24/06/2006
When your vehicle undergoes its annual MOT test, the outcome isn't always a straightforward 'pass' or 'fail'. Sometimes, you'll receive an 'advisory' note. These aren't immediate fails, but they are crucial warnings about issues that, if left unaddressed, will almost certainly lead to a future MOT failure and, more importantly, could compromise your safety on the road. Despite their critical nature, a worrying 15 percent of drivers admit to ignoring these advisories, a decision that could prove incredibly costly, both financially and in terms of personal safety. Among the myriad of potential advisories, problems with your vehicle’s braking system stand out as particularly prevalent and perilous, accounting for a significant 16 percent of all advisories, with nearly a third of these categorised as 'dangerous'. Ignoring such a warning is not just a gamble; it's a serious risk to yourself and other road users.
The Critical Importance of MOT Advisories
An MOT advisory is essentially a heads-up from the examiner that a component on your vehicle is showing signs of wear or has a minor defect that isn't yet severe enough to warrant an outright MOT failure. Think of it as your car whispering, "I need some attention soon." While it might seem tempting to defer these repairs, especially when faced with immediate costs, doing so can rapidly escalate a minor issue into a major, expensive repair. Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, aptly warns that ignoring brake advisories is a "serious risk that too many drivers take lightly." The potential financial burden of neglected issues is significant, but even more concerning are the legal ramifications. Should a fault, particularly one related to your brakes, contribute to an accident, and it's discovered you ignored a prior advisory, you could face substantial financial liabilities and severe legal consequences. It's not just about passing your next MOT; it's about safeguarding lives.
Understanding Common Brake Advisories
Brakes are arguably the most vital safety system in any vehicle. Their efficiency directly impacts your ability to control the car and avoid collisions. When an MOT advisory flags your brakes, it's a call to immediate action. The most common issues cited in brake advisories often relate to wear and tear or component degradation:
- Worn Brake Pads: Brake pads are designed to wear down over time. An advisory might indicate they are nearing their minimum thickness. Ignoring this leads to metal-on-metal contact, damaging the brake discs and significantly increasing stopping distances.
- Worn Brake Discs: Discs can become thin, warped, or scored. Warped discs cause vibrations when braking, while thin or scored discs reduce braking efficiency and can lead to overheating.
- Corrosion on Brake Lines or Components: Brake lines, calipers, and other metal components are susceptible to rust, particularly in the UK's damp climate. Corrosion can weaken lines, potentially leading to fluid leaks and a sudden loss of braking pressure. Calipers can also seize due to corrosion, causing uneven braking or a dragging brake.
- Low or Contaminated Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This reduces its boiling point and can lead to a spongy pedal feel. Low fluid levels can indicate a leak, which is a critical safety concern.
- Uneven Braking: This can be caused by various issues, including seized calipers, air in the brake lines, or unevenly worn pads/discs. It can make the vehicle pull to one side under braking, making it difficult to control.
Any of these issues, if allowed to worsen, can transform your vehicle from a safe mode of transport into a potential hazard. Addressing them promptly is not just good practice; it's a necessity for road safety.
Proactive Maintenance: Preventing Brake Advisories
The best way to deal with brake advisories is to prevent them from appearing in the first place. Regular vehicle maintenance and paying attention to your car's behaviour can go a long way:
- Regular Servicing: Stick to your manufacturer's recommended service schedule. A good service will include checks of your brake pads, discs, fluid levels, and brake lines.
- Listen for Warning Signs: Squealing, grinding, or clicking noises when braking are often indicators of worn brake pads or other issues. Don't ignore them.
- Feel for Changes: A spongy brake pedal, a pedal that goes too far down, or a car that pulls to one side when braking are all signs that your brakes need immediate attention.
- Check Brake Fluid Levels: Periodically check your brake fluid reservoir. If the level is low, consult a mechanic immediately, as it could indicate a leak. Also, note the colour; dark fluid might indicate contamination and the need for a fluid flush.
- Visual Inspection: If you're comfortable, a quick visual check of your brake pads and discs through the wheel spokes can sometimes reveal excessive wear or rust.
What to Do If Your Brakes Fail
While thankfully incredibly rare, a complete brake failure is one of the most terrifying scenarios a driver can face. However, as Mr. Walker points out, you have "more options than you think." The most crucial advice is to remain calm and avoid sudden, erratic movements. Panic can lead to poor decisions that worsen the situation.
Immediate Actions
- Engage Hazard Lights: Immediately switch on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers to your predicament. This is vital for preventing rear-end collisions. Flashing your headlights or sounding your horn can also help attract attention.
