Common MOT Advisories Revealed

The annual MOT test is a crucial checkpoint for any vehicle owner in the UK, ensuring your car meets roadworthiness and environmental standards. While passing the MOT is the primary goal, many vehicles are issued with 'advisory notices'. These aren't immediate failures, but rather warnings about potential issues that could become more serious, or even lead to a failed MOT in the future. Understanding these common advisories can help you stay on top of your car's maintenance and keep it running safely and efficiently. This article delves into the most frequently encountered MOT advisories, explaining what they signify and what steps you can take.

Understanding MOT Advisories

An MOT advisory notice is issued when a component is noted as showing signs of impending deterioration or is close to the minimum legal limit. The tester is obligated to point out these issues, even if they don't currently cause the vehicle to fail. Think of them as early warnings. Ignoring them can lead to more significant and costly repairs down the line, and potentially an MOT failure on your next test.

The Top MOT Advisory Culprits

While the specific advisories can vary, several common themes emerge year after year. Here's a breakdown of the most prevalent ones:

Tyres

Tyres are one of the most common areas for advisory notices. This is often due to:

• Tyre tread depth: The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's breadth. Advisories are often issued when the tread is approaching this limit, perhaps at 2mm or 3mm. It's crucial to keep an eye on this, as worn tyres significantly impact braking distances and grip, especially in wet conditions.
• Tyre condition: Cracks, bulges, or cuts in the tyre sidewall are serious safety concerns. While minor surface cracking might be an advisory, significant damage will result in a failure.
• Uneven tyre wear: This can indicate issues with wheel alignment or suspension. It's important to get this checked as it not only affects tyre life but also the car's handling.

Brakes

The braking system is paramount for safety, and MOT testers pay close attention to it. Common advisories include:

• Brake pad wear: Similar to tyre tread, brake pads have a minimum thickness. Advisories are given when they are nearing this limit, typically around 2-3mm. Replacing them proactively ensures you don't face a failure or, more importantly, compromised braking performance.
• Brake disc condition: Surface rust, scoring, or significant wear on brake discs can lead to advisories. While light surface rust might be normal after the car has stood for a while, deep pitting or warping is a cause for concern.
• Brake fluid: While not always an advisory, if the brake fluid is very contaminated or below the minimum level, it could be noted. Regular brake fluid changes are recommended as part of your car's service schedule.

Suspension and Steering

Components related to suspension and steering are vital for a car's stability and control. Advisories here often relate to:

• Shock absorber performance: If shock absorbers are showing signs of slight leaks or reduced damping ability, they might receive an advisory. Severe leaks or complete failure will result in a fail.
• Ball joints and track rod ends: Wear in these components can manifest as slight play. If the play is excessive, it will fail the MOT, but slight wear might be an advisory. These are critical for steering accuracy.
• Bushings: Suspension and steering components often use rubber bushings. When these start to perish, crack, or become loose, they can lead to advisories.

Lights

All lights must be functional and correctly aimed. Advisories might include:

• Headlight aim: If headlights are slightly misaligned, they might be an advisory. Improperly aimed headlights can dazzle oncoming drivers or provide insufficient illumination.
• Dim or flickering lights: While a completely failed bulb is a fail, a dim or flickering bulb might be an advisory.

Exhaust System

The exhaust system is checked for leaks, corrosion, and its mounting. Advisories can be issued for:

• Minor corrosion: Surface rust on the exhaust system might be an advisory. However, significant corrosion that could lead to a leak or the system breaking apart will cause a failure.
• Mounting: If exhaust mounts are slightly worn or loose but still secure, they might be noted.

Body and Chassis

The structural integrity of the vehicle is a major safety factor.

• Minor corrosion: Small areas of corrosion on the bodywork that do not affect structural integrity might be an advisory. However, significant corrosion on structural components or within the specified areas of the chassis will result in a fail.
• Projections: Sharp edges or protruding parts that could cause injury might be noted as advisories.

Windscreen

The condition of the windscreen is important for visibility.

• Minor chips or cracks: Small chips or cracks in the windscreen outside the driver's direct line of sight might be advisories. However, any damage within the driver's view or larger than a specific size will cause a failure.

Table: Common MOT Advisories and Their Implications

What To Do About MOT Advisories

Receiving an advisory notice doesn't mean your car is unsafe to drive immediately, but it does mean you should take action. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. Don't ignore them: The most important step is to acknowledge the advisories and plan for the necessary repairs.
2. Prioritise: Some advisories are more critical than others. Issues with tyres, brakes, and steering should be addressed promptly due to their direct impact on safety.
3. Get quotes: Contact your trusted mechanic to discuss the advisories and get quotes for the repair work. Comparing prices can help you manage costs.
4. Consider the timing: If the advisories are minor, you might choose to have them repaired before your next MOT to ensure a pass. Alternatively, you can have them done shortly after the current MOT expires.
5. Regular Servicing: Proactive vehicle maintenance, including regular servicing, can often prevent advisories from occurring in the first place. Your service schedule typically includes checks on many of the components that are subject to MOT advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drive my car with MOT advisories?

A1: Yes, you can generally drive your car with advisories as long as it passes the MOT test. The advisories are for potential future issues, not current failures.

Q2: How long do I have to fix MOT advisories?

A2: There is no legal deadline to fix advisories. However, it is strongly recommended to address them as soon as possible to maintain vehicle safety and prevent them from becoming MOT failures in the future.

Q3: Will advisories affect my car insurance?

A3: Generally, MOT advisories themselves do not directly affect your car insurance premiums. However, if an accident occurs due to a neglected advisory item (e.g., worn tyres), your insurance claim could be affected.

Q4: What's the difference between an advisory and a failure?

A4: A failure means the vehicle does not meet the minimum legal standards and cannot be legally driven on the road until repaired and retested. An advisory highlights a potential problem that needs attention soon but does not currently cause the vehicle to fail.

Q5: Should I fix advisories before the MOT?

A5: It's a good idea to be aware of potential advisories before your MOT. If you notice any of these common issues during your own checks, addressing them beforehand can increase your chances of a straightforward pass.

Conclusion

MOT advisories are an important part of vehicle safety and maintenance. By understanding the common issues that lead to these notices, you can be better prepared to maintain your car. Proactive maintenance and addressing advisories promptly will not only help you achieve a successful MOT pass each year but also ensure your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and cost-effective to run. Don't let those little warnings turn into big problems!

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