MOT, Servicing and Maintenance

Question 1

Do I need to book a service if my vehicle is below the annual service mileage?

ald · Accepted Answer

Your/your company vehicle’s service interval will be based on both a certain amount of mileage and a period of time. You will need to have your vehicle serviced either when you hit the recommended mileage, or when you hit the recommended time – whichever comes first. For example, if your/your company vehicle’s service interval is 12 months or 15,000 miles, the service will be due at 12 months, even if your/your company vehicle has not done 15,000 miles since the last service. Please note that this is an example only and service intervals vary from vehicle to vehicle.

You can find your vehicle’s service interval in the manufacturer’s handbook, which should be located in your/your company vehicle’s glove box. Alternatively, your/your company vehicle’s on-board information display (stored in the vehicle’s central information system) should show when your/your company vehicle was last serviced and when the next service is due.

Please be aware that failure to service your/your company vehicle at the required intervals may invalidate the manufacturer's warranty and you/your company may incur charges at the end of your/your company’s contract when returning the vehicle.

If you are still unsure of your/your company vehicle’s service interval, please call us on 0117 908 6220 or email us at [uk-servicebooking@aldautomotive.com](targetSelf:mailto:uk-servicebooking@aldautomotive.com) and we will be happy to assist. Please include your vehicle registration number and account reference number in your email or have these details to hand when you call.

Question 2

Do I need to service and MOT my vehicle before returning it at the end of my contract?

ald · Accepted Answer

Your/your company vehicle will need to have a valid MOT on the day it is collected. If your/your company vehicle’s MOT is due to expire before your vehicle collection, you will need to arrange for the MOT to be completed ahead of the collection.

If your/your company vehicle’s service is due, this should be completed before the vehicle is collected. If the service isn’t due until after your vehicle is collected, you do not need to have the service completed.

You will need to make sure that your/your company vehicle’s service book, if it has one, is completed and up to date. Please make sure that you return the stamped book (if applicable), digital service print (if applicable) and service receipts with your vehicle. You can find out more about what needs to be returned with your vehicle on our [Return Your Vehicle page.](targetSelf:/en-gb/information-for-drivers/returning-a-vehicle/)

Question 3

How do I book a service, MOT or carry out maintenance on my vehicle?

ald · Accepted Answer

**Booking a service, MOT or maintenance work**

**Without maintenance included on your agreement** - It is your/your company's responsibility to ensure all servicing and maintenance work is carried out by an authorised dealer. You also need to ensure that a full service history and a valid MOT certificate are kept up to date. Please be aware that it is an offence to drive your vehicle without a valid MOT.

**With maintenance included** - It is your/your company’s responsibility to ensure that your/your company vehicle is properly serviced and maintained, however we will assist booking your/your company's vehicle in for routine servicing work. Simply call Driver Assistance on 08000 32 32 77. Or you can [visit our booking portal](targetSelf:https://ald.service.driveronline247.com/) to arrange a suitable time. Where available, we will organise a collection/delivery service or courtesy vehicle. Please Note: you may be charged for these additional services. It is up to you to keep your MOT certificate up to date. You must also ensure that the service book/electronic servicing record is updated by the servicing agent. Please be aware that it is an offence to drive your vehicle without a valid MOT.

**Missed service/history log incomplete**

**Without maintenance** - If a service is missed, or the service history log is incomplete when the vehicle is returned to us, you/your company will be liable for any costs incurred (from an invalidated warranty or lower resale value, for example).

**Maintenance included** - It remains your/your company's responsibility to ensure all servicing is carried out on time and by an authorised dealer. If a service is missed, or the service history log is incomplete when the vehicle is returned to us, you/your company will be liable for any costs incurred (from an invalidated warranty or lower resale value, for example).

**Oil and fluid levels**

**Without maintenance** -You/Your company must check oil and fluid levels regularly, topping them up in-between services if needed. The cost of AdBlue is not covered by your ALD finance agreement.

**Maintenance included** - You/Your company must check oil and fluid levels regularly, topping them up in-between services if needed. The cost of fluids (including anti-freeze) required in-between services are excluded from your agreement. The cost of AdBlue is not covered by your ALD finance agreement. The cost of AdBlue is expressly excluded from your/your company’s maintenance package.

**Maintaining a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)**

**Without maintenance** - If you/your company have a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the manufacturer's remote software updates must be carried out when required. Plus, you/your company must ensure the battery is kept at optimal charging levels as recommended by the manufacturer.

