Car is due a service and MOT and I’ve not got a clue what I need to do! Help?

[CoconutLime]

I passed my driving test last May and bought a car (65 plate). It’s now due a service and MOT. I’ve read that there is a 6 month extension on having MOT’s done due to COVID19. What about car services? Are they less important?

I’ve looked online at the price of servicing my car and services are much more expensive than I had expected. Are they essential?

These are probably really silly questions but this is all a bit of a learning curve for me.

Thanks :)

There is only an extension on MoTs in case you are completely unable to find any garage that is open.

You don't have to have a full service - you could ask for an interim one prior to the MoT and while they are doing it, they can fix anything needed before the MoT itself. They can do the whole lot on the same day.

There is an automatic extension to MOTs and no requirement to demonstrate that you can’t get to a functioning garage.

Link here

Mine was booked in for a service and mot just after lockdown started. The garage have said that there is an extension for mot's and they will be in touch to rebook for the service and mot as soon as they reopen. A couple of weeks won't make a difference for your service as long as the car is safe to drive and you've checked the oil, tyres etc.

Do you have breakdown recovery (AA / RAC etc)? If not, then what would you do if the car breaks down? It's less likely to do that if it is serviced regularly.

You don't have to take it to be serviced at a main dealer for your specific make of car (they tend to charge a lot more anyway), unless you got an extended warranty with the car that specifies where the work has to be carried out.

Ask your neighbours or friends which garage they use.

As your car is what? 4 years old ? you may be out of the original warranty but that sometimes means you can choose more on where to service. You could choose to use small businesses and do something’s yourself. If you look up your car make you will likely find resources..

Apologies for the grocer’s apostrophe..

MOTs that are due to expire from 1st April to 1st October are automatically having an additional six months added to them. However, you must have your car MOTed before the six months is up, the extension is only added a few days before your original MOT is due to expire. It is your responsibility to ensure that tax and insurance continues to be paid and your car remains in a road worthy condition.

You could contact a few local garages to see how much a service is and ask if they can do the MOT at the same time, or just wait a bit longer and have one done once this is lifted and you can save a bit more. Services are optional, so you could choose to go without.

With a car, some things degrade with usage (eg brake pads) and other things degrade with time (eg oil?).
So you should get your car serviced every X miles (will say in the manual, somewhere between 6000 and 12000) or every year.
Interim services are smaller cheaper ones which only cover some things, full services cover more major things too.

The 6mnth extension to MOT is fine but you do have to keep your car roadworthy. eg if your brake pads are worn out and you have an accident you will be at fault for that even if your MOT is still officially valid.

If you aren't using your car then you can let it go for a while. If you are still commuting 30 miles each way to work then you should definitely get it done imo.

You need to ring up a garage and ask to book for a service and MOT. Have the service history of the car with you so you can discuss what level of service you need.

You can skip a service but I wouldn’t delay it for too long, usual idea is you have it serviced with the MOT so it passes. The MOT needs doing though-around here they are open as usual.

With the service it depends how much you use it, what sort if driving you do, what type of car, is it manual or auto (or electric). My main car is electric and needs naff all in terms of servicing, but my old jeep needs care and attention.

I used to find it easier to put some money aside monthly for service and MOT when I was single (DH sorts it now as he used to be in the trade so we get it cheap).

To reiterate what others have said, the 6 month extension is automatic but will only be applied a few days before the MOT expires.

We’ve just had our MOT and service done anyway - full service cost £240. I’m not sure if this is representative etc but it’s quite an old car if that makes a difference. There’s different types of service depending on mileage etc.

If you bought your car brand new check it doesn’t include a free service as part of the package at the dealer garage.

If it doesn’t do NOT go to the dealer garage, they charge an absolute arm and leg compared to local ones.