26/11/2015
As a car owner in the UK, you’re no stranger to the annual MOT test and the regular car service. Both are crucial for keeping your vehicle safe, roadworthy, and performing efficiently. But a common question that often arises is: should you book your MOT and service together, or are they better handled separately? This article delves deep into the considerations, helping you make the most informed decision for your vehicle and your wallet.
Understanding the MOT Test
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual inspection of your vehicle required by law for cars over three years old. It's not a service; rather, it’s a legal requirement designed to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. The MOT checks various components, including:
- Lights
- Tyres and wheels
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Seatbelts
- Wipers and washers
- Windscreen
- Horn
- Exhaust system and emissions
- Vehicle structure and bodywork
It’s important to remember that an MOT certificate only confirms that your vehicle met the minimum required standards at the time of the test. It doesn't guarantee your car will remain roadworthy for the entire year, nor does it cover the general mechanical condition of the engine, gearbox, or clutch.
Understanding Your Car Service
Unlike the mandatory MOT, a car service is a recommended maintenance check that goes beyond the basic safety requirements. Its primary purpose is to keep your car running reliably, efficiently, and to extend its lifespan. There are typically different levels of service:
- Interim Service: Often recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles, this usually includes an oil and filter change, fluid top-ups, and basic checks of lights, tyres, and brakes.
- Full Service: Recommended annually or every 12,000 miles, this is a more comprehensive check, covering everything in an interim service plus checks on spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters (where applicable), and a more thorough inspection of various components.
- Major Service: Typically carried out every 24 months or 24,000 miles, this is the most extensive service, including all elements of a full service, plus potential replacement of cabin filters, brake fluid, and other long-life items as per the manufacturer's schedule.
A service aims to identify potential problems before they become serious and costly, ensuring your car performs optimally and maintains its resale value.
The Case for Booking Them Together
Many car owners opt to combine their MOT and service, and there are several compelling reasons why this can be a smart move:
Convenience and Time Saving
Booking both appointments at the same time means only one trip to the garage. You drop off your car once, and it undergoes both inspections. This saves you valuable time and the hassle of arranging multiple appointments and travel to and from the garage. It streamlines your vehicle maintenance calendar, making it easier to remember when your car is due for its annual checks.
Potential Cost Savings
Some garages offer discounted rates or bundled deals when you book an MOT and service together. This is because they can optimise their workshop time and resources, passing on some of those efficiencies to the customer. Always enquire about combined deals when you call for a quote; these can lead to significant savings over booking them separately.
Proactive Problem Solving
If your car is serviced before its MOT, any issues identified during the service can often be rectified immediately, improving the chances of your car passing its MOT first time. This proactive approach minimises the risk of an MOT failure and the need for re-tests. For example, if the service identifies worn brake pads or a faulty light, these can be replaced before the MOT, saving you the stress and expense of a fail.
Comprehensive Vehicle Overview
Having both checks done simultaneously provides a holistic view of your car's condition. The garage gets to inspect both the safety and environmental aspects (MOT) and the mechanical health (service) in one go. This can help in identifying underlying issues that might not be picked up by one check alone, contributing to overall vehicle safety and longevity.
The Case for Booking Them Separately
While combining appointments offers clear benefits, there are valid reasons why some drivers prefer to keep their MOT and service separate:
Spreading the Cost
For some, the combined cost of an MOT and a full service can be a significant financial outlay at one time. Booking them separately allows you to spread the expense over a few weeks or months, making it more manageable for your budget. This financial flexibility can be a major deciding factor.
Focus on Specific Issues
If your car recently had a major repair or you’re on a tight budget, you might prefer to address specific issues during a service without the added cost or time of an MOT, or vice-versa. This allows for a more targeted approach to maintenance.
What if Your Car Fails the MOT?
This is a crucial consideration. If you book your MOT and service together, and your car fails the MOT, the service might be completed, but you still cannot drive the car legally (unless it's to a pre-booked MOT retest or for repairs). You'll then need to arrange for the necessary repairs and a re-test. Some garages might offer a free re-test if the repairs are done at their facility within a certain timeframe (often 10 working days). However, this can still disrupt your plans and potentially lead to unexpected costs. If you have the MOT done first and it fails, you can then decide whether to have the repairs done at that garage or elsewhere before arranging a service.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
To help you decide, consider the following:
Vehicle Age and Condition
- Newer Cars (under 3 years old): Only require servicing. An MOT isn't applicable yet.
