AUTOMOBILE
What’s the Difference Between a Service and a MOT?
If you’re new to the world of car ownership, then a lot of the terminology can be fairly confusing. It’s a common dealer tactic to offer all sorts of maintenance packages with never-ending checks and options to keep your car on the road. Not all of these are essential, and the trick is to try to see through the marketing and work out which of the checks really are essential for keeping your car on the road. The two main essential checks are the MOT and servicing, and there are important differences between the two.
Servicing
Having a service done isn’t a legal requirement. It’s just the advised way of keeping your car in best condition. You don’t have to have your car serviced at a main dealer or a chain garage; you can also either do the servicing yourself or use your local independent garage. When you come to sell your car in the future however, most buyers will want to make sure that you have been looking after your car properly, and will want to see evidence such as a stamped service book. Ignoring servicing is rarely a good idea and will often cost more in the long run.
What’s Checked in a Service?
Each car will differ in what exactly needs checked during a service, and what needs replaced. Many cars also require a basic service every year, with a major service only every two or three years. Most services, whether basic or major, will include:
- Checking the brakes and replacing pads or shoes if necessary
- Draining the oil from the engine and replacing
- Replacing air filter
- General checks on condition of bodywork and engine function
- Topping up windscreen wash
- Replacing wiper blades if needed
Cost varies depending on what type of service you need. A basic service on a small car could cost as little as £75. However, if you need a big service on a brand known for being expensive on parts, it could easily run into the hundreds. The key advice is to shop around and don’t assume that your only option is the expensive main dealer’s servicing department.
MOT
Servicing might be recommended but not compulsory, but MOT checks are a wholly different matter. It’s a legal requirement that nearly every vehicle over the age of 3 has an annual check to make sure that it’s fit to be on the road. There are a few exemptions, but this doesn’t apply to most cars, vans or motorbikes on British roads. Driving an unserviced car might make you more likely to break down, but driving a car without a MOT certificate is illegal and will cost you at least £100 in a fixed penalty fine.
The MOT doesn’t involve replacing things on your car or bringing it up to scratch. It’s assumed that you’ve done all of this work before taking it into the garage for the checks. During the MOT, the inspector runs through the checklist set out by the government and checks everything from seatbelts and tyres to suspension and lighting. If your car doesn’t reach the standards set in each category, it fails. The garage may then give you the option of getting it fixed and retested. If you take your car in for its MOT knowing that, for example, it needs two new tyres, the garage will usually do this work first before the MOT test.
As the MOT is a quicker job than a service, the cost is usually less too. The price of a car MOT is capped by the government at £54.85, but many garages choose to charge less than this as a marketing tool. A MOT test usually takes about 45 minutes. You also have less flexibility over when you have your MOT done. Each MOT certificate expires on a given date, and has to be renewed before that date. When it comes to servicing, you have more flexibility over when it gets done and a few weeks before or after isn’t going to make much of a difference. Many garages will offer a reminder service to notify you when your annual service is due.
Combining MOT and Servicing
As many drivers want to have their car serviced annually, and the MOT is also done once a year, it often makes sense to try to get the work to coincide. It’s less hassle, and less time off work to take the car into the garage. Many garages know that drivers want the “one stop shop” solution for both and therefore will run special offers. As the price of a MOT is not fixed, it’s fairly common to see offers for a free or reduced price MOT when you have the car serviced at the same time. You’re in a strong negotiating position so don’t be afraid to ask if there’s anything a garage can do on the price. If you have your car serviced before it is presented for its MOT, this also ensures that your car isn’t going to fail on simple issues such as not having enough windscreen wash or a broken lightbulb. Any bigger faults will usually be picked up during the servicing so it’s usually best to ask the garage to give you ring if there’s anything they spot. You can then make the decision when and how to get things fixed, perhaps delaying the MOT test until a later date.
Evans Pitstop is the best place to get car parts and accessories, and we’re glad you’ve found us. We offer everything you need to improve your driving experience, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice. Your automobile requirements will be met here, from top-notch products and services to knowledgeable guidance. Evans Pitstop is proud of its staff’s extensive knowledge, skill, and commitment to delivering superior service to each and every one of its clients.
Evans Service Station: Better Road Trips Guaranteed
Evans Pitstop cares deeply that your time spent on the road be relaxing and risk-free. We have a variety of options to improve your car’s efficiency, looks, and usefulness. Evans Pitstop shines in many ways; let’s look at a few of them:
Increased Performance:
The Key to Realising Your Full Potential
Evans Pitstop is the place to go if you want to get the most out of your car. We have a wide variety of enhancements available that will make your car run better than before. Our trained mechanics will assist you in making the best upgrade decisions, whether you’re looking to modify your engine, install a new exhaust system, improve your suspension, or replace your brakes.
Statement Accessory Style
Evans Pitstop recognizes the value in letting your car reflect your unique style while you’re out on the road. That’s why we have so many exterior trim pieces for you to use as you see fit on your ride. We have everything you need to make heads turn, from attractive body kits and eye-catching decals to fashionable alloy wheels and unique lighting solutions.
Repairs and Upkeep: Keeping You Mobile
Keeping your car in top shape requires timely inspections and repairs on a regular basis. Evans Pitstop offers a wide variety of auto repair and maintenance options to keep your car in tip-top form. Our expert technicians have access to cutting-edge equipment, allowing them to quickly identify and resolve any problems that may arise. We can handle everything from a simple oil change and tyre rotation to a complete engine overhaul.
