27/03/2018
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) conducts annual vehicle inspections, commonly known as the MOT test, to ensure vehicles are safe and environmentally compliant. While a vehicle might pass its MOT, it's not uncommon for the tester to issue an 'advisory notice'. These notes are crucial pieces of information that, while not immediately resulting in a failure, highlight potential issues that could develop into more serious problems in the future. Understanding what an MOT advisory note is, why it's issued, and what to do about it is vital for any vehicle owner aiming to maintain their car's longevity and safety.
What Exactly is an MOT Advisory Note?
An MOT advisory note is a comment made by the MOT tester on your vehicle's MOT certificate. It signifies that a component or system on your vehicle was observed during the test and, although it didn't cause the vehicle to fail, it requires attention in the near future. Think of it as a heads-up from a qualified professional that something is showing early signs of wear or is close to a point where it might fail a future test. These are distinct from 'dangerous' or 'major' defects which would result in an immediate fail.
Why Are Advisory Notes Issued?
The primary purpose of an MOT test is to ensure road safety and environmental standards are met. Advisory notes are issued to:
- Promote preventative maintenance: By highlighting minor issues, the DVSA encourages owners to address them before they become significant, potentially costly, or dangerous.
- Provide transparency: It offers a clear record of the vehicle's condition beyond just a pass or fail.
- Encourage responsible ownership: It places the onus on the owner to maintain their vehicle, contributing to overall road safety.
Common MOT Advisory Notes and What They Mean
Advisory notes can cover a wide range of vehicle components. Here are some of the most frequently encountered:
Tyres
Tyres are a critical safety component. Advisory notes related to tyres often include:
- Minor perishing or cracking: This indicates the rubber is starting to degrade, which can affect grip, especially in wet conditions. While not a fail if the tread depth is sufficient and there are no exposed cords, it's a warning sign.
- Slightly worn tyre(s) but above the legal limit: This means the tread depth is still legal (1.6mm minimum), but the tyre is approaching the wear limit and will likely need replacing soon.
- Tyreバルブ cracking or damage: A faulty valve can lead to slow air leaks, affecting tyre pressure and potentially safety.
Brakes
The braking system is paramount. Advisory notes here might cover:
- Slightly corroded brake pipes: Surface corrosion on brake pipes is common, especially in areas with a lot of salt on the roads. If it's only minor and not affecting the structural integrity, it will be an advisory. However, significant corrosion or leaks will cause a fail.
- Brake discs slightly corroded: Similar to pipes, surface rust on discs can be noted. If the discs are still within tolerance and not excessively worn or damaged, it's an advisory.
- Brake pads getting low: If the pads are not below the minimum thickness but are noticeably worn, it will be noted as an advisory.
Suspension and Steering
These systems are vital for control:
- Slight play in steering rack: A small amount of movement in the steering rack that doesn't affect the vehicle's directional control might be noted. Excessive play leads to a fail.
- Slightly worn suspension joints (e.g., ball joints, track rod ends): If the wear is minor and doesn't compromise the suspension's function, it will be an advisory.
- Damaged or corroded suspension components: Surface corrosion or minor damage to components like springs or wishbones could be an advisory if it's not critical.
Exhaust System
Emissions and noise are tested:
- Exhaust system slightly corroded: Similar to brake pipes, minor corrosion on the exhaust that doesn't create holes or affect its mounting will be an advisory.
- Exhaust system slightly blowing: A very minor leak that doesn't cause excessive noise or emissions might be noted.
Lights
Visibility is key:
- Headlight aim slightly incorrect: If the beam is a little off but still illuminates the road adequately, it might be an advisory. A significantly misaligned headlight will cause a fail.
- Offside front position lamp obscured: This could be due to a faulty or incorrectly fitted lamp cover.
Other Common Advisories
- Windscreen slightly chipped: A chip in the windscreen that is not within the driver's direct line of sight and is smaller than a specific size (20mm) may be an advisory. Larger chips or those in the critical area will cause a fail.
- Engine management light illuminated: While this often indicates a more serious issue that might lead to a fail, in some cases, it might be noted as an advisory if the tester can confirm no immediate safety or emission issues. However, it is more commonly a fail.
- Oil leak: Minor oil leaks that are not dripping onto the road and are not affecting other components might be noted as an advisory. Significant leaks will fail.
What Should You Do About an MOT Advisory Note?
Ignoring advisory notes is not recommended. While they don't mean your car has failed, they are indicators of potential future problems. Here’s a sensible approach:
- Prioritise: Assess the urgency. Tyres and brakes are usually top priorities.
- Get a Quote: Contact a reputable garage to get an estimate for the necessary repairs.
- Schedule Repairs: Book the work to be done. It’s often best to get it done sooner rather than later to prevent further deterioration.
- Keep Records: Keep your MOT certificate and any repair invoices. This shows you are a responsible owner and can be useful when selling the car.
MOT Advisory Notes vs. Failures
It's crucial to distinguish between an advisory and a failure. The MOT test has a strict list of criteria. Items that do not meet these criteria will result in a failure. Advisory notes highlight areas that are borderline or showing early signs of wear.
| Category | Description | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pass | Vehicle meets all minimum standards. | None |
| Advisory | Minor defects or wear noted, not causing failure but requiring attention. | Recommended to repair for future roadworthiness. |
| Minor Defect | Defects that do not meet minimum standards but are not dangerous or major. Would result in failure. | Must be repaired before the vehicle can be used on the road. |
| Major Defect | Defects that do not meet minimum standards and are likely to affect the safety of the vehicle or have an impact on the environment. | Must be repaired before the vehicle can be used on the road. |
| Dangerous Defect | Defects that do not meet minimum standards and are dangerous to the driver, passengers, or other road users. | Vehicle must not be used on the road until repaired. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: If my car has an advisory note, can I still drive it?
Yes, you can continue to drive your vehicle as long as it has passed its MOT test and the advisory notes are not classified as minor or major defects that would have caused an immediate fail. However, it is strongly advised to address the issues noted to ensure continued safety and to avoid a fail in your next MOT.
Q2: Do advisory notes affect the resale value of my car?
Advisory notes can influence the resale value. A car with several advisories might be less attractive to potential buyers than one with a clean MOT history. Addressing advisories before selling can present your car in a better light and potentially fetch a higher price.
Q3: Can I get an MOT re-test if I fix the advisory items?
While MOT re-tests are typically offered free of charge or at a reduced rate for items that caused a failure, this often doesn't apply to advisory items. If you wish to have the advisory items checked after repair, you may need to pay for a standard inspection or a partial re-test, depending on the garage's policy and the nature of the repairs.
Q4: How long do I have to fix advisory notes?
There is no strict deadline for fixing advisory notes. However, the DVSA recommends addressing them promptly to maintain your vehicle's safety and prevent future failures. It’s best to treat them as a to-do list for your car’s maintenance.
Conclusion
MOT advisory notes are an invaluable tool for vehicle owners. They provide early warnings about potential issues, allowing for timely and often less expensive repairs. By understanding these notes and acting upon them, you not only ensure your vehicle remains legal and safe to drive but also contribute to its overall health and performance. Regular checks and proactive maintenance, informed by your MOT advisories, are the cornerstones of responsible car ownership.
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