09/03/2015
The annual Ministry of Transport (MoT) test is a crucial part of vehicle ownership in the UK, ensuring that cars on our roads meet minimum safety and environmental standards. While passing the MoT is mandatory, many drivers are often left scratching their heads about the significance of 'advisories' listed on their test certificate. These advisories highlight potential issues that, while not serious enough to cause an immediate failure, could develop into more significant problems or even lead to a failed MoT in the future. Understanding what these advisories mean and acting upon them promptly is vital for both your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.
What Exactly Are MoT Advisories?
An MoT advisory notice is essentially a heads-up from the testing centre. It indicates a component or system on your vehicle that is showing signs of wear or has a minor defect, but it doesn't currently contravene the MoT testable items regulations. Think of it as a preventative measure. The tester has identified something that, under normal circumstances, would likely require attention in the near future. It’s an opportunity to address issues before they escalate, potentially saving you money on more extensive repairs down the line and, more importantly, preventing breakdowns or accidents.
Do MoT Advisories Have Deadlines?
This is a common point of confusion for many motorists. The direct answer is no, MoT advisories do not have specific deadlines in the same way that a failed MoT does. You are not legally obligated to fix an advisory item immediately after your test to keep your vehicle roadworthy. However, this is where the danger lies. While there's no immediate legal penalty for ignoring an advisory, the underlying issue is still present and likely to worsen. The advisory serves as a warning that the component is deteriorating and may fail a future MoT test or, more critically, fail unexpectedly while you are driving. For instance, a worn tyre that is an advisory might still have enough tread to pass the current test, but it is significantly more susceptible to a blowout, especially under demanding conditions.
The Shocking Reality: Drivers Ignoring MoT Warnings
Alarmingly, a significant number of drivers are not heeding these important warnings. A recent survey conducted by Auto Express revealed a startling statistic: nearly one in six drivers ignore their MoT advisories. This figure is particularly concerning when you consider the nature of some of these advisories. The survey also highlighted that faulty lights and electrical problems constitute a substantial portion of all MoT warnings, making up 25% of the total. Common issues like a weak battery or foggy headlights, while seemingly minor, can impair visibility and the functionality of essential safety systems. Furthermore, suspension problems are also a major contributor, accounting for 20% of all advisories. Ignoring these can severely impact your vehicle's handling and braking capabilities.
Common MoT Advisories and Why They Matter
Let’s delve into some of the most frequent advisories and understand why they shouldn't be dismissed:
Tyres
Advisories related to tyres can include:
- Minor damage to tyre tread or sidewall: Even small nicks or cuts can weaken the tyre structure.
- Tyre tread depth below the legal limit but not excessively: While not failing, it's below optimal for grip and safety.
- Improperly inflated tyres: Affects handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear.
Why it matters: Tyres are your vehicle's only contact with the road. Worn or damaged tyres drastically reduce grip, increasing stopping distances and the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions. A tyre blowout at speed can be catastrophic.
Brakes
Common brake advisories include:
- Brake pads or discs showing slight corrosion or wear: They might still function, but their effectiveness is reduced.
- Brake fluid level slightly low: Could indicate a leak or that the fluid needs topping up.
Why it matters: Your brakes are paramount for safety. Even slight corrosion on discs can lead to juddering and reduced braking power. Low brake fluid can be a sign of a serious leak, potentially leading to a complete loss of braking.
Suspension
Suspension advisories often relate to:
- Slight play in suspension joints: Indicates wear that could worsen and affect handling.
- Shock absorbers showing minor leaks: Leaking fluid means they are losing their damping ability.
- Coil springs with minor corrosion: While unlikely to snap immediately, it's a sign of degradation.
Why it matters: A healthy suspension system is crucial for maintaining tyre contact with the road, ensuring stability, and providing a comfortable ride. Worn suspension components can lead to unpredictable handling, especially during cornering or braking.
Lights and Electrical Systems
As mentioned, these are frequent advisories:
- Foggy or misted headlights: Reduces illumination and can fail the MoT if severe.
