The truth about MOTs and servicing: 5 myths every driver should know about

If you own a car in the UK, you have likely heard a lot about MOTs and car servicing. In fact, you may have picked up a few things that sound true, but are not. You are, however, not alone in this situation. Many drivers are unsure about what is actually required to keep their vehicle legal, safe, and running well.

It is easy to assume that an MOT test does it all, or that a service is not required when your car feels okay. But believing the wrong things about car maintenance could cost you more in the long run. Let’s examine some of the most common myths, and bust them once and for all.

Myth 1: “The MOT covers everything my car needs.”

This is perhaps the most common misunderstanding. Your MOT test is a legal check that ensures your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. But it is not the same as a full health check.

The MOT test does not cover the engine, clutch, gearbox, or overall performance of your vehicle. If you think your car has been fully inspected after an MOT, think again.

What the MOT does check:

• Brakes
• Tyres
• Lights
• Mirrors
• Suspension
• Seatbelts
• Exhaust emissions (except for electric cars)

This is where car service Newton Le Willows becomes important. Servicing includes oil changes, air filter replacements, spark plug checks, and inspections that keep your car running smoothly, not just legally.  

Myth 2: “My car feels fine, so I don’t need a service.”

You would not skip a doctor’s check-up just because you felt okay, and your car needs the same kind of care. Many parts wear down over time, even if your car seems to be running without issues. Oil thickens. Filters clog. Brake pads wear out slowly.

By the time you hear a strange noise or feel something odd behind your wheel, greater damage could already have happened. 

Regular servicing helps:

• Spot problems early
• Avoid breakdowns
• Improve fuel economy
• Extend your vehicle’s lifespan

Skipping it now might save money today, but it can lead to bigger repair bills tomorrow.

Myth 3: “Servicing my car at an autonomous garage will terminate my warranty.”

This one simply is not true anymore. Thanks to the UK and EU law (Block Exemption Regulation), you can take your car to any VAT-registered garage for servicing. This is applicable, as long as the garage follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and uses approved parts.

That means you are free to choose where to go for your service, whether it is a local garage in your town, or anywhere else in the country.

This gives you:

• More choice
• Often lower prices than the main dealership
• A chance to support local businesses

You just make sure to keep records of all work done and ask for itemised invoices.  

Myth 4: “MOT and servicing on electric cars are not necessary.”

Electric vehicles (EVs) may not need oil changes, but they are not free from servicing needs. Just like any petrol or diesel vehicles, they still require an annual MOT after three years and regular checks to stay roadworthy.

Even though EVs skip the emissions test, your brakes, tyres, lights, and suspension will still be inspected during an MOT test Newton Le Willows. And in terms of servicing, EVs need:

• Battery health checks
• Brake fluid inspections
• Tyre rotation
• Software updates
• Cooling system checks

Hybrid vehicles need even more attention, as they have both electric and petrol systems. If you own an electric or hybrid car, maintaining them regularly is still essential.  

Myth 5: “I only need to do something if my dashboard lights come on.”

While modern cars do a great job of warning you when something is wrong, not every issue triggers a dashboard light. For example, worn brake pads or a clogged air filter might not alert you through your dashboard. However, they still affect your safety and efficiency.

By the time a warning light appears, the problem may already be serious. Your dashboard lights should be your last chance. It should not make up for your servicing schedules. 

Regular servicing can identify and solve these hidden issues before they lead to a breakdown, or worse, an accident.  

The truth? you need both. The main fact is that the MOT test is a legal requirement, but it only offers a small idea of your car’s condition at that moment. Servicing is what keeps your car healthy in the long run.

What should you do now?

If your MOT is coming up, or if it has been more than six months since your last service, it is a good idea to book both together. Many garages offer combined packages at a discount, saving you time and money.

Whether you are driving around your local neighbourhood, or on a motorway in the UK, staying road-safe and legally compliant starts with understanding all the facts about your car.   

Now that you know the truth behind these common myths, you can take smarter steps to protect your car, and your wallet. MOTs and services are not there to bother you or take your money. They are there to keep you safe, your car reliable, and your journey smooth. So, the next time someone says, “An MOT is enough,” you will know better. And, you can enjoy your drives peacefully without any hassles.