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Help > Car Servicing > What is the difference between MOT and service?
Although an MOT and a car service are both very important, they provide two different purposes when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
The MOT inspection and certificate is a legal requirement – something which must be carried out if the car is 3 years or older. It must take place on an annual basis.
To drive on public roads, a car must have a valid MOT certificate to indicate that it has been inspected according to the legal requirements and has passed the test. These include safety as well as environmental checks.
MOT tests can only be carried out by a garage which has been approved to do so by the DVSA.
A car service on the other hand is an optional vehicle check – it is not required by law, but is no less important in ensuring that your car remains in top condition for as long as possible.
Regular car servicing is also important if your car is still under warranty. Many warranty agreements require regular car servicing to ensure the warranty remains valid and is not voided.
In regard to what is checked, an MOT has a set regulated number of components which must be checked as part of the inspection. Car servicing on the other hand will depend on the type of service being carried out, as well as the establishment which is providing the checks.