Buying a car is an adventurous and joyful experience. This overjoying ride is possible only if you keep your car in good shape. No matter whether your car is new or second-hand, it is important to take the car for regular servicing. However, to keep the vehicle in good shape, it becomes essential to take care of it.
Car servicing is a routine inspection of the car to identify the issue and fix it at an earlier stage before it becomes major. Just like your home or health, everything requires check-ups in the same way a car requires servicing to detect damage. This is usually carried out by a professional mechanic. While taking the car for servicing, various component checks, adjustments, and part replacements are considered.
Getting a car serviced at regular intervals not only improves the vehicle’s performance but also ensures improved fuel efficiency, better handling, and improved engine performance.
According to the different conditions of the vehicle, car service Preston is classified into three categories, such as:
Interim service (Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first)
Full service ( Every 12,000 miles or 12 months)
Major service (Every 24,000 miles or 24 months)
A regularly serviced car provides several benefits. Moreover, getting it from a professional results in extending the vehicle’s longevity. A few of the benefits are:
A properly maintained vehicle helps keep the vehicle running, which is possible because it identifies the issue at an early stage. However, this resulted in improved efficiency and power.
Better fuel efficiency
Serviced cars at regular intervals to ensure less fuel consumption, resulting in saving money in the long run. Apparently, a well-serviced car is around 10% more fuel efficient than one that is unserviced. Taking at regular intervals helps in understanding which part requires replacement or repair.
Ensure overall safety
The proper functioning of the car’s components is essential so as to reduce the sudden breakdown and risk of accidents while driving. Make sure the brakes, tyres, and other important parts of a car are in good condition.
Improved Confidence
When you are well aware that your car is regularly serviced, you will be more confident while driving on the road. This will give drivers better peace of mind and reduce stress as all the components are working in optimal condition.
Understanding the MOT
MOT, which stands for Ministry of Transportation, is an annual inspection of a vehicle for three years at the date of registration. This test is carried out to make sure the vehicle meets its road safety and environmental standards. If you are a car owner, it is your utmost responsibility to understand the MOT test. In the UK, various vehicles are driven, and for every vehicle, the MOT Preston test is classified into different classes. These are class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, class 5, class 5A, class 6, class 6A, and class 7.
MOT test checks
Below are some of the common checks that are conducted:
Suspension and steering
Tyres and wheels
Mirrors
Doors
Windscreen wipers
Exhaust system
Registration plate
Body structure, and many more.
Common signs of failing the MOT
Listed below are some indications of failing the MOT test:
Fixing the issue with the headlights is the simplest and cheapest. Any improper functioning of the headlights results in instant failure of the MOT.
Suspension is the most crucial part of the vehicle. Inappropriate conditions of the car’s suspension components might impact performance. Components such as arms, rods, springs, shock absorbers, joints, pins, and bushes should be secured tightly. Any default in the suspension system will cause failure in the test.
Tyres generally help the vehicle move, stop, or turn. Misalignment or balancing can cause failure in the test. Frequent failures in the performance of tyres lead to higher risk on the road.
Mirrors provide a view from the front, side, and back. Therefore, it is important to make sure every mirror that is embedded in the car is properly intact to be able to pass the test.
Most of the reasons for failure in MOT are faulty number plates. If there is any customisation, then they should significantly meet the guidelines set by DVSA. To be able to pass the MOT, examine the vehicle thoroughly before taking it for the test.
Conclusion
MOT and car service are two different inspections of the car, as per the operation and necessity. Most car owners have the misconception that MOT and car service are the same. But both have one thing in common: keeping the car safe and roadworthy.
MOT is a mandatory inspection in which the condition of the vehicle is examined. Whereas car service is a choice, it plays an important role in passing the MOT test. During the car service check, professionals inspect all the major and minor components to keep it well-maintained and in good working condition. Both are interlinked and equally important to making the vehicle drive on the road with all the legalities.