Understanding Your MOT Advisories

The annual MOT test is a crucial ritual for every vehicle owner in the UK, ensuring our cars meet minimum safety and environmental standards. While a 'pass' is always the desired outcome, many drivers are often perplexed by something else that appears on their MOT certificate: advisories. These aren't failures, but they're far from meaningless. Understanding what an MOT advisory is, why it's issued, and what you should do about it is vital for your vehicle's longevity and your peace of mind on the road.

An MOT advisory note is essentially a heads-up from the MOT tester. It indicates that a component of your vehicle, while not failing the test today, has been identified as showing signs of wear or deterioration and could become a more serious issue in the future. Think of it as a professional warning, a recommendation for future attention rather than an immediate demand for repair. Ignoring these advisories can be a costly mistake, potentially leading to more significant repairs, unexpected breakdowns, or even a failure in a subsequent MOT.

What Exactly is an MOT Advisory?

Unlike a 'minor', 'major', or 'dangerous' defect, which can result in a failed MOT certificate, an advisory note means your vehicle has passed the test. However, the tester has observed something that isn't quite right but doesn't yet meet the criteria for a failure. The purpose is to inform you, the vehicle owner, about potential issues that might require monitoring or attention soon. It’s all about preventative maintenance and ensuring the long-term roadworthiness of your vehicle.

The MOT test is designed to check the fundamental safety and environmental aspects of a vehicle. Advisories cover components that are still within acceptable limits for the current test but are nearing the point where they might not be in the future. For example, a tyre might have plenty of tread depth left but is showing signs of cracking on the sidewall, or brake pads might be thin but still above the minimum legal thickness.

Why Are Advisories Issued?

MOT testers are highly trained professionals. When they issue an advisory, they are exercising their judgment based on their expertise and the detailed MOT testing manual. They're not trying to generate extra work for garages; rather, they're fulfilling their duty to highlight potential safety concerns before they escalate. The main reasons for issuing an advisory include:

• Early Warning: To give you advance notice of parts that are wearing out, allowing you to budget for and schedule repairs at your convenience, rather than being forced into an emergency fix.
• Safety: To highlight components that, while not immediately dangerous, could become so if left unaddressed. This is particularly true for things like worn suspension bushes or minor brake disc corrosion.
• Preventative Care: Encouraging vehicle owners to take pre-emptive action can save money in the long run. A minor issue addressed early is often far cheaper than a major component failure.
• Transparency: Providing a comprehensive picture of your vehicle's condition, beyond just a pass/fail stamp.

Common Examples of MOT Advisories

Advisories can cover a wide range of vehicle components. Here are some of the most frequently encountered examples:

Tyres

• 'Tyres worn close to the legal limit': While still above the 1.6mm minimum tread depth, they might be at 2mm or 3mm, indicating they'll need replacing soon, especially before winter or long journeys.
• 'Tyre sidewall cracking': Minor cracks might not be deep enough to fail the test, but they indicate rubber degradation and a potential future risk of tyre failure.
• 'Slight perishing to tyre walls': Similar to cracking, this suggests the rubber is ageing.

Brakes

• 'Brake pads worn, but still within limits': The pads are thin but haven't reached the point of needing immediate replacement according to test criteria.
• 'Brake discs corroded/pitted slightly': Minor surface corrosion or pitting that doesn't significantly affect braking performance yet. This often happens if a car has been sitting for a while.
• 'Brake pipe slight corrosion': While not leaking or severely corroded, the pipe shows signs of surface rust that could become an issue later.

Suspension and Steering

• 'Slight play in a steering or suspension joint/bush': There's a tiny bit of movement where there shouldn't be, but not enough to compromise control or safety immediately. This often indicates a bush or ball joint is starting to wear.
• 'Shock absorber slight misting/leaking': A very minor oil leak from a shock absorber, not yet affecting damping significantly.
• 'Coil spring slightly corroded': Surface rust on a spring that hasn't weakened it enough to cause a failure.

Lights and Electrics

• 'Headlamp slightly discoloured/misted': The plastic lens cover might be a bit cloudy, slightly reducing light output but not below legal limits.
• 'Minor headlamp aim deviation': The beam pattern is slightly off, but not enough to fail.
• 'Wiring slightly chafed': Minor damage to a wire's insulation, not exposing conductors or causing a short, but noted for future monitoring.

Bodywork, Chassis, and Exhaust

• 'Minor corrosion to chassis/underbody component': Surface rust that hasn't compromised the structural integrity.
• 'Exhaust system showing signs of deterioration/minor blow': A small leak or corrosion that doesn't exceed noise limits or pose an immediate danger.
• 'Minor oil leak/fluid weep': A very small drip or residue that isn't significant enough to be an environmental hazard or cause a major fluid loss.
• 'Windscreen chip outside critical area': A small chip or crack that isn't in the driver's line of sight and doesn't affect the structural integrity of the screen.

