Passing an MOT doesn't always mean your vehicle is free from problems. Every year, millions of UK cars receive MOT advisories warning that components are beginning to wear, corrode or deteriorate. Although these issues aren't serious enough to fail the test today, many will eventually become MOT failures—or much more expensive repairs—if ignored.
An MOT advisory is designed to help you identify problems early, giving you the opportunity to repair them before they affect your safety, your wallet or your chances of passing the next MOT.
Whether you've just received an advisory or you're checking the MOT history of a used car, this guide explains exactly what each warning means, how serious it is, typical UK repair costs and when you should take action.
If you're unsure whether your vehicle has received advisories in previous years, use our Free MOT History Checker to review its complete MOT history before arranging repairs.
In this guide
- What an MOT advisory means
- The difference between advisory, minor, major and dangerous defects
- How MOT advisory wording works
- The most common MOT advisories explained
- Typical UK repair costs
- Which advisories should never be ignored
- Which advisories commonly become MOT failures
- Frequently asked questions
An MOT advisory is a warning recorded by the MOT tester to highlight a component that is showing signs of wear or deterioration but has not yet reached the legal threshold for failure.
In simple terms:
- Your vehicle passes the MOT.
- The component remains roadworthy.
- The tester recommends monitoring or repairing it before the condition worsens.
Common examples include:
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake pipe corrosion
- Suspension arm bush deterioration
- Tyres close to the legal tread limit
- Exhaust corrosion
Although these faults don't fail the MOT, they should never be ignored. Many advisories become MOT failures within the following year if maintenance is delayed.
Since the DVSA introduced the current defect classification system, MOT issues have been divided into four categories.
| Category | MOT Result | Can you drive? | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advisory | Pass | Yes | Monitor and repair when practical |
| Minor Defect | Pass | Yes | Repair soon |
| Major Defect | Fail | Usually no until repaired | Repair immediately |
| Dangerous Defect | Fail | No | Do not drive the vehicle |
Many drivers confuse advisories with minor defects.
They are different.
An advisory is additional information recorded by the tester. A minor defect is an actual defect identified under the DVSA inspection manual but not considered serious enough to fail the MOT.
Major and dangerous defects always result in an MOT failure.
Despite the name, MOT advisory "codes" are not numbered fault codes.
Instead, they are written descriptions explaining what the tester found during the inspection.
Examples include:
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake pipe corroded
- Nearside front suspension arm bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
- Slight oil leak
- Exhaust mounting slightly deteriorated
Different MOT stations may describe exactly the same issue using different wording while still following the DVSA inspection manual.
Unlike MOT defects, advisory comments are written by the individual MOT tester.
For example, one garage might record:
Brake pads wearing thin
while another writes:
Front brake friction material wearing close to minimum specification.
Both descriptions refer to exactly the same condition.
For this reason, it's more important to understand what the advisory is describing than the exact wording used on your MOT certificate.
No.
An advisory is an early warning that a component is approaching the end of its service life.
Ignoring advisories can lead to:
- More expensive repairs
- Unexpected breakdowns
- Increased safety risks
- MOT failure at the next test
- Reduced resale value
Treat an advisory as an opportunity to schedule maintenance at a convenient time rather than waiting until the problem becomes urgent.
Some advisories appear far more frequently than others during MOT testing in the UK.
These include:
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake discs worn, pitted or scored
- Brake pipe corrosion
- Brake caliper binding
- Suspension arm bushes deteriorated
- Tyres close to the legal tread limit
- Coil spring corrosion
- Shock absorber wear
- Wheel bearing wear
- Exhaust corrosion
Many of these faults have dedicated guides in our Advice Centre, allowing you to understand the problem in greater detail.
The table below summarises some of the most common MOT advisories.
| MOT advisory | Severity | Safe to drive? | Typical UK repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake pads wearing thin | Medium | Usually yes | £80–£250 |
| Brake discs worn, pitted or scored | Medium | Usually yes | £180–£450 |
| Brake pipe corrosion | High | Depends | £150–£600+ |
| Brake caliper binding | High | Not recommended | £150–£450 |
| Suspension arm bush deteriorated | Medium | Usually yes | £120–£400 |
| Tyres close to the legal limit | High | Depends on tread depth | £60–£250 per tyre |
| Coil spring corroded or fractured | High | Usually yes, repair soon | £180–£450 |
| Shock absorber worn or leaking | Medium | Usually yes | £180–£500 |
| Wheel bearing noisy or worn | Medium | Short journeys only | £150–£350 |
| Exhaust corrosion | Medium | Usually yes | £100–£600 |
Repair costs are typical UK estimates and vary depending on your vehicle, replacement parts and labour rates.
Click any advisory above to read our complete guide explaining the symptoms, MOT implications and repair options.
Brake pads wearing thin
What does it mean?
This advisory means your brake pads are approaching the end of their usable life but still have enough friction material remaining to pass the MOT.
How serious is it?
Medium.
