29/07/2009
Every year, vehicles across the UK undergo the Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, a vital inspection designed to ensure they meet minimum road safety and environmental standards. While most drivers focus solely on whether their car passes or fails, there's another crucial aspect of the MOT report that often gets overlooked: advisories. These aren't failures, nor do they prevent your car from passing the test, but they are incredibly important warnings about potential issues that could develop into significant problems if left unaddressed. Understanding what MOT advisories are and why they matter is key to maintaining your vehicle's safety, reliability, and ultimately, saving you money in the long run.
Ignoring an advisory is akin to ignoring a small crack in a wall; it might seem insignificant now, but given time and stress, it can lead to a much larger, more expensive structural failure. For your car, these advisories are a heads-up from a qualified MOT tester, highlighting components that, while currently meeting the minimum standard, are showing signs of wear or deterioration. They provide a window into the future health of your vehicle, allowing for preventative maintenance rather than reactive repairs.
What Exactly Are MOT Advisories?
An MOT advisory is a note on your MOT test certificate that highlights an item which is close to failing but hasn't quite reached that point yet. It means the component is still safe and legal for the road today, but it's something that you, as the vehicle owner, should monitor and consider addressing in the near future. Unlike a 'minor', 'major', or 'dangerous' defect, an advisory does not result in an MOT test failure.
Think of it as a professional opinion from the tester. They've identified an area that warrants attention. This could be anything from worn tyres that are still above the legal limit but approaching it, to minor corrosion on a brake pipe that isn't yet compromising its integrity, or a slightly worn suspension bush that hasn't started affecting handling yet. The purpose is to empower you to take action before the issue escalates, potentially leading to a failure at your next MOT or, worse, a breakdown or safety hazard.
The MOT Test: A Quick Overview
To put advisories into context, it's helpful to briefly understand the MOT test itself. The MOT is an annual inspection of over 150 different components on your vehicle, including lights, tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, seatbelts, and emissions. It's not a service, and it doesn't check the mechanical condition of your engine or gearbox. Its primary goal is to ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. The test results in one of three outcomes for each checked item:
- Pass: The item meets the required standard.
- Advisory: The item meets the required standard but has a potential defect or is showing signs of wear that could become a problem.
- Defect (Minor, Major, or Dangerous): The item does not meet the required standard. This leads to a test failure.
Advisories, therefore, sit in a unique position, acting as a bridge between a perfect pass and a clear failure. They are a crucial piece of information that separates the proactive driver from someone who might face unexpected repair bills down the line.
Why Are Advisories So Important?
The significance of MOT advisories cannot be overstated. They offer numerous benefits to the diligent vehicle owner:
Enhanced Safety
This is arguably the most critical reason. An advisory for worn brake pads, for instance, means they are close to needing replacement. While they might still be effective today, their performance could degrade rapidly, especially under heavy use, compromising your stopping power. Addressing advisories promptly helps maintain your vehicle's roadworthiness and reduces the risk of accidents caused by component failure. It’s about ensuring your car is as safe as possible for you, your passengers, and other road users.
Proactive Maintenance and Cost Savings
Advisories are your early warning system. By addressing minor issues noted in an advisory, you can often prevent them from developing into major, more expensive problems. For example, replacing a slightly corroded brake pipe (an advisory) is far cheaper and less complex than dealing with a burst pipe (a major defect) that requires emergency roadside assistance and more extensive repairs. This proactive approach saves you money on parts and labour, as well as avoiding potential fines or points for driving an unroadworthy vehicle.
Avoiding Future Failures
Many advisories from one year become outright failures the next. A tyre with 3mm of tread (an advisory) might well be below the 1.6mm legal limit by the time your next MOT rolls around. By fixing advisories, you significantly increase the likelihood of your vehicle passing its subsequent MOT without issue, avoiding the inconvenience and cost of retests. It's an investment in your vehicle's continued compliance and reduces the stress associated with the annual MOT.
Maintaining Vehicle Value
A vehicle with a clear history of addressing advisories suggests it has been well-maintained. If you ever decide to sell your car, being able to show a prospective buyer that previous advisories have been resolved can increase its perceived value and appeal. It demonstrates responsible ownership and can command a better resale price compared to a car with a long list of unresolved advisory notes.
Advisory vs. Minor, Major, and Dangerous Defects
It's crucial to understand the difference between an advisory and a defect that leads to a test failure. The new MOT defect categories, introduced in 2018, provide a clearer picture:
| Category | Description | Impact on MOT Pass | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advisory | An item has a potential defect or is showing signs of wear, but is not yet serious enough to fail the test. | Pass | Monitor and repair if necessary in the future. Highly recommended to address proactively. |
| Minor Defect | Does not have a significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. | Fail | Must be repaired immediately to pass the MOT. |
| Major Defect | May affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. | Fail | Must be repaired immediately to pass the MOT. Vehicle should not be driven until fixed. |
| Dangerous Defect | Poses a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. | Fail | Must be repaired immediately to pass the MOT. Vehicle MUST NOT be driven until fixed. |
As you can see, advisories are the only category that allows your vehicle to pass the MOT. However, they are a strong indication of future failures if left unattended.
What Should You Do About Advisories?
Receiving an MOT advisory isn't a cause for panic, but it is a call to action. Here’s a sensible approach:
Review Your Report Carefully
Don't just glance at the pass/fail result. Take the time to read every advisory note. Understand what each one refers to. If you're unsure about the terminology, ask the MOT centre for clarification.