**Maintenance included** - If you/your company have a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the manufacturer's remote software updates must be carried out when required. Plus, you/your company must ensure the battery is kept at optimal charging levels as recommended by the manufacturer.

**Replacement tyres, batteries and exhausts**

**Without maintenance** - Your/your company's agreement does not include the replacement of tyres, batteries and exhausts. You/your company are responsible for all costs for maintaining your vehicle and must settle these costs directly.

**Maintenance included** - Tyre replacement can be arranged at your local Kwik Fit or Kwik Fit Mobile. Simply call Driver Assistance on the number listed in your driver pack. Kwik Fit Mobile assistance will require your full tyre size and make of tyre currently fitted (i.e. 205/55 R 16 98T (load index must be included).

The cost of replacing items such as high quality tyres, batteries and exhausts caused by fair wear and tear are covered within your/your company's agreement, unless they have been specifically excluded.

**Vehicle safety**

It is your/your company's responsibility to comply with vehicle safety legislation at all times. You/Your company must also return the vehicle with all tyres, including the spare wheel, meeting legal guidelines.

**Damage costs**

**Without maintenance** - Damage cost is rechargeable.

**Maintenance included** - Replacement items due to damage or misuse may be rechargeable. Please consult your/your company's agreement to find out any further details on this and the full list of what is included. For company car drivers, we recommend asking your company's fleet manager to look over this information.

If you would like to discuss booking a service, MOT or carrying out maintenance on your vehicle further with our Customer Service team, please call us on 08000 32 32 77

Question 4

How far advance should I book a service?

ald · Accepted Answer

Most vehicles will alert you when the service is due via a service light on the vehicle’s dashboard. If your/your company vehicle has a service light, we recommend booking the service as soon as its light comes on.

If your/your company vehicle does not have a service light, we recommend keeping an eye on the mileage and the time since the last service, then booking the service either 1 month or 1,500 miles before it is due. If your/your company vehicle is a van, we recommend booking the service either 1 month or 2,000 miles before it is due. When the service is due will depend upon the mileage of the vehicle, or the duration between services.

You can find your vehicle’s service interval in the manufacturer’s handbook, which should be located in your/your company vehicle’s glove box. Alternatively, your/your company vehicle’s on-board information display (stored in the vehicle’s central information system) should show when your/your company vehicle was last serviced and when the next service is due.

If you are still unsure of your/your company vehicle’s service interval, please call us on 0117 908 6220 or email us at [uk-servicebooking@aldautomotive.com](targetSelf:mailto:uk-servicebooking@aldautomotive.com) and we will be happy to assist. Please include your vehicle registration number and your account reference number in your email, or have these details to hand when you call.

Question 5

How will I know when my vehicle's MOT is due?

ald · Accepted Answer

When your/your company vehicle’s first MOT is due will depend on the type of vehicle you/your company has and where your/your company vehicle is registered. You can find out more below:

- Cars and vans registered in mainland UK – the first MOT will be due three years after your/your company vehicle’s registration date
- Cars registered in Northern Ireland – the first MOT will be due four years after your/your company vehicle’s registration date
- Vans registered in Northern Ireland – the first MOT will be due three years after your/your company vehicle’s registration date
- Mini-buses registered in both mainland UK and Northern Ireland – the first MOT will be due one year after your/your company vehicle’s registration date
- Ambulances registered in both mainland UK and Northern Ireland – the first MOT will be due one year after your/your company vehicle’s registration date

**MOT reminders**

If we are the registered keeper of your/your company vehicle, we will send you MOT reminders from three months before the MOT is due. Unfortunately, we are not able to send reminders if we are not the registered keeper of your/your company vehicle. However, if you are the registered keeper you can sign up to receive MOT text message reminders from [GOV.UK](targetSelf:https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder).

Check your/your company vehicle’s MOT status You can check the status of your/your company vehicle’s MOT at [GOV.UK](targetSelf:https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder).

Please be aware that the registration date of your/your company's vehicle may be earlier than the date on which you received the vehicle.

Question 6

My vehicle has failed it's MOT, what do I need to do?

ald · Accepted Answer

A vehicle can fail its MOT if the test identifies any problems that are considered dangerous or major. If your/your company’s vehicle has failed its MOT you can still drive it, providing the previous MOT has not yet expired and/or the reason for the failure is not considered dangerous. If your/your company vehicle’s previous MOT has expired and/or the reason for the recent failure is considered dangerous, you should not drive your/your company vehicle until the relevant work has been completed and your/your company vehicle has passed the MOT in a retest.

