03/08/2016
Many vehicle owners find themselves juggling various maintenance tasks throughout the year. One common question that arises is whether it's possible to combine two crucial aspects of vehicle upkeep: the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test and a routine service. The answer, for many, is a resounding yes, and it often comes with distinct advantages, including potential cost savings and enhanced convenience. This guide will delve into the intricacies of booking your MOT and service concurrently, exploring the benefits, common practices, and how to make the most of available offers.
Why Book Your MOT and Service Together?
There are several compelling reasons why booking your MOT and service at the same time makes practical and financial sense. Firstly, it streamlines the process. Instead of arranging two separate appointments, potentially at different garages or at different times, you can get both essential tasks completed in one visit. This saves you valuable time and minimises the disruption to your daily routine.
Secondly, many garages and service providers recognise the convenience of this combined approach and often offer special package deals. These deals can significantly reduce the overall cost compared to booking each service independently. You might find that the combined price is less than the sum of its parts, effectively giving you a discount for your loyalty and for simplifying their scheduling.
Furthermore, having a recent service can positively impact your MOT test result. A comprehensive service will identify and address potential issues that could lead to an MOT failure. By having them rectified during the service, you increase the likelihood of your vehicle passing its MOT test on the first attempt, saving you the hassle and expense of a re-test.
Understanding the MOT and Service
The MOT Test
The MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK. It's an annual inspection designed to ensure your vehicle meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. The test covers a range of components, including:
- Lights: Functionality and condition.
- Brakes: Performance and wear.
- Tyres: Tread depth, condition, and pressure.
- Seatbelts: Condition and operation.
- Exhaust System: Emissions and integrity.
- Structure: Corrosion and damage to key structural parts.
- Visibility: Windscreen, wipers, and washers.
- Fuel System: Leaks and security.
- Seats: Security of fixings.
- Doors: Operation of door latches.
- Mirrors: Condition and security.
- Registration Plates: Condition, visibility, and security.
- Wheels and Tyres: Condition, security, and tread depth.
A vehicle that fails its MOT must have the necessary repairs carried out and then undergo a partial re-test to demonstrate that the issues have been resolved.
Routine Vehicle Service
A vehicle service is a more comprehensive inspection and maintenance procedure. While an MOT focuses on safety and roadworthiness, a service aims to keep your vehicle running efficiently and to prevent future problems. A typical service will involve:
- Oil and Filter Change: Essential for engine lubrication and cooling.
- Fluid Checks and Top-Ups: Including coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.
- Brake Inspection: Checking brake pads, discs, and fluid levels.
- Tyre Check: Inspecting tread depth, pressure, and condition, and often including rotation.
- Battery Check: Testing the battery's health and connections.
- Spark Plug Inspection/Replacement: Crucial for engine performance.
- Air Filter Check/Replacement: Important for engine efficiency and emissions.
- General Inspection: Looking for leaks, wear and tear, and potential issues with suspension, steering, and exhaust components.
Services are typically categorised as 'interim' (shorter, more frequent) or 'full' (more comprehensive, less frequent), depending on your vehicle's age, mileage, and manufacturer recommendations.
How to Book Your MOT and Service Together
The process of booking your MOT and service concurrently is usually straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Check Your Vehicle's Needs: Determine if your MOT is due soon and if your vehicle is also due for a routine service. Consult your vehicle's service history or owner's manual for guidance on service intervals.
- Identify Reputable Garages: Look for garages that offer both MOT testing and servicing. Consider using an AA approved garage for added assurance of quality and service standards.
- Enquire About Combined Offers: When you contact a garage, specifically ask if they offer a combined MOT and service package or any discounts for booking both together.
- Provide Vehicle Details: Have your vehicle's registration number and make/model ready when booking. This helps the garage provide accurate quotes and schedule the work correctly.
- Confirm What's Included: Before confirming your booking, ensure you understand exactly what is covered in both the MOT and the service. Clarify any potential additional costs for parts or labour that might arise, especially if unexpected issues are found during the MOT.
Special Offers: The £19.99 MOT with Service
As highlighted in the provided information, specific offers can make combining your MOT and service incredibly attractive. For instance, an offer like the '£19.99 MOT with a service' provides a significant saving. To benefit from such an offer, it's crucial to adhere to the terms and conditions:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Booking: | The £19.99 MOT rate is only valid when booked concurrently with a vehicle service. |
| Offer Validity: | The specific offer mentioned is valid until 31 December 2025. Always check the expiry date of any offer. |
| Discount Application: | The discount is typically applied automatically during the booking or payment process. |
| Membership: | In the case of AA membership offers, no membership card needs to be shown; the discount is linked to the booking. |
| Warranty: | Bookings with AA approved garages often come with peace of mind, including parts and labour guaranteed for 1 year or up to 12,000 miles. |
These types of promotions are designed to encourage customers to undertake both essential maintenance tasks, ensuring their vehicles are both safe and well-maintained while offering excellent value.
What to Expect on the Day
When you arrive at the garage for your combined MOT and service, the process will typically run as follows:
- Initial Briefing: The service advisor will confirm the work to be carried out, discuss any specific concerns you have about your vehicle, and provide an estimated completion time.
- Vehicle Inspection: The technicians will commence with the service, following a manufacturer-specific checklist, and simultaneously begin the MOT inspection.
- Reporting: Once both the service and MOT are completed, the garage will inform you of the findings. If the MOT is passed, you'll receive an MOT pass certificate. If it fails, they will provide a detailed report highlighting the reasons for failure. For the service, they will report on the work carried out and any recommendations for future maintenance.
- Authorisation for Additional Work: If any issues are found during the MOT that require immediate attention and are not covered by the service, the garage will contact you to explain the problem and provide a quote for the necessary repairs. You will need to authorise this additional work before it is carried out.
- Payment and Collection: Once all work is completed and you are satisfied, you will settle the bill and collect your vehicle, complete with its MOT certificate and a service record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an MOT and service on different days?
Yes, you can book them on different days. However, you will likely miss out on any combined package discounts that garages may offer for booking both services together.
What happens if my car fails its MOT after a service?
If your car fails its MOT after a service, it means that despite the service, certain components did not meet the minimum legal standards for roadworthiness. The garage should have identified and reported any issues during the service that they reasonably could have, but some failures might only become apparent during the formal MOT inspection. You will need to have the necessary repairs done and then book a re-test.
How often should I get my car serviced?
Service intervals vary depending on your vehicle's make, model, age, and how it's used. Generally, a car should be serviced annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it's best to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedule. An interim service might be recommended every 6 months or 6,000 miles.
Is a service the same as an MOT?
No, they are distinct. An MOT is a legal requirement focused on safety and emissions, while a service is a preventative maintenance procedure to keep your car running efficiently and reliably, and to catch potential problems before they occur.
Can I get an MOT done at any garage?
No, only authorised MOT test centres can conduct MOT tests. These garages will display an MOT test centre sign with a blue circle containing a white 'A', 'B', or 'C' in the centre.
Conclusion
Combining your MOT and vehicle service is a smart move for any car owner. It offers convenience, potential cost savings through package deals and special offers like the £19.99 MOT with service, and ensures your vehicle is both legally compliant and mechanically sound. By understanding the requirements of each service and actively seeking out combined booking options, you can keep your vehicle in top condition while being kind to your wallet.
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