Owning a car is a matter of immense responsibility. You rely on it for all your transportation needs, yet you don’t really provide it the care and attention it deserves. The outcome is a feeling of extreme stress and unrest when the MOT test comes around. The MOT test is a compulsory check that your vehicle must undergo once every year if it is three years or older.
For those driving, finding a reliable garage is the key to keeping your vehicle in good shape and ready for the MOT Check Rugby.
The key to enjoying a safe drive and avoiding emergencies is to treat your annual check-ups seriously. Let’s see how it can be done.
The Compulsory Check-Up: Your Vehicle's Annual MOT
Let’s discuss the MOT Rugby test. This is the biggest test of your vehicle. You cannot escape the MOT because it's the law. However, there is a little irony here. The MOT test doesn’t really get under the bonnet or down to the bottom of your car, given its critical importance. The test doesn’t check the car’s overall health or several other important parameters. It’s a stringent and detailed safety and environmental check.
Brakes and Tyres: They are the vehicle’s main lifelines. The braking system is checked for balance and power. The handbrake must hold tight, too. The tester will turn attention to the tyres. They are checked for tread depth.
Steering and Suspension: Safety is an area of big concern for MOT testers. They will look for excessive play or slop in the steering wheel, and leaks or wear in the shock absorbers. A suspension that doesn't work properly may result in a bumpy ride. However, a worse outcome is that the car is unstable while braking.
Passing the MOT takes a heavy burden off your shoulders for another year. It confirms your car is roadworthy. But that test is only for your car’s present condition. Will the MOT test check for any old oil circulating in your engine? No!
Why You Need Car Servicing?
Unlike the MOT, car servicing is not legally binding on you, but it’s important. The money you spend on car maintenance will go a long way in keeping you and others safe on the road. Skipping a service is very tempting, but not recommended. When you do so, a small problem can become a major issue and a costly one, too.
Is there an ideal service schedule? It depends on how much time you spend driving and the conditions in which you drive. The best way of ensuring timely servicing is to follow the manufacturer’s guide. Most guides recommend a full service once a year, or when your car reaches 12,000 miles.
If you do big miles or take lots of short, stop-start trips, an interim service halfway through the year is good enough. It involves a quick oil and filter change to keep the components lubricated and running smoothly.
Inside the Service Centre
When a trained mechanic performs a full service, they don’t just tick boxes on the checklist. They aim to support your engine in improving its performance.
Oil: Your engine oil breaks down as you put the miles on. It becomes thick, dark, and has numerous dirt elements. Bad oil creates friction, forcing the engine to work harder. It results in a substantial reduction in fuel economy. It also hastens wear. Your car’s efficiency and performance can be restored by replacing the oil and the oil filter.
Filter: The air filter needs to be changed to ensure the engine functions properly. Cleaning the fuel filter is necessary to keep the fuel system functioning optimally. Cleaner systems mean more efficient combustion and better mileage.
The Underbody Inspection: This involves a careful inspection of components that wear out over time. Detecting a worn belt or a minor fluid leak early can mean the difference between a small bill and a massive engine overhaul.
When looking for quality Car Servicing Rugby, find a workshop with a good reputation among locals. They must provide a clear explanation of the findings of the inspection, report unexpected or additional work, and give a detailed quote. Offering you the choice before starting additional work.
Conclusion
Look after your car as suggested here. Understand that the MOT is a mandatory test for safety and environmental regulation compliance. The Car Servicing Rugby is a broader step to ensure its health. It is the simplest way to ensure you can rely on your motor wherever you go, without worrying about unexpected breakdowns.
