MOT Advisory Notes Explained
If your car has passed its MOT but the certificate includes advisory notes, you might be wondering what they mean and whether you need to act on them. In short, advisories are items the examiner has flagged as showing signs of wear or potential future problems — but they have not caused your car to fail.
Understanding your advisories is important because they can become MOT failures next year if left unattended. For the full picture of what the MOT covers, see our complete guide to the MOT test.
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What Are MOT Advisory Notes?
Since May 2018, MOT results are categorised into four levels of severity:
| Category | What It Means | Does the Car Fail? |
|----------|--------------|-------------------|
| Dangerous | Immediate risk to road safety | ✅ Yes — car must not be driven |
| Major | Significant defect affecting safety or emissions | ✅ Yes — must be repaired before retest |
| Minor | Defect present but not serious enough to fail | ❌ No — but should be repaired soon |
| Advisory | Item showing wear or deterioration | ❌ No — monitor and repair when necessary |
Advisory notes sit at the lowest severity level. They indicate that something is beginning to wear but has not yet reached the point where it fails the MOT standards. Driving with dangerous or major defects can result in fines of up to £2,500.
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Common Advisory Notes and What They Mean
Tyres
"Tyre worn close to the legal limit"
Your tyre tread is approaching the legal minimum of 1.6mm. While it has not failed today, it will likely fail at your next MOT. You should plan to replace the tyre soon — and for safety, most experts recommend changing tyres when tread reaches 3mm.
"Tyre slightly damaged but not to the extent that the ply or cords are exposed"
There is a cut, bulge, or mark on the tyre that is not yet serious enough to fail. Monitor it and replace the tyre if the damage worsens.
Brakes
"Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened"
Your brake disc is showing signs of wear. It still functions safely, but it will need replacing in the near future. Budget for new discs and pads — this typically costs £200-£500 per axle. Check our average car service cost guide for more pricing.
"Brake pad wearing thin"
Similar to the disc advisory — your brake pads are getting low but have not reached the failure point. Plan a replacement before your next MOT.
Suspension
"Shock absorber has a light misting of oil"
A small amount of oil is seeping from the shock absorber seal. This is early-stage wear. If the misting becomes a heavy leak, it will fail the next MOT. Shock absorber replacement costs approximately £150-£300 per pair.
"Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play"
The anti-roll bar link is beginning to wear. It is not dangerous yet, but a worn link can affect handling and will eventually fail.
Exhaust and Emissions
"Exhaust has a minor leak"
There is a small hole or loose joint in the exhaust system. It is not significant enough to affect emissions readings today, but it will worsen. Repair costs vary from £50 for a patch to £300+ for a new section.
"Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold but above failure level"
Your catalytic converter is ageing. If it degrades further, it will fail the emissions test. Replacement cats cost £300-£1,000+ depending on the vehicle.
Corrosion
"Corrosion present but not serious enough to affect structural integrity"
Surface rust has been found on a structural component (chassis, subframe, or body). It has not weakened the metal, but left untreated it will spread. Treating surface rust early is far cheaper than repairing structural damage later.
Lights
"Headlamp aim slightly out of range but not causing dazzle"
Your headlights are slightly misaligned. This is a quick fix at most garages — often done free of charge during a service.
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Should You Fix Advisory Items?
There is no legal requirement to fix advisory items immediately. However, you should consider:
Safety
Many advisories relate to safety-critical components like brakes, tyres, and suspension. Even though they passed today, a worn brake pad can fail without warning. Prioritise safety-related advisories.
Future MOT Costs
An advisory today is often a failure next year. Fixing items proactively means you can plan the cost, choose a convenient time, and avoid the stress and expense of a failed MOT followed by retesting. The test itself only takes 45-60 minutes, but failed retests add up.
Resale Value
If you plan to sell your vehicle, a clean MOT with no advisories is far more attractive to buyers than one with a list of issues. It demonstrates that the car has been well maintained.
Cost Planning
By reviewing your advisories and getting quotes now, you can budget for repairs over the coming months rather than facing a large unexpected bill. Track these costs using CarFile's expense tracking to see where your money goes across the full annual maintenance budget.
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How to Check Your MOT Advisories
CarFile Free DVLA Check
Our free DVLA check tool shows your complete MOT history, including all advisory notes, in a clear and easy-to-read format. You can also track advisories over time to see if issues are progressing.
GOV.UK
Visit gov.uk/check-mot-history and enter your registration number. You can see your full MOT history, including all advisories, minor faults, and pass/fail results going back several years.
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Advisory Notes vs Minor Defects
Drivers sometimes confuse advisories with minor defects. The key difference:
- Minor defect: A fault that exists now but is not serious enough to fail. It is recorded on the certificate and should be repaired soon.
- Advisory: An item showing early signs of wear that may become a defect in the future. It is a heads-up from the examiner.
In practice, both categories mean your car has passed, but minor defects are closer to becoming failures than advisories.
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Tips for Managing Advisories
- Read your MOT certificate carefully — do not just check pass/fail. Review every advisory note.
- Get quotes — for any advisories related to brakes, tyres, or suspension, get a repair quote so you know the cost.
- Prioritise safety items — fix brake, tyre, and steering advisories first.
- Book a pre-MOT check — many garages offer a free or cheap pre-MOT inspection that catches advisories before they become failures.
- Use CarFile — track your advisories year by year with CarFile's service history and see if issues are worsening.
- Service regularly — regular servicing catches most advisory items before they appear on the MOT.
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Set Up MOT Reminders
Never be caught off guard by your MOT expiry. CarFile's MOT reminder alerts you four weeks before the test is due, giving you time to address any known advisories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do advisory notes appear on my MOT certificate?
Yes. All advisories are listed on your MOT certificate and are visible when you check your MOT history online.
Can I sell a car with MOT advisories?
Yes. The car has passed its MOT and is legally roadworthy. However, buyers may negotiate a lower price based on the advisories listed.
Do advisories affect my insurance?
No. Advisory notes do not affect your insurance premium or cover.
How many advisories is too many?
There is no specific number. However, a long list of advisories suggests the car has not been well maintained and may face significant repair costs in the near future. Use CarFile's free check to review your history.