Everything you need to know about care servicing and MOT test

Car Servicing: it's relevance

Car servicing can be hard to grasp for people who don't know much about mechanics. Still, you should understand the basics when you take your car to the shop. You want your car back in great shape, both safe and working well. You also need to know what happens to your car while it's there. Most cars follow a schedule of minor and major upkeep. The minor checks happen every 10,000 - 15,000 km. The big tune-ups take place around every 30,000 - 45,000 km. This has a varied requirement depending on your car's make and model,  as how you've driven it, and what your mechanic suggests.

Let’ take a look at what types of car servicing offered to the vehicle whenever it is required. These are comprised of three, including:

Basic Service:

One of the basic services for maintenance of the car involves a visual check and an oil and filter replacement. An essential check includes engine fluids like coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, and power steering fluid. To make sure the car runs well, they inspect up to 35 key parts. They also examine the brakes as the maker suggests. Some shops offer extra work if the car needs it, but not all do.

Full Service:

A complete service adds 15-30 more checks to what's done in basic maintenance. On top of the standard work, if your car needs extra repairs, you'll pay more.

Major Service:

A major service includes everything in a full service, plus it changes fuel filters and spark plugs. It also takes care of other wear items and services the manufacturer's guidelines suggest. This doesn't cover any extra maintenance work or repairs.

When the service ends, customers can ask for a record of all completed work to understand what maintenance was done. The car servicing Reading  differs based on the car type, so customers should know their owner's manual well. It's key to ask for a list of all needed work before the service starts. This lets customers compare it to the finished work and see what issues their car had.

Everything about MOT test

An MOT test checks if vehicles can drive on UK roads. The Ministry of Transport requires this test. The law states that all vehicles older than three years (four years in Northern Ireland) need to take this test every year. The test makes sure vehicles meet basic safety and environmental rules. Cars over three years old in the UK must get this yearly check. The main goal is to con

Mechanics at MOT test stations perform the test, which takes about 45 minutes to finish. The test examines several parts of the vehicle such as the brakes, tyres, suspension, and lights. When a vehicle passes the MOT test, the inspector issues a pass certificate which remains valid for one year. If a vehicle doesn't pass the MOT test, the owner receives a list of issues to fix. Once the repairs are done, the vehicle needs another test.

What does an MOT test check?

• Body and overall vehicle structure

• Towbar and electrics

• Fuel system

• Exhaust emissions

• Exhaust system

• Seatbelts

• Seats

• Doors

• Mirrors

• Brakes

• Tyres and wheels

• Registration plates

• Lights

• Bonnet

• Wipers and washers

• Windscreen

• Horn

• Steering and suspension

• VIN (Vehicle identification number)

• Electricals

A complete checklist and how to get your car ready before you head to the MOT test.

Can I drive without an MOT?

No, this breaks the law. You can drive without an MOT if you're going to the garage for a scheduled MOT appointment. You can find out the exact date your MOT is due here.

Also, you can drive without an MOT Reading if your car doesn't need one. Cars over 40 years old don't require an MOT.

Getting Ready for Your MOT Test

You can boost your chances of passing your MOT test by doing some quick checks before you take your car to the test centre. Following are some of the ways which help in getting your car ready before the test. 

1. Check All Lights: Always look over all lights that work right, including turn signals and brake lights.

2. Check the Tyres: Keep an eye on the tyre's tread depth and is in good shape. UK law says tread must be at least 1.6mm deep.

3. Try the Brakes: Check if your brakes work well and listen for odd sounds when you use them.

4. Clean Windscreen and Mirrors: Be sure your windscreen and mirrors are clean and have no cracks or harm.

5. Fill Up Fluids: Look at and add more of key fluids, like engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid.

Other tips 

• Check your car's horn. It should make one loud sound that catches the eye of people walking and other drivers. If it doesn't work right, get it fixed.

• The seats in the front of your car need to be in place. Make sure they move and lock as they should, and don't slip around when you're driving.

• You might not think so, but a dirty or messy car could cause you to fail your MOT. Before you take your car for its MOT test always clean it out, give the windows a quick clean, and throw away any trash.