Understanding MOT advisory items: What you need to know

We all hope that taking our car to have its MOT is going to be a hassle-free experience, regardless of it passing we might encounter some advisories, which leave us wondering whether we should address them straight away or wait until we near our service to get them resolved.

In this post, I’m going to look at MOT advisories and shed some light on what we need to do when we get them and how we can use them to our benefit.

A major factor in becoming a one-car household was the ongoing maintenance costs of having two cars.

Every year we would take in our cars to have their MOTs waiting for the garage to call to tell us that it had either passed or failed its MOT.

We have a sinking fund for our motoring expenses, but that trepidation is still present when I hand over the keys to the garage and wait for that phone call to tell me whether the car has passed or failed.

We were relatively lucky in that in a majority of cases our cars passed, but always with advisories, but what are advisories and how might they affect not only your motoring experience but your wallet too?

What are MOT advisory items?

Advisories on your MOT inform you of minor issues that have been found that need to be looked at as early as possible as they could potentially affect how safe your car is and have an impact on whether your car passes its next MOT as they have become major issues.

What are some common advisory items?

• Worn brake discs
• Issues with the suspension
• Tyre tread near its legal limit
• Small exhaust leaks

How to use advisories to help predict future maintenance needs

As much as getting our car through its MOT is a welcome relief, we can’t get away from the fact that any advisories that we have received help predict our vehicle’s future maintenance need ensuring that we aren’t a danger to ourselves and others.

• Enhancing safety and performance
• Detection of wear and tear
• Identify parts that might need repair
• Extend the lifespan of parts
• Preventing future MOT test failures

How do you know whether your car has any advisories?

When you receive that all-important call that your car has passed its MOT and is ready for collection, your garage might make you aware of any advisories then, or when you pick up your vehicle.

They will also appear on your MOT certificate.

If you have lost your certificate and want to know what advisories were detailed you can download it for free using the government’s MOT replacement service

Can you pass your MOT when you have advisories?

Unlike major defects that result in MOT failure, advisories are minor defects that if left unattended to will have a significant impact on the safety of your vehicle.

Why it is important to pay attention to advisory items

While having advisories won’t result in MOT failure, addressing them as early as possible is important to ensure the roadworthiness of your vehicle.

What are the long-term implications of ignoring advisory items?

Neglecting minor issues identified in your MOT will have, will affect:

How safe your car is on the road

While it can be tempting to avoid dealing with these issues right away, this has the potential to comprise how safe your car is, for example, being informed that your tyre’s tread is near its minimum legal limit and driving to a point where it then exceeds this would result in less grip and longer stopping distances, but could also invalidate your insurance should you have an accident.

It’s fuel efficiency and performance

If it has been identified that you have an exhaust leak or faulty sensor this could lead to a reduction in the efficiency of your vehicle, but could also increase its fuel consumption.

Future MOTs

Leaving a minor issue might result in them becoming major issues and therefore result in your next MOT.

Your car’s value

If you are looking to sell your car and you have minor issues not only could it put off those looking to buy your car but might also decrease the amount that they are prepared to offer you.

Future repair costs

Leaving a minor repair could result in extensive damage to your car leading to higher repair costs.

Conclusion

I don’t that there is anyone that isn’t just happy to get their car through their MOT, but advisories should not be ignored.

Dealing with advisories is crucial for maintaining the safety and reliability of your car. In addressing advisories you are also ensuring that they do not become major and end up costing you more but also taking the necessary action to avoid MOT failure in the future.

While you might be trying to cut costs staying on top of your car’s maintenance is crucial, not only for you but for other road users too.