Advisory vs. Minor, Major, and Dangerous Defects: A Crucial Distinction

It's important to understand where an advisory sits on the spectrum of MOT findings. The new MOT defect categories introduced in May 2018 clarify this:

As you can see, an advisory is at the lowest end of the scale, indicating potential issues rather than current failures. However, it’s a strong signal for future action.

What to Do if You Receive an Advisory?

Receiving an advisory means your car passed its MOT, so you might be tempted to just file the certificate away and forget about it. This would be a mistake. Here's a practical guide to what you should do:

1. Don't Panic, But Don't Ignore It: An advisory is not a pass/fail scenario, but it's a warning. Ignoring it can lead to more expensive repairs or even safety issues down the line.
2. Understand the Advisory: Ask the MOT tester or garage to explain exactly what the advisory means and why it was issued. Understanding the potential implications will help you prioritise.
3. Prioritise Repairs: Not all advisories are equal. A tyre close to the limit is more critical than minor surface rust on a non-structural component. Consider the safety implications and the potential for rapid deterioration.
4. Get a Quote: If you're unsure about the cost or complexity of addressing an advisory, get a quote from a trusted garage. Sometimes, a seemingly minor advisory can involve a more significant repair.
5. Schedule the Work: While there's no legal requirement to fix an advisory immediately, it's wise to plan for it. Addressing advisories at your convenience, rather than under pressure, can save you money and stress. For example, if your tyres are advisory for being close to the limit, replacing them before winter arrives is a sensible move.
6. Monitor the Condition: For some advisories, like minor oil weeps or slight corrosion, you might choose to monitor the situation yourself. However, if you're not mechanically inclined, it's best to have a professional check it at your next service.

Do Advisories Affect Car Insurance?

Generally, no. An MOT advisory does not directly affect your car insurance policy or premiums. Since the vehicle has passed its MOT, it is deemed roadworthy at the time of the test. Insurance companies typically only become concerned if your vehicle fails its MOT or if you're involved in an accident where a known, unaddressed defect (even an advisory that has worsened) could be deemed a contributing factor.

However, maintaining your vehicle in good condition by addressing advisories is part of your general duty of care as a vehicle owner. If an advisory for, say, a 'slightly corroded brake pipe' is ignored and later leads to brake failure and an accident, an insurance company might investigate if negligence played a role. It's always best practice to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.

Can an Advisory Turn into a Fail?

Absolutely, yes. This is precisely why advisories are issued. A component that is 'worn but within limits' today could easily become 'excessively worn' or 'dangerous' by the time your next MOT rolls around, or even sooner depending on your mileage and driving conditions. For example:

• A tyre 'worn close to the legal limit' will eventually go below 1.6mm tread depth, resulting in a Major defect and MOT fail.
• 'Slight play in a steering joint' can worsen, leading to excessive play and a Major or Dangerous defect.
• 'Minor brake disc corrosion' can become severe if the car isn't used regularly, leading to reduced braking efficiency and a fail.

Advisories are your opportunity to address potential problems proactively, preventing them from escalating into costly repairs or, worse, safety hazards that could lead to an MOT failure.

Frequently Asked Questions About MOT Advisories

Are advisories mandatory to fix?

No, there is no legal requirement to fix an advisory immediately. Your car has passed its MOT. However, it is strongly recommended that you address them to ensure your vehicle's safety and prevent more significant issues in the future.

How long do I have to fix an advisory?

There is no specific time limit. Advisories are for your information. The timeframe for repair depends on the nature of the advisory and how quickly the component is likely to deteriorate. For critical items like tyres or brakes, it should be sooner rather than later. For less critical items, you might monitor them until your next service or MOT.

Does an advisory cost anything extra?

No, an advisory itself does not cost extra money. It's simply noted on your MOT certificate. Any repairs to address the advisory would, of course, incur costs.

Can I appeal an advisory?

While you can appeal an MOT test result, appealing an advisory is less common as it does not constitute a failure. If you believe the advisory is incorrect or unreasonable, you can discuss it with the MOT test station manager. If you remain dissatisfied, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for advice, but proving an advisory is unwarranted can be challenging as it often comes down to the tester's professional judgment.

Will an advisory show on my car's history?

Yes, all MOT results, including advisories, are recorded in the central MOT database. This information is publicly accessible via the government's 'Check MOT history' service. This means that potential buyers can see any advisories issued on your vehicle's past MOTs, which can influence their purchasing decision.

In conclusion, MOT advisories are an invaluable tool for vehicle owners. They provide a window into the future health of your car, allowing you to plan and budget for necessary maintenance. By understanding and acting upon these warnings, you not only enhance your own safety and that of other road users but also contribute to the longevity and reliability of your vehicle, ultimately saving you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

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