You can find further information about what you need to do if your vehicle has failed its MOT by clicking on the relevant contract drop-down below.

**Agreements with maintenance included**

If your/your company’s agreement has maintenance included, we will support you with getting the required work completed and arranging an MOT retest. We will cover the cost of the retest and the cost of any work required, providing the repairs are not due to damage, misuse or neglect of the vehicle. The authorised garage carrying out your MOT will contact us for this to be arranged. If any repairs are required due to damage, misuse or neglect they won’t be covered under the maintenance agreement, so you/your company will need to cover the cost. If this does arise, then you would be advised of this by the authorised garage completing the MOT. You can find more details of what’s covered in your maintenance agreement by consulting you/your company’s agreement.

**Agreements without maintenance included**

If your/your company’s agreement does not include maintenance, then you/your company will need to make arrangements for the required work to be carried out and cover the cost of this work. Once the required work has been completed, you will need to make arrangements for the vehicle to have a new MOT test completed.

Question 7

What happens if I see a crack/damage to my vehicle's windscreen?

ald · Accepted Answer

It is your/your company's responsibility to repair or replace cracks to your/your company's windscreen or vehicle windows immediately. Unrepaired windscreen damage could result in your/your company’s vehicle failing its MOT. Whether a replacement glass service is provided by your/your company's insurer or you/your company have arranged this yourself, all costs are your/your company's responsibility.

We can assist with booking your/your company vehicle’s windscreen repair, however we recommend checking with your/your company’s insurer first to ensure that they approve such repairs. All costs will remain your/your company’s responsibility. To book windscreen repairs, please call Driver Assistance on 08000 32 32 77.

If you have a Maintenance Package with ALD Automotive, windscreen repair is not included.

Question 8

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)?

ald · Accepted Answer

A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a part of a diesel vehicle’s exhaust system which filters out the soot produced by diesel engines. This very fine soot is known as particulate matter. All diesel vehicles manufactured since 2009 include a DPF.

The DPF filters out the soot and stores it, however this stored soot needs to be burnt off. This ‘burn off’, known as DPF regeneration, is required approximately every 300 miles. It happens automatically, but typically requires the car to be driven for around 10-20 minutes at a constant speed of 40mph or higher.

If you don’t do this type of driving on a regular basis, your/your company vehicle’s DPF can become blocked. If this happens, a warning light will display on the dashboard. You should be able to unblock the filter and clear the warning light by taking your/your company vehicle for a 10-20 minute drive at a speed of 40mph or higher. The engine will need to be at normal operating temperature and the engine RPM will need to be between 2,500 to 3,000 RPM. A constant speed of 40mph or higher should achieve this. You will need to drive the vehicle under these conditions, on a long stretch of straight road or a motorway, until the warning light turns off. **You must ensure that you comply with all UK driving laws and that this is completed on a road or motorway where it is safe and legal to drive at speeds of 40mph or higher.**

If, once you’ve taken the above action, your/your company vehicle’s DPF warning light does not clear itself, it is important to book your/your company vehicle in with your dealership. If the DPF filter is not regenerated, it can cause your/your company vehicle to go into ‘limp mode’ to prevent any damage being caused. Your dealership should be able to investigate and resolve the issue to prevent this happening

Question 9

What is AdBlue?

ald · Accepted Answer

Many diesel vehicles are now based on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which converts nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into nitrogen gas and water. A key part of this process is the use of a non-hazardous solution called AdBlue (Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).

**How does AdBlue work?**

AdBlue is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. It is not a fuel additive and should never be added directly into the fuel tank. Instead, it is stored in a separate storage tank, typically with a blue filler cap, and will need to be replenished periodically. The exact intervals between top-ups will vary
 depending on external factors like temperature, how the vehicle is driven and the size of the AdBlue tank.

**Where can I buy AdBlue?**

AdBlue is typically available at your local dealership, as well as many service stations across the UK. You can find AdBlue outlets for the UK and other countries in Europe by [visiting the Argus website.](targetSelf:https://www.argusmedia.com/en/solutions/products/adblue-def-tgu)

Some vehicle manufacturers advise that you have AdBlue refilled by your local dealer, with some dealers offering this as a free service to fleet customers or included as part of an annual service. Other dealers will charge for the AdBlue used, but don’t charge labour costs for refilling.

AdBlue costs can vary widely so it’s helpful to compare prices at several retail sites, as well as relevant dealerships, to find the most competitive price.

