What MOT advisories really mean – and when you should fix them
than reactively.
An MOT advisory often sounds more serious than it really is.
In reality, most cars pass their MOT with at least one advisory. Advisories are informational notes, not failures — but knowing which ones matter, and which can safely be monitored, helps you avoid unnecessary stress and expense.
This guide explains MOT advisories in plain English, so you can make sensible maintenance decisions without overreacting.
What Is an MOT Advisory?
An MOT advisory is recorded when the tester spots something that:
- Isn’t serious enough to fail today
- May worsen before the next MOT
- Is worth keeping an eye on
Advisories are designed to inform, not pressure you into immediate repairs.
Common MOT Advisories (And What They Usually Indicate)
Some of the most common advisories include:
- Tyres close to the legal limit
- Brake pads wearing
- Suspension components showing wear
- Minor exhaust corrosion
- Light oil misting
On their own, these usually reflect normal wear, particularly on older vehicles.
When an Advisory Does Matter
An advisory deserves attention sooner if:
- It appears repeatedly across MOTs
- It relates to brakes, steering, or suspension
- It noticeably affects how the car drives
- The wording worsens year-on-year
Patterns are far more important than isolated comments.
When It’s Usually Fine to Monitor
It’s often reasonable to leave an advisory alone if:
- The vehicle drives normally
- The advisory is age-related
- There’s no safety concern
- It hasn’t changed over time
Many drivers run cars for years with the same advisory without issues.
MOT Advisories vs MOT Failures
It’s important to separate the two:
- Advisory → something to be aware of
- Failure → something that must be fixed
An advisory does not mean your car is unsafe — it means the tester is giving you visibility.
If you’re preparing for an MOT and want to reduce the chances of advisories or failures, this maintenance guide is a useful companion read:
➡️ How to prepare your car for an MOT
Should You Fix Advisories Straight Away?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
A sensible approach is:
- Fix safety-related advisories promptly
- Monitor cosmetic or age-related items
- Combine advisory fixes with routine servicing
This keeps costs proportionate and avoids knee-jerk repairs.
How Advisories Feed Into Bigger Decisions
Advisories often become more relevant when you’re deciding:
- Whether to keep a car longer
- Whether upcoming costs are worth it
- How to plan maintenance sensibly
If you’re weighing those decisions, understanding where your car stands can help you plan calmly rather than reactively.
➡️ Get a clear picture of your car’s value and options
The Key Takeaway
MOT advisories are context, not condemnation.
When you understand what they mean — and what they don’t — you stay in control of maintenance decisions instead of letting a single line on a certificate dictate your next move.