Brake pads naturally wear every time you slow down. If left too long they can wear through completely, damaging the brake discs and increasing repair costs.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes.
However, replacement should be arranged within the next few weeks, particularly if you notice squealing noises or reduced braking performance.
Typical repair cost
£80–£250
For a complete explanation, including warning signs, repair options and replacement costs, read our guide:
Brake Pads Wearing Thin: MOT Advisory, Symptoms & Repair Cost (2026)
Brake discs worn, pitted or scored
What does it mean?
Brake discs gradually wear every time you use your brakes. Over time they can also become pitted, scored or corroded, particularly if the vehicle has been left standing for long periods.
How serious is it?
Medium.
Minor wear is expected as part of normal vehicle maintenance, but excessive wear reduces braking performance and can eventually result in an MOT failure.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes.
However, if you notice vibration through the steering wheel, reduced braking performance or grinding noises, have the brakes inspected as soon as possible.
Typical repair cost
£180–£450
For a complete explanation of brake disc wear, symptoms and replacement costs, read our guide:
Brake Disc Worn, Pitted or Scored: MOT Advisory, Symptoms & Repair Cost (2026)
Brake pipe corrosion
What does it mean?
Brake pipes carry hydraulic brake fluid between the master cylinder and each wheel. Because they are mounted underneath the vehicle, they are continually exposed to road salt, moisture and dirt, making corrosion one of the most common MOT advisories.
How serious is it?
High.
Light surface corrosion may simply require monitoring, but significant corrosion weakens the brake pipe and increases the risk of brake failure.
Can you still drive?
It depends on the severity.
If corrosion is more than superficial, arrange an inspection as soon as possible rather than waiting for your next MOT.
Typical repair cost
£150–£600+
For a detailed explanation of brake pipe corrosion, common causes and repair options, read:
Brake Pipe Corrosion Advisory: MOT Meaning, Repair Cost & Is It Safe? (2026)
Brake caliper binding
What does it mean?
A brake caliper should release fully after you remove your foot from the brake pedal. If it sticks or binds, the brake continues rubbing against the disc.
How serious is it?
High.
Binding brakes generate excessive heat, increase fuel consumption, wear brake components more quickly and reduce braking efficiency.
Can you still drive?
Short journeys may be possible, but repairs should not be delayed.
If you notice the vehicle pulling to one side, overheating brakes or a burning smell, stop driving until the problem has been inspected.
Typical repair cost
£150–£450
Learn more in our guide:
Brake Caliper Binding: MOT Advisory, Symptoms & Repair Cost (2026)
Suspension arm bush deteriorated
What does it mean?
Suspension arm bushes are rubber components that absorb vibration while allowing the suspension to move correctly. Over time the rubber hardens, cracks or separates from its housing.
How serious is it?
Medium.
As deterioration increases, steering precision, ride comfort and tyre wear all become worse.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes.
However, replacement should be planned before excessive movement develops and the advisory becomes an MOT failure.
Typical repair cost
£120–£400
For a detailed explanation, read:
Suspension Arm Bush Deteriorated: MOT Advisory, Symptoms & Repair Cost (2026)
Tyres close to the legal limit
What does it mean?
Your tyres are approaching the UK legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Although they remain legal when tested, replacement is likely before your next MOT.
How serious is it?
High.
Tyres directly affect braking, steering and grip. As tread depth reduces, wet-weather stopping distances increase significantly.
Can you still drive?
Yes, provided the tyres remain above the legal tread depth and are free from damage.
Check tread depth regularly and replace tyres before they become illegal.
Typical repair cost
£60–£250 per tyre
Coil spring corroded or fractured
What does it mean?
Coil springs support the weight of your vehicle and absorb road impacts. Corrosion weakens the spring and increases the risk of it snapping.
How serious is it?
High.
A broken spring affects handling and can cause an immediate MOT failure.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes if only corrosion is present.
However, replacement should be arranged before the spring deteriorates further.
Typical repair cost
£180–£450
Shock absorber worn or leaking
What does it mean?
Shock absorbers control suspension movement and help maintain tyre contact with the road. Wear or oil leakage reduces their effectiveness.
How serious is it?
Medium.
Poor shock absorbers reduce vehicle stability, increase tyre wear and lengthen braking distances.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes.
If handling feels unstable or the vehicle continues bouncing after bumps, arrange replacement soon.
Typical repair cost
£180–£500
Wheel bearing noisy or worn
What does it mean?
Wheel bearings allow your wheels to rotate smoothly. As they wear, they often produce a humming, rumbling or grinding noise that becomes louder with speed.
How serious is it?
Medium.
Wheel bearings usually deteriorate gradually, but excessive wear can eventually affect steering and vehicle safety.
Can you still drive?
Short journeys are generally acceptable.
If the noise becomes significantly worse or vibration develops, repairs should be arranged immediately.
Typical repair cost
£150–£350
Exhaust corrosion
What does it mean?
