MOT Advisories Explained: What They Mean and What to Do

Summary

• Advisories are not failures: Your car still passes its MOT, but issues have been flagged for attention.
• They can become failures: Ignoring advisories may lead to a fail at your next test.
• Check your full MOT history using our free MOT check tool to see past advisories.

Your car passed its MOT. Great news! But the tester has listed some advisories. What does that mean?

This guide explains MOT advisories in plain English. We cover what they are, which ones to worry about, and what to do next.

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What Is an MOT Advisory?

An MOT advisory is a note from the tester about something that is not bad enough to cause a fail, but could become a problem soon.

Think of it as a heads-up. The tester has noticed wear or minor damage that you should keep an eye on.

Advisory vs Failure

Type	What It Means	Result
Pass	Everything meets the standard	MOT certificate issued
Advisory	Minor issue spotted, not severe enough to fail	MOT certificate issued with notes
Minor defect	Small defect that does not affect safety	Pass with advisory noted
Major defect	Significant issue affecting safety	Fail - must be repaired
Dangerous defect	Immediate risk to safety	Fail - car must not be driven

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Common MOT Advisories

Here are the advisories you are most likely to see:

• Tyre tread wearing: Your tyres are legal but getting thin. Replace them before they reach the 1.6mm limit.
• Brake pads wearing thin: They still work, but they will need replacing soon.
• Slight oil leak: A minor drip that is not dangerous yet, but could worsen.
• Corrosion on body panels: Surface rust that has not affected the structure.
• Worn suspension bushes: Rubber parts that absorb bumps are starting to degrade.
• Windscreen chip: A small chip that is not in the driver's direct line of sight.
• Exhaust corroding: Your exhaust pipe is showing signs of rust.

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Should You Fix Advisories?

Not all advisories need immediate action. But some should be dealt with quickly.

Fix Soon

• Brake-related advisories: Brakes are critical to safety. Do not wait until they fail.
• Tyre wear: Bald tyres are dangerous and illegal. A fine of up to £2,500 per tyre applies.
• Suspension issues: These affect handling and braking distance.

Monitor and Plan

• Minor corrosion: Keep an eye on it and treat it before it spreads.
• Oil leaks: Check your oil level regularly. If it drops fast, get it looked at.
• Exhaust wear: If you hear rattling or blowing noises, it may be time to replace it.

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How Advisories Affect Car Value

If you are selling your car, buyers may check the MOT history online. A long list of unfixed advisories can lower the value.

Fixing advisories before selling shows you have looked after the car. Use our car value checker to see how your vehicle stands.

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How to Check Your MOT Advisories

You can see all past advisories, failures, and results using:

1. The gov.uk MOT check: Enter your registration number to see your full history.
2. CarOwl MOT check: Use our free MOT history tool for a clear breakdown.
3. Your MOT certificate: The printed certificate lists all advisories from the latest test.

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Tips Before Your Next MOT

To avoid surprises, review your previous advisories before your next test. Many advisories turn into failures after 12 months of extra wear.

• Check our list of common MOT failures and fix them early.
• Book your MOT up to 30 days early without losing certificate time.
• Ask your mechanic to check advisory items during your annual service.

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Final Thoughts

MOT advisories are not something to panic about. But they are a useful early warning system. Fixing small issues now stops them becoming expensive problems later.

Check your MOT history with our free tool and stay on top of your car's health.

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