MOT vs Servicing: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both

Understanding MOT Testing vs Car Servicing

If you drive a vehicle in the UK, you’re likely familiar with the MOT test and regular car servicing  but many drivers confuse the two. While they may seem similar, an MOT and a service serve very different purposes. At Approved Engines, your trusted MOT Test Centre, we believe it’s important for drivers to understand the difference and the importance of both.

In this blog, we’ll break down what each involves, why they matter, and how they work together to keep your vehicle roadworthy, reliable, and legal.

What Is an MOT Test?

An MOT test is a legal requirement for most vehicles over three years old. It ensures that your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

Key Points:

• Required annually for cars over 3 years old
• Focuses on road safety, emissions, and legal compliance
• Covers essentials like brakes, tyres, lights, steering, suspension, and emissions
• A pass certificate is required to legally drive your vehicle on UK roads

Failing to get your MOT done on time can result in fines up to £1,000 and may invalidate your insurance.

For more details on what’s tested, visit our MOT Test Centre page.

What Is Car Servicing?

A car service is a maintenance check carried out by a qualified mechanic. It’s designed to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently, prolongs its lifespan, and helps prevent breakdowns.

Types of Car Services:

• Interim Service: Every 6 months or 6,000 miles (ideal for high mileage drivers)
• Full Service: Annually or every 12,000 miles (standard recommendation)
• Major Service: Every 24 months or 24,000 miles

What Does It Include?

Depending on the level of service, a technician will check and replace various components such as:

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Air filter and fuel filter
• Spark plugs
• Brake fluid and coolant levels
• Battery health and tyre pressure

Unlike an MOT, servicing isn’t a legal requirement, but it is crucial for keeping your car running smoothly.

Explore our engine services and repairs to see how we support long-term vehicle health.

Why You Need Both: MOT and Servicing

While MOT and servicing are different, both are vital  and skipping either can lead to serious problems.

Benefits of Having Both:

• Safety: MOT checks minimum safety standards; servicing maintains peak condition.
• Performance: Regular servicing ensures your vehicle runs efficiently.
• Longevity: Servicing helps prevent wear and tear that MOTs won’t catch.
• Resale Value: A well-serviced car with full MOT history fetches a higher price.
• Legal Compliance: You can only legally drive with a valid MOT.

Many drivers book their service and MOT together for convenience  and at Approved Engines, we can handle both under one roof.

Common Misconceptions

• “I had a service, so I don’t need an MOT.”
  • False. Servicing doesn’t cover legal checks like emissions and roadworthiness.
• “My MOT checks everything.”
  • Not true. MOTs check for safety issues, but they don’t change oil, filters, or inspect engine wear.
• “A failed MOT means my car is unfixable.”
  • Incorrect. Most MOT fails are due to minor issues that can be quickly repaired.

FAQ: MOT vs Servicing

Q: Can I drive without an MOT if my service is up to date?
A: No – it’s illegal to drive without a valid MOT unless you’re going to a pre-booked test.

Q: How often should I service my car?
A: Most manufacturers recommend every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Q: Can I combine my MOT and service in one appointment?
A: Yes – at Approved Engines, we offer combined packages to save you time and money.

Q: Do I need to service my car if I rarely drive it?
A: Yes – oil and fluids degrade over time, even if mileage is low.

Q: Is MOT testing available for vans and commercial vehicles?
A: Absolutely. We test cars and light commercial vehicles at our Suffolk centre.

Book Your MOT and Service in One Place

At Approved Engines in Sudbury, Suffolk, we make it easy to stay safe and compliant. Whether you’re due for an MOT test, a routine service, or both, our qualified technicians provide a reliable and professional service every time.

✉️ Ready to book? Visit our Contact Page or call us today to schedule your MOT and servicing appointment.

Stay roadworthy. Stay safe. Choose Approved Engines, your local MOT and car servicing experts in Suffolk.