Understanding MOT Advisories

Decoding Your MOT: What Those Advisories Really Mean

The annual MOT test is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK. It ensures your car meets minimum safety and environmental standards. While passing your MOT is a relief, you might have noticed 'advisory notices' on your certificate. These aren't failures, but they are certainly worth paying attention to. Understanding these advisories can help you stay ahead of potential problems, save money in the long run, and most importantly, keep you and others safe on the road. This guide will break down what MOT advisories are, why they are issued, and how to interpret them, using examples to illustrate common issues.

What is an MOT Advisory?

An MOT advisory notice is an indication from the MOT tester that a component is showing some wear or is not performing to its optimal standard, but not to the extent that it constitutes a failure of the test. Think of it as a heads-up from your mechanic. These are items that are generally acceptable for the time being but are likely to require attention in the near future. They are recorded on the MOT certificate for your information and to highlight areas that may need maintenance before the next test.

Why Are Advisories Issued?

Testers are trained to identify potential safety issues or components that are deteriorating. Issuing an advisory allows them to flag these items without failing the vehicle. This is a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance. It’s about preventing small issues from becoming big, expensive, and potentially dangerous problems. Common reasons for advisories include:

• Minor wear and tear: Components like brake pads or tyres showing signs of wear but still within legal limits.
• Deterioration: Rubber bushes in suspension components that are starting to perish or show minor cracking.
• Corrosion: Surface corrosion on brake pipes or exhaust systems that hasn't compromised their integrity yet.
• Minor leaks: Small leaks from the exhaust system that don't affect emissions significantly.
• Visibility issues: Slight discoloration of indicator lenses or minor damage to the windscreen outside the driver's direct line of sight.

Common MOT Advisories and What They Mean

Let's delve into some specific examples of advisories and what they signify for your vehicle's condition. The provided data gives us a good insight into recurring advisory items:

Suspension Components

You'll often see advisories related to suspension components, particularly bushes. For instance:

• "Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement": This indicates that the rubber in the suspension arm bush is starting to break down. While there's no excessive play (which would cause a fail), this deterioration can lead to increased wear on other suspension parts and affect handling over time. It's advisable to replace these when they reach a more advanced stage of wear.
• "Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play": Play in a ball joint means there's some looseness. If this play becomes excessive, it can affect steering alignment and, in severe cases, lead to the joint failing, causing a loss of steering control. This is a critical component, and 'slight play' should be monitored closely.
• "Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush": Worn shock absorber bushes can lead to knocking noises and reduced damping efficiency, affecting ride comfort and handling.

Braking System

The braking system is paramount for safety. Advisories here are particularly important:

• "Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin": This means the brake pads are approaching their minimum thickness. You'll need to replace them soon to maintain effective braking and prevent damage to the brake discs.
• "Offside front brake juddering slightly": Juddering often indicates warped brake discs or uneven wear. While not a failure, it can affect braking performance and comfort. It's a sign that the discs might need replacing.
• "Front brake discs worn": Similar to brake pads, worn discs can reduce braking efficiency and may eventually require replacement.

Tyres

Tyre condition is a critical safety factor:

• "Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit": The legal tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread. If a tyre is worn close to this limit, it won't provide adequate grip, especially in wet conditions, and will likely fail the next MOT.

Exhaust System

Corrosion and leaks are common advisory points for exhausts:

• "Rear exhaust box is very corroded" or "Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated": Significant corrosion can lead to leaks or the exhaust system breaking apart. While a minor leak or slight deterioration might not cause a fail, it's a sign that the exhaust will likely need replacement in the near future.
• "Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases": A small leak might not be a failure, but it can affect emissions testing and potentially allow fumes into the cabin.

Lighting and Visibility

These relate to ensuring you can see and be seen:

• "Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured": Discoloured lenses can make it harder for other road users to see your signals.
• "Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A'": Zone 'A' is the area swept by the windscreen wipers directly in front of the driver. Minor chips or cracks outside this area might be acceptable, but damage within it, or larger damage, can cause a failure.
• "Registration plate lamp not working": A faulty registration plate lamp will cause a fail, but if it's just deteriorated but still readable, it might be an advisory.