**How to refill AdBlue**

A warning light will appear on your/your company vehicle’s dashboard when the AdBlue needs topping up. Most will also tell you how many miles are left until it will run out altogether. It is important to note that the engine will not start if the AdBlue tank is empty.

The AdBlue tank is normally situated next to the fuel tank filler or in the boot – if in doubt consult your/your company vehicle handbook. If you are filling up your/your company vehicle’s AdBlue yourself, it is important to ensure that the engine is switched off and that the vehicle is on a flat surface and in a well-ventilated area. You need to also check your/your company vehicle handbook for any other manufacturer-specific refilling instructions.

You should avoid direct skin contact with the fluid and make sure that you don’t spill any on the vehicle as it can cause eye and skin irritation as well as damage to surfaces. Any leftover open bottles of AdBlue will need to be disposed of appropriately as it can’t be used once its shelf-life date has expired.

Points to Remember:

- A vehicle fitted with AdBlue won’t start if the AdBlue is empty
- A warning light will appear on your vehicle dashboard when the AdBlue needs topping up and most vehicles will advise you of how many miles you have until it runs out
- Replenishing AdBlue will vary depending on vehicle manufacturer and individual driving style. Make sure you consult your handbook for estimated replenishment intervals
- AdBlue is typically available at your dealership as well as at many service stations across the UK
- Oil and fluid levels are your/your company’s responsibility and must be topped up as necessary as per your ALD agreement. The cost of AdBlue is not covered by your ALD finance agreement, even if you have maintenance included in your/your company agreement

Question 10

What's included if I have a maintenance package?

ald · Accepted Answer

Some vehicle manufacturers, such as Polestar, provide a bespoke maintenance package free of charge for a certain period of time. You can find out more about any manufacturer package you may benefit from by contacting your vehicle’s manufacturer.

You can find information below about what’s included if you have a standard ALD Maintenance Package:

**Service, maintenance and MOTs**

We cover the cost of your servicing, MOTs and routine maintenance as part of your vehicle’s Maintenance Package.

**Your responsibilities**

- You will need to keep your MOT certificate up to date as it is an offence to drive without a valid MOT. However, we will cover the charge of your MOT.
- Making sure your vehicle is serviced on time and by an authorised dealer is your/your company's responsibility. You will need to make sure that your vehicle’s service book, if it has one, is completed and up to date. Please note any costs that arise from not servicing the vehicle will need to be paid by you.
- You will need to stay on top of your oil and other fluid levels and keep them topped up. We recommend that you check the levels on a weekly basis. The cost of oil and fluids replaced as part of a scheduled service are included in your maintenance agreement, but the cost of oil and other fluids required in between services are excluded and you will need to pay for.

**Tyres and auxiliary items**

- Replacing tyres due to fair wear and tear is covered within your/your company's agreement, unless the items have been specifically excluded.
- Replacing batteries and exhausts due to fair wear and tear is covered within your/your company's agreement.
- Replacing auxiliary items, such as lightbulbs, fuses and wipers due to fair wear and tear is covered within your/your company's agreement.
- If any items need to be replaced as a result of damage or misuse you/your company may need to pay for these.

**Your responsibilities**

- If you/your company have a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the manufacturer's remote software updates must be carried out when required. Plus, you/your company must ensure the battery is kept at optimal charging levels as recommended by the manufacturer.
- You will need to ensure that your tyres are replaced when required. We recommend checking that your tyres meet the legal requirements on a weekly basis.

**Vehicle breakdown**

- If your vehicle breaks down due to a mechanical failure, assistance is included in your maintenance package.
- Your vehicle may also be covered under a manufacturer assistance programme. Please refer to the manufacturer’s handbook to check if they provide cover and call the emergency number quoted if so.
- If your/your company vehicle is not covered by your manufacturer’s assistance programme, or you/your company are unsure, please call Driver Assistance on 08000 32 32 77.
- In the event of a breakdown, where the vehicle is deemed not roadworthy, you can speak to our breakdown provider as you may be able to receive a vehicle for 48 hours. This service is included in your maintenance package.

**Windscreen and glass repair**

- Windscreen and glass repair is not included in your maintenance package.

**Your responsibilities**

- If there are any cracks to your windscreen or vehicle windows, it is your responsibility to get them repaired or replaced immediately.
- Whether a replacement glass service is provided by your insurer or you have arranged this yourself, all costs are your responsibility.

**Vehicle accidents**

- We only provide accident management cover if you are a company car driver and your company has a separate accident management agreement in place with us. Your Fleet Manager and/or Company Car Policy will confirm this and tell you if your vehicle is included in the cover.
- For any other customers, accident management cover is not included in your agreement.

