What Does an MOT Advisory Mean? Everything You Need to Know

If you have ever checked a vehicle's MOT history or received your own MOT results, you may have noticed advisory items listed alongside the pass or fail result. But what exactly do MOT advisories mean, and should you be worried about them? In this article, we explain everything you need to know.

What Is an MOT Advisory?

An MOT advisory is a note made by the examiner about a component that is currently in acceptable condition but may deteriorate to the point of failure in the future. Advisories do not cause the vehicle to fail its MOT — they are informational notices designed to alert the vehicle owner to potential issues.

Think of advisories as early warnings. They tell you that something is starting to wear or degrade but has not yet reached the point where it affects safety or roadworthiness. Addressing advisories proactively can prevent MOT failures in future years and keep your vehicle in better condition.

Advisories vs Defects: What Is the Difference?

Since May 2018, the MOT system categorises issues into several levels:

Dangerous Defects

The most severe category. A dangerous defect is a direct and immediate risk to road safety or the environment. If a dangerous defect is found, the vehicle must not be driven until it is repaired. The vehicle automatically fails its MOT.

Major Defects

A major defect may affect the vehicle's safety, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. Major defects cause an MOT failure and must be repaired before the vehicle can pass.

Minor Defects

Minor defects have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. They are recorded on the MOT certificate but do not cause failure. The vehicle should be repaired as soon as reasonably practicable.

Advisory Items

Advisories are items that the examiner wants to bring to the owner's attention. The component is not currently defective but could become so. No repair is legally required, but monitoring and preventive maintenance are recommended.

Common MOT Advisories

Some advisories appear frequently across all types of vehicles. Here are the most common ones and what they mean:

Brake Disc Wear

“Brake disc worn, close to legal limit” — the brake discs are wearing thin but still within acceptable limits. They will likely need replacing before the next MOT. Expect to pay between 100 and 300 pounds per axle depending on the vehicle.

Tyre Wear

“Tyre worn close to the legal limit” — the tread depth is approaching the minimum 1.6mm. While legal now, you should plan for replacement soon. Driving on worn tyres in wet conditions significantly increases stopping distances and the risk of aquaplaning.

Suspension Components

“Shock absorber has a light misting of oil” or “Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play” — these components are starting to wear. They are not dangerous yet but will likely need attention within the next 6 to 12 months.

Corrosion

“Body has corrosion but not excessive” — some surface rust has been noted. This is common on older vehicles, especially in areas that see road salt in winter. Monitor it carefully, as corrosion can progress quickly and eventually become a structural failure.

Exhaust Condition

“Exhaust has a minor leak” or “Exhaust mounting is deteriorating” — the exhaust system is ageing but still functional. Exhaust repairs are usually straightforward but should not be ignored as they can affect emissions.

Should You Worry About Advisories?

Not all advisories are equal. Here is how to assess their significance:

• Safety-critical components (brakes, tyres, steering, suspension): Address these sooner rather than later. They directly affect your safety on the road.
• Wear items (wiper blades, bulbs): These are cheap and easy to replace. Sort them out promptly.
• Corrosion advisories: Take these seriously, especially on structural components. Surface rust can become structural corrosion quickly.
• Fluid leaks: A minor leak now can become a major leak suddenly. Monitor closely and repair if it worsens.

Advisories When Buying a Used Car

MOT advisories are incredibly valuable when you are checking a used car before buying. They tell you:

• What is likely to need replacing soon — factor these costs into your budget and use them in price negotiations.
• How the previous owner maintained the car — if the same advisory appears year after year without being addressed, it suggests the owner does minimum maintenance.
• Whether advisories have been resolved — check if advisories from previous years have disappeared in later tests, indicating they were repaired.
• The vehicle's overall condition — a long list of advisories on a relatively new car may suggest harder-than-average use.

Use PlateCheck's free MOT check to view the complete advisory history for any UK vehicle. Our results clearly show advisories alongside defects for every test, making it easy to track what has been flagged and whether it was subsequently addressed.

What to Do About MOT Advisories

Our recommendations for handling MOT advisories:

1. Read them carefully — understand what each advisory means and which component is affected.
2. Prioritise by safety — address safety-critical items first (brakes, tyres, steering, suspension).
3. Get quotes — ask a mechanic for repair costs so you can budget accordingly.
4. Monitor over time — some advisories may not change much year to year, while others may progress quickly.
5. Address before the next MOT — fixing advisories early can prevent future MOT failures and more expensive repairs.

Conclusion

MOT advisories are not something to panic about, but they should not be ignored either. They are valuable early warnings that help you maintain your vehicle proactively and make informed decisions when buying used cars. Check any vehicle's full MOT history including advisories for free on PlateCheck.