The Benefits of Regular MOT and Servicing

Being a car owner comes with lots of important responsibilities. One of the biggest is making sure you get your vehicle serviced and properly maintained on a regular basis. In the UK, the law says you must get an annual MOT Smethwick to check that your car meets all the necessary safety and environmental standards. Getting your car serviced frequently by professional mechanics is also extremely crucial for keeping it running smoothly and catching any possible issues before they become major problems.

Cars need lots of tender loving care just like humans do. A Car Service Smethwick involves a very thorough inspection and all the necessary maintenance to keep everything in top-notch, excellent condition.

What is an MOT? 

The MOT is an annual test that checks many of the key safety components of your car. During the test, qualified inspectors make sure parts like the lights, steering system, brakes, tyres, vehicle bodywork, fuel system, and exhaust are all meeting the legal requirements. The main goal of the MOT is to ensure vehicles being driven on the roads are safe and not causing too much harmful pollution.

When Do You Need an MOT? 

All vehicles over 3 years old require an annual MOT inspection by law. The exact due date is calculated based on the anniversary of when the vehicle was first registered and put on the road. You can receive a fine of up to £1,000 if you drive a car without a valid, current MOT certificate.

What Happens During an MOT? 

The MOT test covers a wide range of checks on the vehicle's most important safety and environmental components. Some key areas that are examined include:

Bodywork condition and registration plates - They inspect the body of the car to make sure there is no major damage like dents or rust. The vehicle's registration plates must also be properly and securely fixed and easily readable.

Lights and signals - All interior and exterior lights like headlights, indicators, and brake lights are checked to ensure they are working correctly and properly.

Steering, suspension, and undercarriage - The steering wheel, suspension system, and entire underside of the car are thoroughly inspected for any potential issues, defects or excessive wear and tear.

Brakes and handbrake - The mechanic fully tests that the brakes and handbrake are functioning properly and can bring the car to a safe complete stop.

Seatbelts and driver's view - They make sure all seatbelts are in good working condition and components related to the driver's view like mirrors and windshield wipers are operating right.

Exhaust and fuel system - Checks are done to make sure the exhaust is not emitting too many pollutants and that the fuel system has no leaks.

Tyres and wheels - The tyre tread depth, overall condition, and air pressure levels are inspected along with the state of the wheels and hubcaps.

What is a Car Service? 

In addition to the annual legally required MOT inspection, it is highly recommended to get your car serviced regularly by a qualified, professional mechanic. During a full service, the vehicle gets a comprehensive, thorough multi-point inspection and preventative maintenance work is performed.

What Gets Checked During a Full Car Service?

So what exactly gets looked at during a typical full service for your car? While the exact checklist may vary a bit between different car models, services broadly cover important safety elements, mechanical checks, and replacements. The safety checks are really important. Mechanics will thoroughly inspect the brakes to make sure they are working properly and have enough brake pad material left. They check the tyres for proper tread depth, cracks, bulges or any other damage. The steering system gets tested to ensure the car goes straight and turns smoothly. Suspension components like shocks and springs are inspected for wear or leaks that could make the ride bumpy or unstable. The body of the car also gets looked over for any dents, scratches or rust that could potentially be safety issues.

Mechanical items are another major part of a full service. The engine and all its related parts like pistons, valves, spark plugs, etc. get thoroughly checked over. The transmission, which transfers power from the engine, is inspected and the fluid is changed if it's dirty. The cooling system that prevents the engine from overheating is flushed out and new coolant is added. Many consumable items that wear out over time are replaced during a service. This includes things like engine oil, air filters, fuel filters, drive belts, windshield wiper blades, and more. Small worn-out pieces are swapped out for fresh new parts.

For newer cars with more advanced technology, other items get examined too. The dashboard computer systems are checked for any warning lights or error codes. Software updates may be installed if needed. The condition of the battery that powers all the electricity is tested. Headlights are aimed properly so they point straight ahead. Even the windshield glass is inspected for any chips or cracks that could potentially spread and become unsafe. After all the checks and replacements are done, you get a full report explaining anything that needs attention soon or any urgent repairs required. This allows you to plan for any upcoming work your car may need and budget the costs accordingly.