Prioritise and Plan
Not all advisories are created equal. Some, like worn tyres or brake components, have a more direct impact on safety and should be prioritised. Others, like minor corrosion on a non-structural component, might be less urgent but still warrant attention. If you're unsure about the urgency, consult with a trusted mechanic.
Seek Professional Advice
It's always a good idea to get a second opinion or a quote for the recommended work from a reputable garage. They can provide a more detailed assessment and advise on the best course of action. They might also be able to tell you how long they expect the advised component to last before it becomes a real problem.
Budget for Repairs
Advisories allow you to anticipate future costs. Instead of being hit with a large, unexpected bill for a major repair or failure, you can start saving or budgeting for the work over the coming months. This makes vehicle maintenance more manageable and less financially stressful.
Keep Records
Once you've addressed an advisory, keep a record of the work done. This not only helps you track your vehicle's maintenance history but also serves as proof of responsible ownership should you sell the car.
Common Advisory Categories and Examples
Here are some of the most common types of advisories you might encounter:
| Category | Common Advisory Notes | Why it's Important |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 'Tyre close to legal limit', 'Tyre has minor cracking/perishing', 'Tyre worn on inner/outer edge'. | Tyre condition directly impacts grip, braking distance, and handling. Cracks can lead to blowouts. Uneven wear suggests alignment issues. |
| Brakes | 'Brake pads/discs worn, but not excessively', 'Minor corrosion to brake pipe', 'Slight binding to brake caliper'. | Critical for stopping safely. Worn components reduce braking efficiency. Corrosion can lead to leaks and failure. |
| Suspension | 'Slight play in suspension bush', 'Minor oil leak from shock absorber', 'Coil spring slightly corroded'. | Affects ride comfort, handling, and tyre wear. Worn components can lead to instability and increased stress on other parts. |
| Rust/Corrosion | 'Minor corrosion to chassis/subframe', 'Corrosion to exhaust mounting points'. | While minor, rust spreads. If it reaches structural or safety-critical areas, it can compromise the vehicle's integrity. |
| Lights | 'Headlamp slightly misaligned', 'Lens slightly damaged/discoloured'. | Reduces visibility for the driver and makes the vehicle less visible to others. Misaligned lights can dazzle oncoming drivers. |
| Exhaust | 'Exhaust has minor leak', 'Exhaust system corroded but not holed'. | Can affect emissions and vehicle noise. A minor leak can become a major one, leading to an MOT failure for emissions or excessive noise. |
| Fluid Leaks | 'Minor oil leak from engine/gearbox', 'Power steering fluid slight seepage'. | While minor, leaks can worsen, leading to fluid depletion and potential damage to vital components. Environmental concern. |
The Long-Term View: Ignoring Advisories
It's tempting to ignore advisories, especially if money is tight. However, this is almost always a false economy. A small issue that could have been fixed cheaply can quickly snowball into a significant problem. For instance, a worn suspension bush (advisory) can put extra stress on other suspension components and tyres, leading to premature wear on those parts. What might have been a £50 repair initially could turn into hundreds of pounds in parts and labour if ignored for too long.
Moreover, driving a vehicle with unresolved advisories, particularly those related to brakes or tyres, means you are knowingly operating a vehicle that is not in its optimal condition. This not only puts your safety at risk but could also have implications for your insurance if an accident occurs and it's found that a component noted in an advisory contributed to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions About MOT Advisories
Do advisories mean my car failed the MOT?
No, absolutely not. If your car has advisories, it has still passed the MOT test, meaning it meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards to be on the road.
Do I have to fix advisories immediately?
You are not legally required to fix advisories immediately, as your car has passed the MOT. However, it is highly recommended to address them as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming more serious (and costly) defects that could lead to a future MOT failure or safety issue.
Can I sell a car with advisories?
Yes, you can sell a car with advisories. However, it's good practice to be transparent with potential buyers about any outstanding advisories. Being able to show that you've addressed previous advisories, or factored them into the price, can build trust and make the sale smoother.
Will advisories affect my car insurance?
Generally, having advisories on your MOT certificate does not directly affect your car insurance premiums. However, if an advisory leads to a component failure that contributes to an accident, and it's determined you were negligent in maintaining your vehicle, your insurer might argue that you haven't taken reasonable care of your car. This could potentially affect a claim.
How long do advisories stay on the MOT record?
MOT advisories, along with pass and fail results, are stored in the MOT history database. This information is publicly accessible online (via the GOV.UK website) using your vehicle's registration number and make. They remain on the record indefinitely as part of the vehicle's history.
Can an advisory from one year become a pass the next?
It's unlikely for an advisory to simply disappear unless the component was subsequently repaired or replaced. If the advisory was for something like 'tyre close to legal limit' and you replaced the tyres, then that specific advisory would no longer apply at the next test. However, if the issue was not addressed, it's far more probable that it will reappear as an advisory or, worse, become a minor, major, or dangerous defect.
Conclusion
MOT advisories are much more than just notes on a piece of paper; they are invaluable insights into the future health of your vehicle. By paying close attention to them, understanding their implications, and acting proactively, you can ensure your car remains safe, reliable, and more cost-effective to run. Embrace advisories as an opportunity for smart maintenance, and you'll be well on your way to a stress-free driving experience for years to come.
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