Other Common Advisories

• "Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread": Similar to lighting, if the plate is damaged but still legible, it might be an advisory. However, a damaged or obscured plate is a fail.
• "Engine breather pipe broken": A broken breather pipe can affect engine performance and emissions, and while not always a fail, it should be addressed.
• "Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components": This is noted for practical reasons, as it can make it harder for the tester to inspect certain parts.

The Rover 75 Example: A Look at Past Advisories

The provided MOT history for the Rover 75 (AY52PZD) offers a great case study:

• 2017 Test: Passed with an advisory for "Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play." This is a critical steering component and would need monitoring.
• 2016 Test: Passed with several advisories including worn brake pads, tyres worn close to the limit, and deteriorated suspension arm bushes. These highlight ongoing wear and tear issues common in older vehicles.
• 2015 Test: Passed with an advisory for a deteriorated rear registration plate.
• 2014 Test: Passed with advisories for discoloured indicators, worn tyres, and deteriorated suspension bushes. This shows a pattern of wear on these specific components.
• 2013 Test: This year had a mix. A fail for ineffective windscreen wipers and a registration plate lamp failure. It also had a significant number of advisories, including deteriorated registration plates, windscreen damage, discoloured indicators, deteriorated suspension bushes, exhaust leaks, worn shock absorber bushes, brake juddering, and play in the steering rack. This year paints a picture of a vehicle needing considerable attention.
• 2012 Test: Passed with advisories for worn shock absorber bushes, tyres worn close to the limit, worn brake discs, a rusty rear exhaust, and a broken engine breather pipe.
• 2011 Test: Failed for a steering column issue and had advisories for a deteriorated exhaust and worn front brake discs.
• 2010 Test: Failed for a registration plate lamp issue and had an advisory for a deteriorated exhaust.

This history demonstrates how advisories can accumulate, indicating a vehicle that, while still roadworthy, is showing signs of age and wear. Addressing these advisories proactively can prevent future failures and costly repairs. For example, the recurring issues with suspension bushes, tyres, and exhaust components on this Rover 75 suggest that regular maintenance targeting these areas would have been beneficial.

What Should You Do About MOT Advisories?

Receiving an advisory notice doesn't mean your car is unsafe to drive immediately. However, it's crucial not to ignore them. Here’s a sensible approach:

1. Prioritise: Assess the advisories based on safety and potential for further damage. Steering and braking system advisories should be treated with higher priority than minor cosmetic issues.
2. Consult Your Mechanic: Discuss the advisories with a trusted mechanic. They can give you a clearer picture of the urgency and provide quotes for repair.
3. Budget for Repairs: Start setting aside money for the necessary repairs. It’s often more cost-effective to fix these issues before they lead to a failure or cause other components to wear out faster.
4. Check Again: If you've had repairs done for an advisory item, it's a good idea to have it re-checked, perhaps before your next MOT or at your next service.

MOT Failures vs. Advisories: Key Differences

It's important to distinguish between a failure and an advisory:

Frequently Asked Questions About MOT Advisories

Q1: Can I drive my car if it has advisories?
Yes, you can legally drive your car with advisories as long as it passes the MOT test. The advisories are recommendations for future maintenance.

Q2: How long is an MOT advisory valid for?
An advisory is noted on the current MOT certificate. It's a snapshot of the vehicle's condition at the time of the test. The issues flagged may worsen before the next MOT.

Q3: Do advisories affect my car insurance?
While advisories themselves don't typically invalidate your insurance, failing to address critical advisories that lead to an accident could be viewed unfavourably. It's always best to maintain your vehicle in good condition.

Q4: If I get an advisory for worn tyres, when should I replace them?
If tyres are noted as worn close to the legal limit, it's advisable to replace them as soon as possible, especially if you drive in adverse weather conditions, to ensure optimal grip and safety.

Q5: What if the advisory is for something minor like a slightly discoloured indicator?
While minor, it's still worth considering replacing the bulb or lens. It's a simple fix that ensures your signals are clear to other road users and avoids a potential failure at the next test.

Conclusion

MOT advisories are an essential part of maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle. They serve as early warnings, allowing you to address potential problems before they escalate. By understanding what these advisories mean and taking proactive steps to rectify them, you can prolong the life of your vehicle, save money on unexpected repairs, and ensure your peace of mind on the road. Treat your MOT certificate, and especially its advisories, as a valuable guide to your car's ongoing health.

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