Exhaust systems operate in harsh conditions and are continually exposed to heat, water, mud and road salt. Surface corrosion is common, particularly on older vehicles.
How serious is it?
Medium.
Light corrosion may simply require monitoring, while more advanced corrosion can eventually lead to exhaust leaks, increased noise and MOT failure.
Can you still drive?
Usually yes.
However, if you notice excessive exhaust noise, rattling or fumes entering the cabin, have the exhaust inspected as soon as possible.
Typical repair cost
£100–£600
Which MOT advisories should never be ignored?
Although every MOT advisory deserves attention, some faults have a much greater impact on your safety than others.
You should prioritise repairs if your MOT includes advisories relating to:
- Brake pipes
- Brake calipers
- Brake discs
- Brake pads
- Tyres close to the legal tread limit
- Steering components
- Suspension springs
- Excessive corrosion
These components directly affect your vehicle's ability to brake, steer and remain stable on the road.
Although an advisory allows your vehicle to pass its MOT, delaying repairs can increase both safety risks and repair costs.
Which advisories commonly become MOT failures?
Many MOT failures begin life as advisories.
Some of the most common examples include:
| Advisory | Common future failure |
|---|---|
| Brake pads wearing thin | Brake pads worn below the legal limit |
| Brake discs worn | Excessively worn brake discs |
| Brake pipe corrosion | Excessively corroded brake pipe |
| Suspension arm bush deteriorated | Excessive movement in suspension bush |
| Tyres close to legal limit | Tread depth below 1.6mm |
| Coil spring corroded | Coil spring fractured |
| Shock absorber worn | Excessive leakage or reduced damping |
Treating advisories as early warnings allows you to schedule repairs before they become urgent or significantly more expensive.
The table below summarises the typical repair costs for many of the most common MOT advisories.
| Repair | Typical UK Cost |
|---|---|
| Brake pads | £80–£250 |
| Brake discs and pads | £180–£450 |
| Brake pipe repair | £150–£600+ |
| Brake caliper replacement | £150–£450 |
| Suspension arm bush | £120–£400 |
| Coil spring replacement | £180–£450 |
| Shock absorber replacement | £180–£500 |
| Wheel bearing replacement | £150–£350 |
| Tyre replacement | £60–£250 per tyre |
| Exhaust repair | £100–£600 |
Actual costs vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the quality of replacement parts and labour rates in your area.
Repairing advisories early is often considerably cheaper than waiting until additional components become damaged.
In most cases, yes.
An MOT advisory confirms that your vehicle met the minimum legal standard required to pass its MOT at the time it was tested.
However, that should not be confused with the vehicle being fault-free.
For example:
- Brake pads continue wearing after the MOT.
- Brake pipe corrosion can become significantly worse over winter.
- Tyres continue losing tread every mile you drive.
- Suspension bushes gradually deteriorate with age and mileage.
If you're unsure whether an advisory has worsened since your MOT, arrange an inspection with a trusted garage.
Checking MOT advisories is one of the easiest ways to understand how well a used vehicle has been maintained.
Instead of simply checking whether the car passed its MOT, look for patterns.
Ask yourself:
- Have previous advisories been repaired?
- Does the same advisory appear every year?
- Is corrosion gradually getting worse?
- Are several brake or suspension advisories appearing together?
- Has the vehicle repeatedly failed after receiving advisories?
These patterns often tell you far more about a vehicle than the latest MOT result alone.
Before buying any used vehicle, use our Free MOT History Checker to review previous advisories, MOT failures, mileage history and test dates.
Does an MOT advisory mean my car failed?
No.
An advisory does not fail the MOT. It simply highlights a component that may require attention before the next test.
Will an MOT advisory become an MOT failure?
Not always.
However, many advisories gradually become MOT failures if repairs are delayed.
Can police stop me because of an MOT advisory?
Not because of the advisory itself.
However, if the condition has deteriorated and your vehicle has become unroadworthy, you could still be committing an offence.
Do MOT advisories affect insurance?
Usually not.
However, knowingly driving an unsafe vehicle could affect insurance in the event of an accident.
Do MOT advisories expire?
No.
They remain permanently recorded as part of the vehicle's MOT history.
Should I repair MOT advisories immediately?
Not every advisory requires immediate repair.
However, advisories involving brakes, steering, suspension or tyres should generally be prioritised because they directly affect vehicle safety.
How do I check previous MOT advisories?
You can check previous advisories, MOT failures, mileage history and MOT expiry dates using our Free MOT History Checker.
Receiving an MOT advisory should never be viewed as bad news.
Instead, think of it as an opportunity to repair a developing problem before it becomes an MOT failure or a much more expensive repair.
Whether you're maintaining your own vehicle or buying a used car, understanding MOT advisories will help you make informed decisions, reduce repair costs and keep your vehicle safer throughout the year.
If your MOT includes a specific advisory, browse our Advice Centre for detailed repair guides or use our Free MOT History Checker to review your vehicle's previous MOT history.