- Minor wiring defects: Loose connections or slightly damaged insulation can lead to intermittent failures.
- Bulb warning lights on the dashboard: Indicates a potential issue with lighting systems.
Why it matters: Proper lighting is essential for visibility, both for you to see the road and for other road users to see you. Electrical faults can affect a wide range of systems, from your indicators to vital safety features like ABS.
Exhaust System
Advisories might include:
- Slight corrosion on exhaust components: May indicate the start of a potential leak.
- Exhaust support bracket showing slight corrosion: Could lead to the exhaust system becoming loose.
Why it matters: Exhaust leaks can be dangerous, releasing harmful fumes into the cabin. A failing exhaust system can also significantly increase noise pollution and impact emissions.
The Consequences of Ignoring Advisories
Ignoring MoT advisories is a gamble with potentially serious consequences:
- Increased Repair Costs: Minor issues left unattended invariably become major, more expensive problems. A small tear in a tyre can lead to a blowout, requiring a new tyre and potentially causing damage to the wheel rim or suspension.
- Reduced Vehicle Safety: The most significant consequence is compromised safety. Faulty brakes, worn tyres, or a failing suspension system directly increase the risk of an accident.
- Failed Future MoTs: What starts as an advisory can easily escalate into a reason for failure at your next MoT test, meaning you'll have to pay for repairs and re-testing.
- Breakdowns: A component failure due to neglect can lead to your vehicle breaking down at an inconvenient and potentially dangerous time.
- Insurance Issues: In the event of an accident, if it's found that your vehicle had unaddressed advisories relating to the cause of the accident, your insurance claim could be affected. Insurers may argue that you failed to maintain your vehicle properly.
Making an Informed Decision: When to Act
While there's no hard deadline, it's wise to treat advisories with a degree of urgency. Consider these factors when deciding when to get an advisory item fixed:
| Advisory Item | Recommended Action Timeline | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Tread Depth (approaching limit) | Within 1-3 months | Safety and legal compliance. |
| Worn Brake Pads/Discs (slight) | Within 3-6 months | Gradual reduction in braking performance. |
| Minor Suspension Wear | Within 6-12 months | Can affect handling and tyre wear. |
| Misted Headlights | As soon as possible | Affects visibility and can lead to MoT failure. |
| Minor Exhaust Corrosion | Within 6-12 months | Potential for leaks or structural failure. |
The best approach is to consult with a trusted mechanic. They can assess the severity of the advisory and advise on the best course of action and timing for repairs. Regular servicing, even outside of the MoT cycle, can also help catch these issues early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I be fined for having MoT advisories?
No, you cannot be directly fined for having advisories on your MoT certificate. However, if an advisory item becomes a significant fault and leads to your vehicle being deemed unsafe or illegal to drive, you could face penalties under different road traffic laws.
Q2: What's the difference between an advisory and a failure?
A failure means your vehicle does not meet the minimum safety standards required by law and is illegal to drive in its current state (unless driving directly to a pre-booked MoT test). An advisory highlights a potential issue that needs attention but does not cause an immediate failure.
Q3: If my car has advisories, is it still safe to drive?
Generally, yes, if the advisories are minor and there are no other immediate issues. However, it's crucial to understand the nature of the advisories. For example, advisories on critical components like brakes or steering should be addressed more urgently than minor corrosion on an exhaust bracket.
Q4: Should I get advisories fixed immediately?
While not legally required, it is highly recommended to address advisories promptly to maintain your vehicle's safety, reliability, and to avoid a failed MoT in the future. Prioritise those related to critical safety systems.
Q5: Where can I find a reputable garage to fix MoT advisories?
Look for garages that are members of recognised trade associations like the RMI (Retail Motor Industry Federation) or the Independent Garage Association (IGA). Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family are also valuable sources.
In conclusion, MoT advisories are not to be taken lightly. They are an essential part of maintaining a safe and roadworthy vehicle. By understanding their significance and acting on them proactively, you can ensure your own safety, the safety of others on the road, and protect your investment in your vehicle.
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