- Pump the Brake Pedal: Often, a loss of braking power is due to a loss of hydraulic pressure rather than a total mechanical failure. "Try repeatedly pumping the brake pedal with firm, rapid presses," advises Mr. Walker. This can sometimes build pressure back up and restore some braking function.
Controlling Your Speed
If pumping the pedal doesn't work, your next priority is to reduce your speed using alternative methods:
- Engine Braking: If you drive a manual car, or an automatic with manual shift controls (like paddle shifters), gradually downshift through the gears. This uses the engine's resistance to slow the vehicle down. It's crucial to downshift one gear at a time to avoid putting excessive strain on the engine or losing control. Never shift into neutral, as this disengages engine braking and will make you lose more control.
- Avoid Turning Off the Ignition: Do not turn off your engine. This will cut power to your power steering and brake assist systems, making the car much harder to steer and control.
- Gentle Handbrake Application: The handbrake (parking brake) operates independently of the main braking system. Apply it slowly and gently. If you pull it too hard or too quickly, you risk locking the rear wheels, which can cause a skid and lead to a loss of control. Apply it in short, controlled pulls, listening for the sound of the tyres and feeling for the car slowing.
If brake failure occurs on a motorway, the procedure requires careful execution:
- Move to the Hard Shoulder: If you are in any lane other than the hard shoulder, signal and, when there's a safe gap, move across one lane at a time. Continue to use your hazard lights and horn to alert other drivers. Once on the hard shoulder, bring the vehicle to a complete stop safely.
- Smart Motorways: On smart motorways without a continuous hard shoulder, look for the nearest refuge point. These are marked by blue SOS signs. Aim to reach one of these safe areas.
Comparative Look at Common MOT Advisories
While brake advisories are critical, it's useful to see where they fit among other common issues flagged during an MOT. This table highlights some of the most frequent categories:
| Advisory Category | Percentage of All Advisories | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty Lights & Electrical Equipment | 25% | Moderate to High (Visibility, Signalling) |
| Brakes (Various Issues) | 16% | High to Dangerous (Stopping Ability) |
As you can see, brakes represent a significant portion of advisories, and their inherent safety risk makes them particularly urgent to address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brake Advisories
What exactly is an MOT advisory?
An MOT advisory is a note on your MOT certificate indicating a component that is showing wear or a minor defect, but isn't yet serious enough to cause your vehicle to fail the test. It's a warning that the issue could become a serious problem in the future if not addressed.
Are brake advisories serious?
Yes, brake advisories are extremely serious. Brakes are a primary safety system. While an advisory means the issue isn't a 'fail' yet, it indicates a deterioration that could rapidly worsen, leading to reduced stopping power, control issues, or even complete brake failure. A significant percentage of brake advisories are even categorised as 'dangerous'.
What are the most common signs of brake wear I should look out for?
Common signs include squealing or grinding noises when braking, a 'spongy' or soft brake pedal, the pedal going closer to the floor than usual, your car pulling to one side when you brake, or vibrations through the steering wheel or brake pedal. Any of these should prompt an immediate inspection by a qualified mechanic.
How often should I have my brakes checked?
Beyond your annual MOT, it's advisable to have your brakes checked as part of your regular vehicle servicing, typically every 6-12 months or every 10,000-12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, get them checked immediately, regardless of your service schedule.
Can I continue to drive my car if it has a brake advisory?
Legally, yes, you can drive your car with an advisory. However, it is strongly advised against, especially for brake-related issues. Driving with a brake advisory means you are operating a vehicle with a known safety defect that could worsen unexpectedly, putting yourself and others at significant risk. Ignoring it could also lead to expensive repairs if the issue escalates, or legal consequences if it contributes to an accident.
What should I do immediately after receiving a brake advisory?
Your immediate action should be to contact a reputable mechanic to schedule an inspection and repair. Do not delay. Addressing the issue promptly will ensure your safety, prevent further damage to your vehicle, and save you money in the long run.
The Last Word on Brake Safety
As Mr. Walker wisely concludes, "Luckily, brake failure is incredibly rare, so it is highly unlikely you will have to do any of these things, especially if you regularly check your brakes." This reinforces the importance of proactive maintenance. Keep your brakes serviced, ensure fluid levels are correct, and if they ever feel like they're not working at full capacity, get them looked at immediately. Your brakes are your first line of defence on the road; don't compromise on their health. Addressing advisories promptly isn't just about adhering to regulations; it's about ensuring your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and roadworthy, protecting both your life and your investment.
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