If you’ve ever put off fixing an issue flagged in your MoT, you’re not alone. A new survey by Auto Express found that nearly one in six drivers ignore their MoT advisories—despite the fact that faulty lights and electrical problems make up 25% of all warnings.
Issues like a weak battery or foggy headlights are common, but suspension problems are also a big one, making up 20% of advisories. These are only classed as a ‘major’ concern 22% of the time, though.
Tyres, on the other hand, are flagged less often but are far more serious when they are. While only 13% of advisories relate to tyres, nearly 60% of those are considered ‘dangerous.’ If your tyre tread depth drops below the UK legal limit of 1.6mm, your car’s grip and stopping power take a serious hit.
Brakes are another area where people shouldn’t take chances. While brake-related advisories only make up 16% of the total, nearly a third (29%) of these are flagged as ‘dangerous.’
Are MoT Advisories Really That Important?
While many advisories are minor, some can put you and others at risk. Jonathan Douglass, director of the Independent Garage Association (IGA), told Auto Express that “Consumers using the services of garages operating within the independent sector can expect good, clear communication, highlighting which advisory issues are urgent, and which can be monitored and addressed when necessary.”
The IGA is also pushing for a higher MoT test price cap, which has been stuck at £54.85 since 2010. With rising costs and inflation, many independent garages are struggling to keep up.
MoT Advisories: Most and Least Common
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 25% |
| Suspension | 20% |
| Brakes | 16% |
| Tyres | 13% |
| Visibility | 8% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 6% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6% |
| Steering | 3% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1% |
| Road wheels | 1% |
| Seat belt installation check | 0% |
| Speedometer and speed limiter | 0% |
