We all know about MOTs, but if your vehicle has passed its test with a handful of advisories, do you know what you need to do?
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a test designed to make sure that your car is roadworthy. Unlike servicing, which keeps your car in good working order and helps to prevent future issues, the MOT test is purely about safety and covers a clear list of features as determined by the Ministry of Transport.
Passing the test
If your car doesn’t meet one or more of the required standards for the test, it will fail in the first instance. Your mechanic will do the necessary repairs for the car to pass. This could be as simple as changing a bulb or replacing a windscreen wiper. You won’t be able to drive your car again until it passes and your mechanic issues you with an MOT certificate.
Advisories
Often, your car will pass the test in the first instance, but your certificate will also list potential problems that you need to be aware of, and potentially get fixed before the next MOT test. Advisories are just that: they are not severe enough for you to fail your test, but they may become more serious in the near future, causing more expensive repairs and a potential fail at the next MOT test.
Common MOT advisories include:
Brake pads – brake pads have an average lifespan of 50,000 miles, depending on how heavy you are on them and whether you tend to do lots of city driving. Your pads might pass the MOT, but if the mechanic thinks they are wearing down, they will let you know at the MOT test.
Rust - the early signs of corrosion aren’t a problem, but your mechanic will let you know if they spot any so that you are aware of a potential issue in the future.
Wear and tear – your mechanic may point out if a bushing, spring or connector is looking worn, but not worn enough to fail the test.
Tyre tread – the tyre tread should be deeper than the ridge on a 20 pence piece. If you are on the limit, your car will pass, but the MOT test centre will let you know if you will need to change your tyres soon.
You are not obliged to do anything about your advisories, but your mechanic will let you know what they think you should do. The advisories may not cause failure at your next MOT test, but if they do, they are very likely to be more expensive to resolve than if you fix the problem sooner.
If you are in doubt about what you should do about your advisories, double check with your local garage mechanic. If you have an MOT test coming up, look back at your last advisories and see if you can save money by addressing simple issues yourself before the test.