Car Servicing and MOT: Small Checks That Prevent Big Problems

Skipping car servicing isn’t a smart move to save money; instead, doing so can lead to life-threatening situations. Tyre bursts, brake failures and car breakdowns may pose a great threat to the safety of the car owner, passenger and others on the road. Moreover, in the long run, a car owner may have to spend more money for expensive repairs and replacement of car parts. Neglecting car servicing means risking the health of the car. Small car issues need to be addressed fast to prevent them from growing bigger in the future. This can lead to costly repair and replacement of car parts. Moreover, poorly maintained cars often consume greater amounts of fuel. The internal parts begin to wear out faster when the car is not properly maintained. This can lead to low grip and reduced control and stability of the car. And the harsh truth is that sometimes, most drivers or people who own cars ignore the minor problems that are in their cars until they escalate to bigger proportions. Sudden loss of brakes, car breakdowns, or any mechanical failure normally happen when the car has not been maintained in a proper manner. By regularly servicing a car, such problems can be avoided. Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of not servicing a car regularly.

Disadvantages of Not Servicing a Car Regularly

Higher Operating Cost: Poor car servicing leads to clogged air filters, dirty oil, and worn-out spark plugs, which make the engine work harder.  This makes the engine work harder than necessary. Other than this, improper tyres or improper wheel setup can also cost the car owners a lot due to increased fuel consumption. When a car is taken to the workshop, the mechanics examine all its vital components and solve the problems. This helps improve the performance of the car, helping the vehicle owner to save a lot of money on repair expenses and fuel costs.

Safety Hazards: Skipping car servicing may expose a person to road accidents. The fact is, the performance of a car drastically drops when it is not serviced well. When car servicing is skipped, minor issues in the car can go unnoticed, increasing the chances of car breakdown, mechanical failure, and poor performance. Regular servicing helps ensure that these problems are detected early enough and keeps the driver and passengers safe.

Less Resale Value: In case a car owner neglects car maintenance for too long, then he/she may not be able to sell it to any person at a fair price. The fact is, prospective customers often want to check the condition of the car. They not only ask for a visual inspection of the car but also demand a detailed service report. So, if the car owners fail to present the buyers with a proper service report, there is a possibility of refusing to purchase the car or just offering a low price despite the car looking good on the outside. Thus, if a vehicle owner wants to get a price that their car deserves, then the car should be maintained well.

Reduced Vehicle Life: There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that a well-maintained car performs better and does not wear out faster. When all the parts are taken care of through routine service, the lifespan of the vehicle automatically increases. On the other hand, when a car is not maintained properly, the vehicle’s life span is reduced.

What is MOT?

In addition to regular car servicing, a car should also have a valid MOT certificate if it is over 3 years old. It is also obligatory in the UK. MOT Wolverhampton is a test carried out by expert professionals to check all the key components of a vehicle to ascertain that it fulfils the environmental and safety requirements. Any car that is above 3 years old must undergo this test annually to remain legal. Passing the test would mean that the mentioned issue in the MOT report would have to be promptly fixed. In case a car owner is caught on the road with a failed MOT test, not only does he/she have to pay a hefty fine, but he/she can also accumulate points on their licence and have their car insurance invalidated.

Key Signs A Car Needs Service

The following 4 indicators mean a car requires immediate attention or car servicing in Wolverhampton:

•   If the lights on the dashboard are on or blinking.
•   If the brakes feel spongy or springy, it could mean there is air in the brake lines. Don’t drive it until it’s fixed.
•   If the car makes weird noises or experiences a strange vibration while driving.
•   If the car is emitting blue, white or black smoke, have it serviced immediately.

Conclusion

Precisely, maintaining the car is a major aspect of safe driving. So, do not wait until something serious happens to your car; have it serviced on a routine basis to avoid complications. Apart from car servicing, an MOT is equally important, as it ensures that the vehicle meets legal safety and environmental standards and is fit to be driven on the road.