Poorly maintained cars are one of the main reasons behind road accidents. When a vehicle is not maintained for a long period of time, the critical parts in it, such as brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, and lights, may start to deteriorate without your knowledge. And driving with faulty parts has a higher chance of road accidents. For instance, when you don’t service a car, the tyres may go underinflated, the lubrication may dry out, and essential fluids may deplete. These can cause increased friction and wear on the engine and other moving parts, making your vehicle harder to control. So, when you skip car servicing, a lot of issues can go unnoticed, which can turn into a bigger problem in the future. So, regular car servicing is highly essential to maintain the health of the car and to keep both the driver and others on the road safe. In this article we will understand the importance of car servicing and MOT.
Key Signs Your Car May Need Servicing
- Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Modern vehicles come with advanced indicators that get triggered when an issue arises. If you see the dashboard lights or the indicators read "check engine", "check oil pressure", "check battery", or "check brake" are on, you must take your car for servicing. These indicators are designed to alert the drivers about the issue with the vehicle.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency
If you notice that the mileage of your car has dropped suddenly, then your car needs immediate servicing. Fuel efficiency is frequently decreased by old spark plugs, clogged air filters, worn-out exhaust systems or suspension, or underinflated tyres. So, if you want better fuel economy from your car, never skip routine car servicing.
- Unusual Noises or Vibrations
If your car produces odd sounds such as thumping, grinding, etc., while you are driving, it's a clear indication that there is a serious technical issue. It is recommended to avoid driving with the car and get it serviced immediately to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
- Braking Issues
One of the most important parts of a car is the brake. Therefore, you should get your car serviced as soon as possible if you notice that your brakes are not working properly. If the brakes of your car feel too springy or spongy, or if it takes longer to stop after you hit the brake pedal, refrain from driving until the issue is fixed.
- Difficulty Starting the Engine
Your car's battery can be weak or worn out if you have trouble starting it, especially in the morning. To avoid unexpected failures, it is critical to have your car serviced right away.
- Smoke from the Exhaust
It is a clear indication that your car needs servicing if strange smoke, such as white, black or blue, is coming out from your vehicle. Blue smoke indicates oil burning, black smoke indicates excessive fuel burning, and white smoke indicates coolant leaking. If you neglect these smokes, your car may encounter engine failure.
Benefits of Car Servicing
- Enhances the performance of the engine
- Enhances the fuel efficiency of the car
- Extends the vehicle’s lifespan
- Prevents costly repairs by detecting and resolving issues early
- Improved safety on the road
- Reduces the rolling resistance of the car by maintaining the tyre health and balance
- Increases the resale value
- Keeps warranty valid
- Provides a smoother and quieter driving experience
In addition to regular car maintenance, it must get an MOT certificate as well to drive legally on the roads of the UK.
What is an MOT?
In the UK, if your vehicle is older than three years, it must pass the Ministry of Transport test, or MOT. The test includes inspecting all of the vital car components, including the steering and suspension, wheels and tyres, brakes and brake fluid, exhaust and emissions, and indicators. The test is performed to check the roadworthiness of the vehicles. So, it is very important for your car to pass this test. If your car fails this test, it means your car is unsafe to drive. You cannot lawfully drive your car if the problems listed in the MOT are not fixed.
What is the difference between MOT and car servicing?
MOT (Ministry of Transport Test)
- An MOT Stoke on Trent is a legal requirement for cars that are over 3 years old.
- MOT is performed to alert the driver about the issues with the car. The goal is to check the roadworthiness of a vehicle.
- MOT is just a mere test to find the problems with your car; it doesn't fix or replace any parts. The test results indicate whether your car passes or fails.
Car Servicing
- Car servicing is optional but strongly advised, it is not a mandatory requirement.
- Car servicing includes in-depth inspection of all critical parts of the car, detecting the issues and resolving them.
Conclusion
For you to drive your car with confidence, MOT and car maintenance are both essential. A valid MOT certificate serves as proof that your vehicle is safe to drive and satisfies all legal and environmental requirements. MOT is just a test that involves identifying the issues with the car. On the other hand, car servicing is required to keep your vehicle in good condition. It involves fixing and replacing car parts if and when needed. So, if your car servicing Stoke on Trent or MOT is pending, get it done immediately.