Protect the Charm with Car Care Products
Evans Pitstop has several premium car maintenance items available to help you keep your automobile in showroom condition. Our car care solutions, ranging from high polish and waxes to interior cleansers and protectants, can help you keep your car looking like new for years to come. on addition to helping you select the best items for your needs, our team is also well-versed on the best ways to care for them.
Accessories for Automobiles: Adding Convenience and Relaxation
Evans Pitstop knows how important it is for you to have a pleasant and hassle-free time behind the wheel. That’s why we have so many different kinds of auto parts and accessories to make your ride even better. We provide everything you could possibly want or need, from cutting-edge navigation systems and entertainment features to convenient storage alternatives. Our professional staff is here to help you find the perfect accessories to complement your wardrobe.
Conclusion
Evans Pitstop is the best place to go for all of your car care requirements. You can trust that your time behind the wheel will be nothing short of outstanding thanks to our extensive inventory, knowledgeable staff, and dedication to your complete pleasure. Our knowledgeable staff can help you improve your car’s performance, update its aesthetic, or keep it in excellent condition. Come see the difference for yourself by stopping by Evans Pitstop today.
Keep your 2020 Corvette running smoothly and growling proudly for years to come. There’s nothing worse than rust or engine trouble with a sports car, so protect your investment and learn to protect your car from the elements. Shop for car covers, routine maintenance and learn how to care for your car cover. Don’t let your 2020 Corvette show signs of age, but keep it lovingly maintained with these products and maintenance steps.
Use an Indoor Car Cover in Your Garage
Pick up an Outdoor Cover
In emergency situations, there comes a time when your sports car must brave the elements. Thankfully, a custom outdoor car cover can shield your Corvette from rain, falling leaves, tree sap, and other contaminants. Pick up a cover that’s UV blocking so you don’t fade that beautiful paint job.
An outdoor cover isn’t a perfect solution, but it will prevent any scratches, UV damage, and light rainfall. Look for ways to keep your sports car stored indoors, particularly for long-term storage. Thankfully, this weather-resistance, breathable covers can handle the most common dangers to your paint job.
Wash and Wax Your 2020 Corvette
Routine washing and waxing protect automotive paint from wear. Washing removes dirt and contaminants that may scratch, stain or fade your paint. Waxing provides a reliable coating that is scratch, smudge and fade resistant.
In between washes, pick up a premium car duster. These handy tools don’t require water or soap and wipe off any dust or light debris that may otherwise damage your paint or diminish from the flawless look of your ride.
Get a Tune-Up and Oil Change
If you don’t drive your Corvette daily, it can be difficult to remember routine maintenance steps. Your sports care requires the same routine maintenance as your daily commuter, so be sure to keep up on changing your oil and other maintenance tasks. Stop by a reliable mechanic to ask about a tune-up or other preventative maintenance.
Check Out Your Brake Pads, Battery and Other Maintenance
Even a Corvette needs a new set of brakes once and awhile. Don’t let grinding, inefficient brakes hold your ride back, but keep up on other maintenance tasks that aren’t as common. Inspect your brakes, battery, muffler, and tires for signs of wear and pull into your trusted auto shop for a full-service repair.
Keep your Corvette Safe
Don’t wait until your sports car gets scratched and dinged before you protect it from the elements and the outdoors. Paint touch-ups and bodywork can be costly repairs, so invest in affordable Chevy Corvette car covers today to stay safe wherever you drive. Keep it covered in your garage and take an outdoor cover with you when you park at work for the ultimate in complete car protection.
Over a million plug-in vehicles roam the United States today, according to Carsurance.net. In fact, there are over 20,290 public vehicle chargers in California, which outnumber the total EV charging stations in six states combined. This is not surprising given that many consumers are looking for alternative solutions to diesel-powered vehicles.
Solar Powered Vehicles
The concept of integrating solar panels on the roof of a vehicle is not new, but its technological impact is minimal. Nowadays, you can ride vehicles that get some extra juice from the sun, such as the Karma Revero and Toyota Prius. You can find out more about these vehicles by checking out reviews on their reliability, quality, and driver experience from reputable sources. However, things will likely change as manufacturing companies are developing sunlight-capturing tech that is not only efficient but cost-effective too.
Monitoring Drivers With Biometrics
Avatar-inspired vehicles will take some time before it becomes road-worthy, but some of its key tech may debut soon like biometrics. Biometrics will help vehicles monitor drivers and passengers long before full automation becomes a reality. This tech will help drivers stay focused on the road, enhance safety mechanisms in the vehicle when a car crash occurs, and even customize infotainment too.
Affordable Lidar
Laser radar is said to be the key to our self-driving future, according to Elon Musk. But the cost of this technology is too high at the moment. Laser radar works together with other sensors such as long-range radars and cameras to help cars and trucks to “see” more in the long run. The goal here is to bring down the cost of Lidar down to make it more affordable for all car companies to use on their vehicles.
Car tech trends are always something to look forward to. These technological advances help make our lives more comfortable and convenient while we are on the road. From customizing our infotainment to equipping our vehicles with affordable lidar, automating our vehicles is closer than we think.
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