Why Book an MOT and Service Together?
FixMyCar discusses the benefits of booking a joint MOT and service.
Book a full service and MOTEllie Dyer-Brown
Monday September 08 2025
4 min read
Booking an MOT and service together can save you time and money while ensuring your car stays in good condition.
What's the difference between an MOT and a service?
An MOT is an annual safety check required by law for vehicles aged three and above. A full service is also recommended annually to take care of key maintenance tasks, such as topping up fluids and replacing parts like the air filter, as well as checking key systems and components, including the brakes and suspension.
Getting a full service right before your MOT increases the chance of your car passing the test, which is one of the main reasons for booking them together.
The advantages of booking an MOT and service together
Cost-effective
Many garages offer a discount for booking an MOT and service together, so it often works out cheaper to get them done at the same time.
Saves time
Getting a joint MOT and service is a much quicker process, so you won’t have to spend as long without your vehicle or make time for two separate garage trips.
Convenient
You only need to arrange and manage one garage trip, giving you fewer dates to remember and appointments to juggle.
Better vehicle health
The MOT ensures roadworthiness, and the service takes care of preventative maintenance. Together, they cover the safety and long-term reliability of your car.
Boosts resale value
Looking after your car pays off when it comes to selling. A strong MOT record with few advisories, paired with a full service history, demonstrates to buyers that the vehicle has been well-maintained. Together, they give buyers more confidence and can help you achieve a higher resale value.
Environmental and efficiency benefits
Regular servicing helps your engine run efficiently, leading to lower emissions and more miles per gallon.
Is it best to have a service and MOT together?
Booking an MOT and service together won’t suit everyone. It’s ideal if you want to save time with just one garage visit or reduce costs over the year by combining the two. However, it does mean a higher invoice on the day, so if you prefer to spread out your motoring expenses, booking separately might feel easier to manage.
Another option is to book a pre-MOT check before your official MOT test. It's cheaper than a full service because it doesn't include any maintenance, but it can identify problems in advance to help you pass first time.
How long does a service and MOT take?
An MOT typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour, while a full service takes three or four hours, depending on what’s included. You can expect your car to be in the garage for between four and five hours for a joint full service and MOT.
How much is a service and MOT?
The average price of a full service and MOT on FixMyCar is £238.81.
| Make | Average price |
|---|---|
| Audi | £351.77 |
| BMW | £353.49 |
| Citroen | £332.76 |
| Fiat | £279.84 |
| Ford | £354.58 |
| Kia | £278.13 |
| Mercedes | £293.20 |
| Nissan | £278.72 |
| Peugeot | £334.35 |
| Renault | £344.18 |
| SEAT | £309.90 |
| Skoda | £308.83 |
| Toyota | £257.86 |
| Vauxhall | £325.12 |
| Volkswagen | £321.66 |
How to find the best MOT and service deal
Finding a great price for your service and MOT is easy with FixMyCar. Simply enter your car’s registration number and details, and we’ll show you quotes from trusted local garages.
You can compare based on price, location, what’s included and customer reviews, helping you book with confidence and get the best value.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can book a service at any time. However, having a service before your MOT can increase the likelihood of passing the test, since potential issues may be identified and fixed in advance.
Yes. Regular maintenance is essential for all vehicles, regardless of their mileage. For cars that aren't driven much, an interim service can help keep fluids fresh, prevent corrosion and ensure key systems remain in good condition.
Absolutely! Booking both together can save time, reduce overall costs and give you peace of mind knowing your car is roadworthy and well-maintained in one visit.
Most cars benefit from a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), but check your manufacturer's guide for specifics.
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Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.