What Does an MOT Advisory Mean? Should You Fix It?

An MOT advisory means your car passed, but the tester spotted something that is wearing or close to the limit and could become a problem. It is not a fail, and the car can usually be driven, but advisories on tyres, brakes, steering, suspension or corrosion are worth checking soon rather than leaving until next year.

What is an MOT advisory?

An advisory is a note the tester adds to your MOT result to flag something worth keeping an eye on. Common examples are:

• Tyres getting close to the legal tread limit

• Brake pads or discs wearing down

• Early corrosion that is not yet bad enough to fail

• Worn suspension bushes or joints

• A windscreen chip outside the area that would cause a fail

How is an advisory different from a minor, major or dangerous fault?

MOT results sort problems into categories:

• Dangerous means the car fails and should not be driven until it is repaired.

• Major means the car fails and must be repaired.

• Minor means the car passes, but the fault should be repaired as soon as possible.

• Advisory means the car passes, and the item should be monitored and repaired if it gets worse.

So an advisory is the lowest level of concern, but it is still a warning.

Is it safe to drive with an MOT advisory?

Usually, yes, because the car passed. The better question is how long you can sensibly leave it. A tyre close to the limit can wear through in a few months of winter driving, and a brake advisory rarely gets cheaper by waiting.

Which advisories should I fix first?

1. Safety items first. Tyres, brakes, steering and suspension affect grip, stopping and handling, and they are the advisories most likely to turn into a fail next time.

2. Items that get more expensive if left. Worn suspension parts can cause uneven tyre wear. Worn pads can damage discs. Fixing early often costs less overall.

3. Items that put buyers off. If you might sell or part exchange soon, unresolved advisories can lower the value.

Do advisories affect resale or part-exchange value?

They can. Anyone can look up a car's MOT history on GOV.UK, including every advisory. The same advisory repeated year after year suggests a car that has not been looked after, which makes buyers more cautious. Our guide to how a part-exchange value is worked out explains why.

Is an advisory the same as a service recommendation?

No. The MOT checks the car against legal minimum standards on the day. A service is wider maintenance that deals with wear before it becomes a fault. An advisory is often a good prompt to book a service or inspection. See can you MOT your car early for timing your next test.

Common questions

Is an MOT advisory a fail?

No. An advisory is attached to a pass. It is a warning, not a failure.

Should I fix an MOT advisory straight away?

If it relates to tyres, brakes, steering, suspension or corrosion near structural areas, get it checked soon. Lower-risk items can often be looked at during your next service.

Will the same advisory make my car fail next year?

It might. Advisories are often items that are wearing towards the fail point. If nothing is done, there is a good chance it will be worse by the next test.

Get an MOT advisory checked in Barnsley

If you are not sure whether an advisory needs doing now, our service centre in Barnsley, South Yorkshire can take a look and explain what it means for your car. Our labour rate is £80 per hour plus VAT, and our menu prices include VAT. Call Customer Care on 01226 574321.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.