Your car has passed its MOT, but the garage has flagged some advisories. What are these, and what should you do next? Keeping your vehicle in good condition is essential for your safety and that of other users.
This guide explains MOT advisories, car maintenance tips, and ways to save money while staying safe on the road. If you're worried about covering repair costs, we consider using Bumper's finance options to spread the expense.
What is an MOT?
If your car is over three years old, it must pass an annual MOT test to ensure it's roadworthy and legal to drive.
During the test, a mechanic examines the major components of your vehicle. If everything meets the required standards, you'll get a certificate allowing you to drive legally for another year.
If your car fails, you'll need to pay for repairs before it's roadworthy. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal in the UK, and police use ANPR cameras to catch offenders.
Check you have a valid MOT using Regit's free online MOT check.
If repair bills seem daunting, Bumper offers finance plans to help you manage the costs.
What is an MOT advisory?
When your car passes it's MOT, you might receive a list of advisories. These are potential or minor issues that don't require immediate attention but could worsen over time. You can legally drive with advisories, but ignoring them may lead to costly repairs or even accidents.
You can check your car's advisories using Regit's free MOT history check.
If you need help covering the costs of repairs flagged during your MOT, Bumper's flexible finance options can help spread the expense up to £5000 at 0% APR
Common MOT advisories
Here are some frequent advisories and what they mean:
- Tyre tread and health - worn damaged tyres reduce grip, especially in wet or icy conditions. Address these issues promptly to avoid safety risks. You can spread the cost of tyre replacements with Bumper
- Brake pads - worn brake pads reduce braking efficiency. Mechanics often estimate how long they'll last. Replacing then on time prevents accidents. If the cost is holding you back, consider Bumper for support.
- Lights - dim, blown, or faulty lights can lead to visibility issues or fines. Replace bulbs regularly to ensure they work when needed
- Corrosion - surface rust isn't urgent, but if it penetrates the car's structure, it can compromise safety and lead to failure.
- General wear and tear - dents, scratches and loose parts may not seem urgent but can cause bigger issues over time.
How to handle MOT advisories
Advisories act as early warnings. Address then as soon as possible to avoid more significant problems. While repairs can be expensive, fixing minor faults promptly saves money in the long run.
If finances are tight, Bumper's interest-free finance options can make it easier to get your vehicle back in top condition.
