If you own a car in the UK, you’ve probably heard the terms MOT and Service used together. But they aren’t the same thing. Understanding the difference helps your vehicle stay road legal, avoid unexpected repairs, and keep your car running smoothly.
In this blog, we explain what each one is, how they differ, and why you may need both.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is a legal requirement in the UK for most vehicles over three years old. Its main purpose is to ensure that your car meets minimum road safety and environmental standards. During an MOT, trained testers check critical components such as brakes, lights, tyres, steering, suspension, seatbelts, exhaust emissions, and wipers.
It’s important to note that an MOT does not fix any issues, nor does it assess overall engine health. It simply confirms whether your car is safe and road-legal on the day of the test. A car can pass its MOT while still having mechanical issues that could affect long-term reliability.
What is a car service?
A car service focuses on maintenance and vehicle health, rather than legal compliance. Services are designed to help your car run efficiently, prevent breakdowns, and avoid costly repairs. Depending on the service level, such as Interim, Full, or Major, it may include oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups, brake and battery checks, engine inspections, and the replacement of worn components.
Unlike an MOT, a service aims to maintain performance and prolong the life of your car. A well-serviced car is less likely to experience unexpected faults, making it an essential part of responsible vehicle ownership.
Key differences between an MOT and a Service
The main difference is an MOT is a legal safety check, while a service is preventative maintenance. You could have a car that passes its MOT but still needs servicing to run at its best, or a car that has been fully serviced but fails an MOT due to safety or emissions issues. Essentially, the MOT keeps you legal on the road, and the service keeps your car reliable and efficient.
Do you need to book both and MOT and a service?
Yes. Ideally, you should schedule both around the same time. The MOT ensures your car is legal and safe, while a service helps identify potential issues that could cause MOT failures. Many drivers choose to book them together to save time and reduce the risk of unexpected problems.
It’s also worth noting that a service cannot legally replace an MOT. Even if a service includes safety checks like those in an MOT, the legal test must still be completed to comply with UK law.
When should you book your MOT and Service?
MOTs are required every 12 months for most cars over three years old. Car services vary depending on type and usage. We recommend 12 months as a typical service interval or every 10,000-12,000 miles.
MOT and Servicing at Halfords
At Halfords, you can book your MOT, service, or both together with expert technicians across at over 600 garages nationwide. Booking both at the same time saves you money as we provide a discounted rate, helps you spot issues before they become bigger problems and improves your chances of passing your MOT on the first try.
MOT and Servicing: Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MOT the same as a service?
No. An MOT checks road legality and safety, while a service maintains your car’s performance and reliability.
Can my car pass an MOT without a service?
Yes, a car can pass an MOT even if it hasn’t been serviced, but servicing is recommended to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
What happens if I miss my MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and could invalidate your insurance.
Does servicing improve MOT pass chances?
Yes. A recent service can help identify and fix issues before your MOT test, increasing the likelihood of a pass.
In conclusion, an MOT is a legal safety check to keep your car road-legal, while a service maintains your vehicle’s health and performance. For safe, reliable, and legal driving, you need both.