**Your responsibilities**

- If you have your own cover, please call your provider for assistance.
- It is important that you follow the process as detailed by your accident management provider or insurer.
- If you do not have cover, it is your responsibility to arrange the vehicle’s collection and repair.

**Daily hire and replacement vehicles**

**Personal vehicle driver**

- Replacement vehicle cover is excluded from your agreement. However, in the event of a mechanical breakdown you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle by your manufacturer’s assistance programme.
- In the event of a breakdown, where the vehicle is deemed not roadworthy, you can speak to our breakdown provider as you may be able to receive a vehicle for 48 hours. This service is included in your maintenance package.
- You can find out more in the “Vehicle Breakdown” section of this article.
- If you are outside the period covered by the manufacturer or your vehicle is ‘off the road’ for a prolonged period, we will be unable to assist you and you will need to arrange alternative transportation. You will also need to pay for this replacement transport yourself.

**Company vehicle driver**

- If your vehicle breaks down due to a mechanical failure you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle through your manufacturer’s assistance programme.
- If you are outside of their cover period or your vehicle is ‘off the road’ for a prolonged period, you should call Driver Assistance on 08000 32 32 77 so that we can advise you on the best course of action.
- It is important that you don’t arrange a hire vehicle privately because you may be liable for any costs incurred.
- If you require a replacement vehicle after an accident, this may be covered by your company’s insurance. Alternatively, if your company vehicle is covered by our accident management service, we can arrange a hire vehicle and let you know if this will incur a cost. You can find out more about accident management in the “Vehicle Accidents” section of this article.
- For all replacement vehicle hires you will be asked for a copy of your driving licence and credit card details. To avoid any extra payments, you should return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel.
- If you have any issues, please refer to your fleet contact in the first instance.

Question 11

When can I arrange an MOT for my vehicle?

ald · Accepted Answer

We recommend that you start making plans to arrange your/your company vehicle’s MOT from around three months before it’s due.

For more information about booking your/your company vehicle’s MOT early, please click on the relevant contract drop-down below.

**Agreements with maintenance included**

If you have maintenance included in your/your company’s agreement, we will cover the cost of your MOT and assist with booking your/your company vehicle’s MOT. To keep the same renewal date a MOT needs to be carried out within a month of its due date. However, we’re happy to authorise your/your company vehicle’s MOT within three months of its due date. The next MOT will then be due one year after the most recent MOT has been completed.

**Agreements without maintenance included**

If you do not have maintenance included in your/your company’s agreement, you will need to cover the cost of your/your company vehicle’s MOT and arrange the MOT appointment. We’re happy for you to have the MOT done within three months of its due date. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that, if your MOT is completed more than a month before the due date, the renewal date will be
 pulled forward. The next MOT will then be due one year after your most recent MOT has been completed, so it may result in a MOT being due before you need to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement. You can find further information about booking your/your company vehicle’s MOT on our [Servicing and Maintenance page.](targetSelf:/en-gb/information-for-drivers/servicing-and-maintenance/)

Question 12

Where can I get a service, MOT or have maintenance work carried out on my vehicle?

ald · Accepted Answer

Where you have work carried out on your/your company vehicle will depend on if you have maintenance included in your agreement, or if your vehicle is maintained by you/your company. You can find out more below:

**Without maintenance**

If you don’t have maintenance included in your/your company’s agreement, you can take your/your company vehicle to any dealership or garage in your vehicle manufacturer's franchised network for servicing, MOTs and maintenance work.

You will need to ensure that your/your company vehicle’s service book, if it has one, is completed and up to date. If your/your company vehicle doesn’t have a service book, make sure you keep copies of the service invoices, as these will need to be handed back with your vehicle at the end of your/your company’s contract.

You can find out more about[ servicing, MOTs and maintenance here](targetSelf:/en-gb/information-for-drivers/servicing-and-maintenance/).

**With maintenance included**

If you have maintenance included in your/your company’s agreement, any work will need to be completed by an authorised garage. We will assist you with booking services, MOTs and maintenance work.

You will need to ensure that your/your company vehicle’s service book, if it has one, is completed and up to date. If your/your company vehicle doesn’t have a service book, make sure you keep copies of the service invoices, as these will need to be handed back with your vehicle at the end of your/your company’s contract. You can find information about [booking a service, MOT or maintenance work here](targetSelf:/en-gb/information-for-drivers/servicing-and-maintenance/).

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