04/10/2012
The annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK, ensuring your car meets road safety and environmental standards. While a pass certificate is the desired outcome, many vehicle owners are left wondering about the meaning of 'advisories' listed on their MOT report. These advisories are not immediate failures, but they are important indicators of potential future problems or areas that require monitoring. Understanding what an MOT advisory entails is key to maintaining your vehicle's roadworthiness and preventing more significant, costly repairs down the line.
What Exactly is an MOT Advisory?
An MOT advisory notice is issued when a vehicle has a minor defect that is not serious enough to cause an immediate MOT failure, but which could, in the near future, become a more serious problem, or if the item is already showing signs of wear. Think of them as early warnings from your MOT tester. They highlight components or systems that are not currently failing the test but are close to the legal limit, are showing signs of deterioration, or have been noted for future attention. The tester is obligated to inform you of these issues to help you keep your vehicle in good condition.
Common Categories of MOT Advisories
MOT advisories can cover a wide range of vehicle components. Here are some of the most common areas where advisories are typically issued:
Tyres
Tyres are a critical safety component. Advisories related to tyres often include:
- Minor cuts or cracks in tyre sidewalls: While not deep enough to cause immediate failure, these can indicate the tyre is ageing and may split in the future.
- Tyre tread depth approaching the legal limit: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width. An advisory might be issued if the tread is between 1.6mm and 3mm.
- Slightly uneven tyre wear: This could indicate an issue with wheel alignment or suspension, which should be investigated.
Brakes
Brake system advisories are particularly important as they directly impact stopping power:
- Brake fluid slightly below minimum level: While not a failure, it could indicate a slow leak or that the brake pads are nearing their wear limit.
- Minor corrosion on brake pipes or discs: Surface corrosion might not affect performance but significant corrosion could compromise the system's integrity.
- Brake pads or discs showing slight wear: If they are not yet below the minimum thickness, they will pass, but an advisory alerts you to impending replacement.
Suspension
The suspension system ensures a smooth ride and proper handling:
- Slight play in suspension joints (e.g., ball joints, track rod ends): A small amount of play might not affect handling significantly now, but it will worsen over time.
- Shock absorbers showing slight signs of misting: Misting is a very light coating of fluid, indicating a potential future leak.
- Corrosion on suspension components: Similar to brake pipes, significant corrosion can weaken structural integrity.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system manages emissions and noise:
- Exhaust system showing slight corrosion: Surface rust is common, but deep corrosion could lead to leaks or the exhaust falling off.
- Exhaust emissions slightly above limits (but still within limits for a pass): This might indicate a need for a service or potential future issues with the catalytic converter.
Lights and Visibility
Proper functioning lights and clear visibility are vital for safety:
- Headlights not working at the correct height: While not excessively misaligned, they might not be providing optimal illumination.
- Minor damage to a windscreen chip in the driver's field of vision: A chip that is not directly in the driver's line of sight might not cause a failure, but it's a point to monitor.
Other Common Advisories
Other areas that might receive advisories include:
- Engine oil leaks: Minor leaks that are not dripping onto the road might not fail the test immediately.
- Wheel bearings showing slight play: Similar to suspension, a small amount of play can indicate wear.
- Minor body corrosion: Rust on non-structural parts might not be a failure, but significant corrosion on structural elements will be.
MOT Pass vs. Fail
It's important to distinguish between an MOT pass, a fail, and an advisory.
| Outcome | Description | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | The vehicle meets the minimum required standards for roadworthiness and emissions. | None immediately required, but regular maintenance is advised. |
| Fail | The vehicle has one or more 'dangerous' or 'major' defects that prevent it from meeting the minimum standards. | Rectification of defects is required before the vehicle can be legally driven on the road. A re-test will be necessary. |
| Advisory | The vehicle has minor defects or areas showing signs of wear that do not constitute an immediate failure but should be addressed to prevent future issues. | No immediate action is required to pass the MOT, but it is strongly recommended to address these issues to maintain the vehicle's condition and safety. Failure to address them can lead to a fail in a future MOT. |
What Should You Do About MOT Advisories?
Receiving advisories doesn't mean your car is unsafe to drive immediately, but it does mean you should take them seriously. Here's a sensible approach:
- Prioritise: Look at the list of advisories and consider which ones relate to safety-critical systems like brakes, tyres, and steering. These should be your highest priority.
- Budget: Start budgeting for the necessary repairs or replacements. While you might not need to do them today, you will likely need to address them before the next MOT.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you're unsure about the severity of an advisory or how to rectify it, consult a qualified mechanic. They can inspect the component further and provide an accurate assessment and quote.
- Regular Maintenance: The best way to avoid advisories in the first place is through regular servicing and preventative maintenance. Following your vehicle manufacturer's service schedule can help identify and fix minor issues before they become major problems or MOT advisories.
The Importance of Addressing Advisories
Ignoring MOT advisories can lead to several negative consequences:
- Increased Repair Costs: A minor issue flagged as an advisory can escalate into a significant and expensive repair if left unaddressed. For example, a slightly worn brake pad could eventually damage the brake disc, leading to a much higher replacement bill.
- Compromised Safety: Even minor defects can affect your vehicle's safety, potentially putting you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.
- Future MOT Failures: What is an advisory today can easily become a failure point in next year's MOT. Addressing advisories proactively can save you the hassle and cost of a failed MOT and re-test.
- Reduced Resale Value: A car with a history of unresolved advisories might be less appealing to potential buyers, who will likely assume it has been poorly maintained.
Key Takeaways
MOT advisories are a valuable tool for vehicle owners to stay on top of their car's condition. They are not a cause for immediate panic but a prompt for future action. By understanding what these advisories mean and taking proactive steps to address them, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and cost-effective to run. Regular checks and a commitment to preventative maintenance are your best allies in keeping your car in excellent fettle and passing your MOT with flying colours, year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions about MOT Advisories
Q1: If my car has MOT advisories, is it illegal to drive it?
A1: No, if your car has received an MOT pass certificate, it is legal to drive it, even with advisories. The advisories are recommendations for future repairs, not immediate prohibitions.
Q2: Do I have to fix the advisories immediately?
A2: You are not legally required to fix advisories immediately to continue driving. However, it is highly recommended to address them as soon as possible to maintain safety and prevent further deterioration.
Q3: Can I get an MOT re-test if I fix the advisories?
A3: A re-test is only required if your vehicle fails the MOT. If your vehicle passed with advisories, no re-test is necessary until the next scheduled MOT. However, if you fix the advisory items, they will be noted on your next MOT certificate as having been repaired.
Q4: Where can I find a list of common MOT failure items?
A4: The official DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) website provides comprehensive guidelines on what constitutes an MOT failure. Your MOT test centre will also provide a detailed report listing any failure items or advisories.
Q5: Is it worth fixing minor advisories?
A5: Yes, it is generally worth fixing minor advisories, especially those related to safety components like brakes, tyres, and steering. Addressing them proactively can save you money in the long run by preventing more serious damage and avoiding future MOT failures.
If you want to read more articles similar to Understanding MOT Advisories, you can visit the Maintenance category.