A recent RAC-backed report has highlighted a worrying trend – 17% of drivers who ignored MOT advisories later suffered a breakdown or crash due to the very fault they were warned about. At Birway, we think it’s time to look closely at what MOT advisories really mean, and why they deserve your attention.
What is an MOT Advisory?
An MOT advisory is a note given when your car passes its MOT, but the tester has noticed something that could become a problem in the near future. These issues don’t cause an immediate MOT failure, but they are warnings of components that are wearing out or deteriorating.
Common examples include:
- Tyres approaching the legal tread limit
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Corrosion starting to form
- Suspension wear or minor oil leaks
- Dim or flickering lights
They’re essentially a yellow warning light on your vehicle’s safety and reliability. Ignoring them could lead to more serious—and expensive—problems down the road.
Why You Should Take Advisories Seriously
The RAC’s research shows that many drivers are leaving these issues unaddressed for too long. Tyres, brakes, and suspension components are the most frequently ignored advisories that end up leading to breakdowns or even accidents.
Here’s what the data tells us:
- 42% of issues were tyre-related
- 34% involved brake components
- 22% related to suspension
- 16% involved lighting faults
- 14% were due to body or structural corrosion
These aren’t trivial problems—they impact the core safety systems of your vehicle. Even if your car passes the MOT, it doesn’t mean it’s roadworthy for the year ahead if you ignore those advisory notes.
What to Look Out For on Your MOT Certificate
MOT advisories are listed on the same document as your pass result. They’ll include a description of the issue and the part of the vehicle it relates to.
Watch out for advisory notes like:
- “Nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit”
- “Rear brake pads wearing thin”
- “Light flickering intermittently”
- “Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorating”
- “Oil leak – not excessive”
These are the early warnings that can help you plan repairs before something fails—and potentially prevent your next MOT from becoming a fail.
What Should You Do If You Get an Advisory?
Don’t file the MOT sheet away and forget about it. Take action:
- Book a follow-up repair for the advisory item—even if it’s months before your next MOT.
- Speak to your garage about how urgent the advisory is. At Birway, we’re always happy to advise.
- Monitor the issue more closely if you’re not fixing it immediately—especially for tyres and brakes.
- Get a full service if you have multiple advisories. It’s the best way to keep your car safe and reliable year-round.
- Keep records of advisories from past years. Some problems can resurface or get worse over time.
Don’t Risk It – Get It Sorted
It’s easy to think an MOT advisory is a “pass with a comment,” but in reality, it’s a heads-up that something on your car is starting to fail. Acting quickly can prevent breakdowns, reduce repair costs, and keep you and your passengers safe.
At Birway, we offer expert repairs, servicing and follow-up inspections for all types of MOT advisories. If your vehicle has one—or several—don’t wait for next year’s test to take action. Let us help keep you safe and road-ready.
Need advice or want to book in? Contact Birway today.