When a vehicle undergoes its MOT test, the results are recorded on an MOT certificate, which indicates whether the vehicle has passed or failed. Alongside this, the certificate may include advisory notes—comments from the tester about potential issues that might require attention in the future. While advisory notes don’t mean your car has failed the test, they shouldn’t be ignored.
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In this article, we’ll explain what advisory notes are, why they matter, and how to address them effectively to keep your car roadworthy and safe.
What Are Advisory Notes?
Advisory notes are observations made by the MOT tester regarding components or systems on your vehicle that:
May not yet warrant a test failure but are showing signs of wear, damage, or deterioration.
Could become problematic before your next MOT test.
Advisories serve as a heads-up for potential issues that might need attention or repair soon. For example, if your tires are approaching the legal tread limit, the tester will flag this as an advisory even if they still meet the minimum requirement.
Types of Advisory Notes
Advisory notes can vary widely in severity, but they generally fall into two categories:
1. Wear and Tear
These advisories highlight components that are nearing the end of their lifespan but are still functional. Examples include:
Tires with reduced tread depth.
Slightly worn brake pads or discs.
Exhaust systems showing minor corrosion.
2. Potential Issues
These advisories indicate components that might fail or cause problems in the future. Examples include:
Small chips or cracks in the windscreen.
Suspension components starting to show signs of wear.
Minor leaks in the engine or other systems.
Why Are Advisory Notes Important?
Advisory notes provide valuable insight into the condition of your vehicle and allow you to take proactive steps to prevent future issues. Here’s why they matter:
1. Prevent Costly Repairs
Addressing advisory notes promptly can save you from expensive repairs down the line. For example, replacing a slightly worn tire is much cheaper than dealing with a blowout or damaged rims.
2. Maintain Road Safety
Advisories often relate to safety-critical components like brakes, tires, and steering. Ignoring these warnings could compromise your safety on the road.
3. Ensure Continuous Roadworthiness
By addressing advisories before they worsen, you reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns or failures that could leave you stranded or require emergency repairs.
4. Improve Resale Value
If you plan to sell your car, a well-maintained vehicle with minimal advisories on its MOT history is more attractive to buyers.
5. Pass the Next MOT Test
Many issues flagged as advisories in one MOT test can become failures in the next. Taking care of these early ensures a smoother testing experience in the future.
Common Advisory Notes and How to Address Them
1. Tires Approaching Legal Limit
What It Means: The tread depth is nearing the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm.
What to Do: Replace the tires before they reach the legal limit. Regularly check tread depth and ensure tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
2. Slight Brake Wear
What It Means: Brake pads or discs show signs of wear but still function effectively.
What to Do: Monitor the brakes for further deterioration and consider replacing them during your next service.
3. Minor Suspension Wear
What It Means: Suspension components, such as springs or shock absorbers, show early signs of wear.
What to Do: Have the suspension inspected by a professional and replace worn parts as needed.
4. Corrosion on Exhaust or Bodywork
What It Means: Rust or corrosion is visible but not yet severe enough to affect performance.
What to Do: Treat minor corrosion early to prevent it from spreading. For exhaust systems, consider replacement if the damage worsens.
5. Windshield Chips or Cracks
What It Means: Small chips or cracks are present but not in the driver’s line of sight.
What to Do: Repair chips before they expand into larger cracks, which may require a full windscreen replacement.
6. Oil or Fluid Leaks
What It Means: Minor leaks are detected but aren’t severe enough to cause immediate concern.
What to Do: Monitor the leak’s severity and have it repaired during your next service.
7. Steering or Alignment Issues
What It Means: Components in the steering system may be loose or showing signs of wear.
What to Do: Address alignment issues promptly to prevent uneven tire wear and maintain vehicle control.
How to Address Advisory Notes
Advisory notes aren’t legally binding, but it’s in your best interest to address them promptly. Here’s how:
1. Review the MOT Certificate
After receiving your MOT certificate, carefully review the advisory notes to understand what needs attention.
2. Prioritize Safety-Critical Issues
Focus on components that affect safety, such as brakes, tires, and steering, as these are crucial for roadworthiness.
3. Consult a Mechanic
Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a detailed inspection. They can confirm the extent of the issues and provide recommendations for repairs.
4. Budget for Repairs
If multiple advisories are listed, create a plan to address them over time, starting with the most critical.
5. Keep Records
Maintain a record of repairs and maintenance to demonstrate that you’ve addressed advisory notes. This can be useful for future MOT tests or when selling the car.
Benefits of Proactively Addressing Advisory Notes
Avoid MOT Failures: Many issues flagged as advisories can lead to test failures if left unresolved.
Enhance Vehicle Performance: Addressing wear and tear improves the overall performance and reliability of your vehicle.
Boost Resale Value: A well-maintained vehicle with minimal advisories is more appealing to buyers.
Conclusion
Advisory notes on an MOT certificate are not just suggestions—they’re opportunities to maintain your vehicle’s safety, reliability, and roadworthiness. By addressing these notes proactively, you can avoid costly repairs, ensure compliance with legal standards, and enjoy peace of mind on the road.
Next time you receive an MOT certificate with advisory notes, treat them as a roadmap for maintaining your vehicle in top condition.