- Older Cars: More likely to have wear and tear. Combining might be beneficial to catch issues early, but also increases the chance of an MOT failure if not well-maintained.
Your Budget
Can you comfortably afford the combined cost upfront, or would spreading it out be more comfortable?
Your Driving Habits
High mileage drivers might benefit from regular interim services, potentially more frequent than their annual MOT. Low mileage drivers might find the annual combined approach sufficient.
Garage Flexibility and Offers
Always ask your chosen garage about their policies on combined bookings, discounts, and re-test fees. Their specific offers might sway your decision.
Comparison Table: Combined vs. Separate Booking
| Feature | Combined Booking (MOT & Service) | Separate Booking (MOT then Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High (single drop-off, less admin) | Lower (multiple trips, more admin) |
| Potential Cost | Potentially lower (bundled discounts) | Potentially higher (no bundled discounts) |
| Financial Impact | Larger single outlay | Costs spread out |
| Risk of MOT Fail | Reduced if service done before MOT, but still possible. Service may be completed on a failing car. | If MOT fails, repairs can be done before service, giving more control. |
| Vehicle Overview | Comprehensive, holistic check | Two distinct checks, potentially less integrated view |
| Time Commitment | One longer appointment | Two shorter appointments |
Choosing the Right Garage
Regardless of whether you book them together or separately, choosing a reputable garage is paramount. Look for garages with:
- Qualified Technicians: Ensure they are experienced and certified.
- Good Reviews: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Transparent Pricing: Get a clear quote upfront with no hidden fees.
- Customer Service: A garage that communicates clearly and offers good advice is invaluable.
- MOT Authorisation: Ensure they are an authorised MOT testing station.
A good garage will explain any work needed, provide estimates, and seek your approval before proceeding with repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No, absolutely not. An MOT is a legal safety and emissions test required annually for vehicles over three years old. A service is preventative maintenance designed to keep your car running well, improve its efficiency, and extend its life. While they both involve inspections, their scope and purpose are different.
How often should I service my car?
This depends on your car's manufacturer recommendations, which are usually based on mileage or time (e.g., every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first). Many drivers opt for an interim service every 6 months or 6,000 miles, and a full service annually or every 12,000 miles.
What happens if my car fails its MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, you will receive a 'refusal of an MOT test certificate' document. You cannot drive the car on public roads unless it's to a pre-booked appointment at an MOT test centre or garage for repairs or a re-test. If the car is considered 'dangerous', you cannot drive it at all until the defects are rectified.
Can I drive my car after an MOT failure?
Only if its existing MOT certificate is still valid and no 'dangerous' defects were found. If the existing MOT has expired, or 'dangerous' defects were identified, you can only drive it to a place of repair or a pre-arranged MOT retest. Driving a car with an expired MOT or dangerous defects is illegal and can lead to fines, points, or even a ban.
What's included in a typical car service?
A full service typically includes changing the engine oil and oil filter, checking and topping up all fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, screen wash), inspecting lights, tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, and checking spark plugs and various filters (air, fuel, cabin). The exact items can vary by garage and service level.
What if my car needs repairs after the MOT?
If your car fails its MOT, the garage will provide a list of 'major' or 'dangerous' defects that need addressing. You can choose to have the repairs done at that garage, or take your car elsewhere. If you have the repairs done at the same test centre and return the vehicle within 10 working days, a partial or free re-test is often offered.
Conclusion
There's no single 'right' answer to whether you should book your MOT and service together. The best approach depends on your personal circumstances, your car's age and condition, and your financial situation. For many, the convenience and potential cost savings of a combined booking make it the preferred choice, offering peace of mind that their vehicle is both legally compliant and mechanically sound. However, if budget management is a priority, or if your vehicle is prone to MOT failures, separate bookings might offer more flexibility. Always weigh the pros and cons, get quotes from reputable garages, and choose the option that best suits you and your vehicle's needs.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT & Service: Book Together or Separate?, you can visit the Maintenance category.