A guide to MOT Advisories
By Motor Match • 30/08/2023
Every year, thousands of vehicles in the UK are put through the MOT test, which is a mandatory requirement for vehicles more than three years old.
The MOT test is a thorough inspection that determines your vehicle's roadworthiness and safety. It is a legal requirement to pass the MOT test to be able to drive your vehicle legally on the roads. However, do you know there is another aspect of the MOT test that is not spoken about often but is worth considering - "MOT advisories." In this blog post, we’ll take you through what MOT advisories are, why they are important, and what to do if your vehicle has one.
What are MOT advisories?
MOT advisories are defects with your vehicle that don’t meet the standard to fail an MOT test, but they require attention in the future. These advisories can be identified during the test, and it is the garage's role to inform the vehicle owner of any issues found.
Why are MOT advisories important?
MOT advisories indicate potential faults that, if ignored, could progress into major issues in the future. By taking action on the advisory symptoms, you can avoid any future inconvenience and expense. Addressing the faults from the advisories will help maintain your vehicle's safety standards and roadworthiness.
What happens if my vehicle fails an MOT test due to an advisory?
If a vehicle fails an MOT test due to an advisory, the garage is required to produce a rejection document that outlines the specific details of the failed aspects. The document will include a section for the advisories. This document will serve as a guide for the vehicle owner on parts that should be replaced or repaired.
What should I do if my vehicle has an advisory?
If your vehicle has advisories listed, do not ignore them. Take action and have the faults resolved. Speak with the garage that carried out the MOT test and ask them to explain the advisory in more detail if you need any clarification. Understand the nature and urgency of the fault and create a plan to address the issues outlined.
What are the most common MOT advisories?
Even though there are lots of potential advisories, here are some on the most common:
Tyres Tread and Health
Tyre tread depth is very important as it provides grip and helps with breaking. When the tread is getting close to 1.6mm this will flag as an advisory.
Brake Pads
Over time, brake pads wear making them less effective. Mechanics will often estimate how many more miles the pads should last.
Lights
If certain lights have blown, start to dim or a part of an electric problem, your mechanic can advise that they need replacing.
Corrosion
Although rust and corrosion provide no immediate danger, it can eventually affect how the car performs if it reaches important parts of the vehicle.
General Wear and Tear
Bumps, dents or scratches might not be an instant cause for concern but they can lead to further bodywork damage, making the car unsafe.
MOT advisories are an important aspect of the MOT test that vehicle owners should take seriously. The advisories are not immediate failures, but they are necessary to pass the MOT test, indicating potential issues that require future attention. By acting on the advisories, you can prevent any significant issues from arising and maintain your vehicle's safety, avoiding any inconvenience and expenses in the future. If you want to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy, do not ignore the MOT advisories; they could save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.
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