The Risks of Ignoring Car Servicing & MOT

Category: Travel | Published: November 19, 2025

If you\'re someone who usually does not service your car, it is highly crucial for you to understand that doing so can put your life at risk. Cars that are poorly maintained or do not have a valid MOT are unsafe to drive, as such cars cannot provide proper grip and stability. The chances of sudden loss of control or complete breakdown are higher in vehicles that are rarely serviced. They can turn unpredictable at any moment. Let\'s take a closer look at the issues you\'ll be faced with if you ignore car servicing.

Ignoring Car Servicing: Here\'s What It Could Cost You

1.      Unsafe: If you want to avoid minor car issues turning bigger in the future, you should never skip the car at any cost.  The fact is, if a vehicle is not serviced regularly, you may not identify the problems in your car, which can be life-threatening. Often, many car drivers or car owners become so used to driving with faulty car parts that they hardly realise their car is not in proper condition. And suddenly they face issues like mechanical failure, car breakdown, brake failure, etc. So, it’s important to get your car serviced at regular intervals to ensure it is safe on the road and doesn’t pose any risk while driving.

2.      Poor Performance and Increased Operating Costs: The running cost of your vehicle may increase if you keep ignoring car servicing Hemel Hempstead. The rationale behind this is that if car parts are not maintained properly, the engine of your car will be under strain to move the vehicle properly. And, when the engine has to put in an unnecessary amount of work, fuel consumption will automatically increase due to the increased amount of workload. For instance, if your car\'s tyre condition is poor, or if the wheels are not aligned, it can affect not only the handling and stability of the vehicle, but can also increase fuel consumption. These issues get identified when you take your car for servicing. The technicians check all of the parts very carefully to ensure that the vehicle functions properly. From brakes to tyres, frequent car service is the way to enhance the vehicle\'s performance and reduce costs.

3.      Less Resale Value: If you haven\'t serviced your car for a longer period of time and want to sell it, you may have difficulty finding a buyer. Potential buyers may check the service history in order to find out the condition of your vehicle. If you can\'t provide them with a proper service history, they may think there is a problem with your car and not buy it. If you have an appropriate service history, you\'re more likely to sell your vehicle for the correct price! If you want to sell your vehicle for what it is actually worth, you need to service it.

4.      Shortened Vehicle Lifespan: Whether it’s your health or a car, when it is properly cared for, it performs well.  A vehicle is similar to our own body; when you take care of it, it provides you with innumerable benefits, but when you stop taking care of it, your energy drops and you perform poorly. In the same way, when a car is not taken care of, it performs poorly, and eventually its lifespan decreases. So, if you want all the benefits of having a car, then you also have to service it regularly.

When Should I Get My Car Serviced?

• If a light on the dashboard is flashing or on, then you should get your car serviced right away.

• If you notice that the brake does not feel right or that your car takes a long time to stop when you press the brake, then do not drive any further until you fix the issue.

• If you need to refill your fuel tank much more frequently than you should, even though you don’t drive very much, then you should get your car serviced right away.

• If you experience any unusual noises or vibrations while you are driving, then there may be a mechanical issue.

• If you notice there is a significant drop in your car\'s mileage, it signifies that the car’s engine is working poorly, and your car requires servicing.

• If you often find yourself getting annoyed at getting your car started due to a faulty starter motor, a weak battery, or an engine malfunction, get your car serviced.

• If you see there is blue, white, or black smoke coming from your vehicle, you should immediately have your car serviced before driving.

Conclusion

You have to take your car for servicing at regular intervals and get an MOT certificate every year.  MOT is essential to drive legally on the roads of the UK, and car servicing is required to keep your car in the best condition. By ignoring car servicing or MOT, you can invite trouble for yourself.  The risk of a road accident increases when you miss either one. Therefore, if your car’s MOT test Hemel Hempstead or servicing is pending, get it done right now!

Â