08/04/2014
So, you've booked your car in for its annual MOT test, and the anticipation is palpable. You've probably given your vehicle a quick once-over, checked the tyre pressures, and maybe even topped up the windscreen washer fluid. But what exactly happens if your car *doesn't* fail its MOT? It's a common question, and the answer is often more nuanced than a simple 'pass'. While a clean sheet is the ultimate goal, understanding what an MOT pass truly signifies, and what those often-mentioned 'advisories' entail, is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's roadworthiness and ensuring its long-term health.
Understanding the MOT Pass
An MOT test is a mandatory annual inspection designed to ensure your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards. A pass means your car has met these standards on the day of the test. It's a snapshot in time, confirming that, at that moment, your vehicle is deemed safe to drive on public roads. However, it's vital to remember that an MOT certificate does not guarantee the condition of your vehicle for the entire year. It's a testament to its current state, not a crystal ball predicting future performance.
The Significance of MOT Advisories
As Nyo aptly puts it, "Even if your car does not fail its MOT, you may be given advisories." This is where the real insight into your car's ongoing health lies. An MOT advisory is not a failure in itself, but rather an indication of a component or system that is showing signs of wear and tear, or is close to a potential issue. Think of them as early warnings from your tester, highlighting items that, while not failing the test today, could lead to a failure in the future or compromise your vehicle's safety and efficiency.
These advisories are a proactive approach to maintenance. They allow you to address minor issues before they escalate into significant, and often more expensive, problems. Ignoring advisories can have several consequences:
- Increased Risk of Future Failure: The advisory items are precisely the kind of things that can cause a failure at your next MOT.
- Reduced Vehicle Performance: Worn components can impact your car's handling, braking, and overall efficiency.
- Potential Safety Hazards: Some advisories, if left unaddressed, could compromise the safety of you and other road users.
- Higher Repair Costs: Small issues are almost always cheaper to fix than major ones that develop from neglected minor faults.
Common MOT Advisories and What They Mean
To give you a clearer picture, here are some common MOT advisories and their implications:
| Advisory Item | Meaning | Potential Consequences if Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres with tread depth close to, but not below, the legal limit (1.6mm) | Your tyres have sufficient tread for now, but will need replacing soon. | Reduced grip, especially in wet conditions, leading to longer braking distances and potential aquaplaning. Increased risk of tyre blow-out. |
| Minor leaks from exhaust system | Small amounts of exhaust gas are escaping, but not enough to fail the test. | Potential for carbon monoxide to enter the cabin, causing drowsiness or poisoning. Reduced fuel efficiency and increased noise. |
| Slight play in steering rack | There's a small amount of looseness in the steering mechanism. | Can lead to imprecise steering, making the car harder to control, especially at higher speeds. Could worsen and affect alignment. |
| Worn suspension components (e.g. bushes) | Rubber bushes or other suspension parts are showing signs of wear. | Affects handling and ride comfort, can lead to uneven tyre wear, and may eventually compromise suspension integrity. |
| Brake discs slightly corroded | Surface rust on the brake discs, common after periods of disuse or in damp conditions. | May slightly affect initial braking performance. If severe, can lead to reduced braking efficiency and damage to brake pads. |
| Bulbs showing signs of deterioration (e.g. dimming) | Headlights or other lights are not as bright as they should be. | Reduced visibility for the driver and others on the road, potentially leading to a failure at the next MOT. |
What Should You Do With an MOT Advisory?
Receiving advisories on your MOT certificate is not a cause for panic, but it is a call to action. The best course of action is to schedule a visit to your trusted mechanic as soon as reasonably possible. Discuss the advisories with them, and ask for their professional opinion on the urgency and nature of the required repairs. They can inspect the components in question more thoroughly and provide an accurate quote for the work needed.
It's also a good idea to keep your MOT advisories in a safe place. They serve as a valuable record of your car's maintenance history and can inform future repair decisions. Some owners choose to have advisory items addressed immediately after the MOT, while others prefer to wait until the issue becomes more pronounced or closer to an MOT failure point. The best approach depends on your budget, the severity of the advisory, and your personal risk tolerance.
Beyond the MOT: Ongoing Vehicle Maintenance
While the MOT test is a critical annual check, it should not be the sole focus of your vehicle's maintenance. Regular servicing, adhering to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, is paramount. This includes oil changes, filter replacements, checking fluid levels, and inspecting various components that might not be covered in the MOT, such as the engine's internal workings or the gearbox.
Think of it this way: the MOT is like a regular health check-up at the doctor, while servicing is like maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. Both are essential for long-term well-being. Proactive maintenance can help prevent many of the issues that lead to MOT advisories and failures in the first place.
Common Questions About MOT Passes with Advisories
Q1: Can I still drive my car if it has MOT advisories?
A1: Yes, you can continue to drive your car as long as it has a valid MOT certificate and does not have any outright failures. Advisories are recommendations for future work.
Q2: How long do I have to fix MOT advisories?
A2: There is no legal deadline for fixing advisories. However, it is strongly recommended to address them as soon as possible to maintain your vehicle's safety and prevent future failures.
Q3: Will my car fail the MOT if it has advisories?
A3: No, advisories themselves do not cause a failure. Only specific defects that do not meet the minimum standards will result in a failure.
Q4: Is it worth getting advisories fixed straight away?
A4: It is generally advisable to get advisories fixed promptly. It can save you money in the long run by preventing minor issues from becoming major ones and ensuring your car remains safe and reliable.
Q5: Where can I find a list of all possible MOT advisories?
A5: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) publishes a comprehensive list of all MOT testable items and common advisories on their official website. Your MOT test centre will also provide a detailed certificate listing any advisories found.
Conclusion
Passing your MOT is a relief, but it's essential to view the certificate, including any advisories, as a guide to maintaining your vehicle's optimal condition. By understanding what advisories mean and taking prompt action, you not only ensure your car remains legal and safe to drive but also protect yourself from unexpected breakdowns and potentially costly repairs down the line. A proactive approach to car maintenance, informed by your MOT results, is the key to a reliable and safe driving experience.
If you want to read more articles similar to MOT Pass: What Next?, you can visit the MOT category.