT makes sure your car is roadworthy, while the service ensures that the components under the hood are in good condition. A well-serviced car is more likely to pass its MOT and less likely to fail due to problems that could have been avoided with regular maintenance.

When Should You Get an MOT and Service?

The timing of your MOT and service can vary depending on your vehicle’s age and how much you drive. Here’s a general guide:

MOT
Required once every 12 months for cars that are three years old or older. The date of your MOT will be recorded on a certificate, and you’ll receive a reminder when it’s due. If your Suzuki is under three years old, you won’t need an MOT until it reaches that age.

Service
A minor service is typically needed every 12 months or 10,000 miles, while a major service is generally recommended every 24 months or 20,000 miles. Always check your owner’s manual for specific guidance or feel free to pop-in or give us a call and we can advise you.
It’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule to ensure your Suzuki runs smoothly and to avoid any surprises when it’s time for your MOT.
Common Myths About MOT and Servicing

There are a few common misconceptions about MOTs and services that could cause confusion. Let’s clear them up:
   

• Myth 1
  You don’t need a service if your car passes the MOT. While it’s true that an MOT ensures your car is roadworthy and can legally be driven on the road, it doesn’t cover everything that could affect the car’s performance. A service is still necessary to maintain the health of your car and avoid costly repairs.
  
  
• Myth 2
  You only need a service if your car has problems. Regular servicing helps to prevent problems before they arise (and prevention is often cheaper than the cure!) By following the recommended service schedule, you’ll keep your Suzuki in top condition and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
  
  
• Myth 3
  MOTs are enough to keep my car in good condition. An MOT only checks for roadworthiness and safety issues. It doesn’t look at things like engine performance or interior features. Regular servicing keeps your car in peak condition and ensures it runs smoothly.

Conclusion

In short, an MOT and a service are two separate but equally important parts of vehicle maintenance. The MOT ensures that your Suzuki meets the minimum safety and environmental standards required by law, while a service takes a more comprehensive look at your car’s overall health. Both are necessary to keep your car running smoothly and to ensure it remains safe and reliable on the road.

Ready to book your service or MOT test?

So, if your Suzuki is due for its MOT or service, don’t delay. Booking both at the same time can save you time and money, while also keeping your car in great shape. And if you’re unsure of when your Suzuki is due for an MOT or service, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you out.

Ready to get your car serviced, repaired, or MOT carried out?

Click here to book your service or MOT.