How MOT Advisories Affect Your Car’s Value and Safety | GVE London – Blog

So your car passed its MOT test. Great. But then, tucked at the bottom of the report, there’s that little section called Advisories. You might glance over them and choose to ignore them completely. After all, you passed, so who cares at this point? But should you?

Here’s the truth. Advisories matter. A lot more than most drivers realise. Let’s find out why.

What Exactly Is an MOT Advisory?

When a mechanic spots something worn or potentially problematic during an MOT test, but not bad enough to fail, they write it down. That’s an advisory. It is a suggestion. 

It’s nothing urgent but it means trouble could be on the horizon.

Some examples include tyres getting close to the legal limit, brake pads wearing thin. slight play in suspension components, and the exhaust starting to corrode.

None of these will fail your car today. But leave them unchecked, and they might next time.

What Most Drivers Get Wrong

People assume advisories are harmless. A sort of optional to-do list. But when they show up repeatedly, it sends a message. To you. To buyers. And to mechanics.

If the same advisory keeps appearing across multiple MOT tests, it makes your car look neglected. Even if it runs fine. Even if you keep it clean.

They Hit Your Wallet Eventually

Let’s talk money.

If you plan to sell or part-exchange your car, those advisories follow you. Anyone can check your vehicle’s MOT history using your registration number. It’s free, fast, and commonly done.

A car with repeated advisories looks like a car that’s been skimped on, and the resale value will reflect that. Buyers notice these things, and MOT records won’t lie in your favour. Fixing advisories before they pile up can preserve your car’s value. It also keeps negotiations smoother when you’re selling.

Read Also: Evening MOTs Now Available at GVE London: Book Between 6PM–9PM

It’s Not Just About the Money

Some advisories are minor. A cracked number plate. A worn wiper blade. Others? Not so minor. Brake issues. Worn suspension. Tyres are near the legal minimum.

These are the ones that can affect your safety or the safety of others. You might still pass the MOT, but your car isn’t necessarily in good condition. An MOT test is not a full inspection. It’s a minimum check. Just because you pass doesn’t mean your car is at its best.

And if you’re in an accident, and investigators find a previously flagged issue contributed to it, insurance companies may not be sympathetic. It’s worth taking advisories seriously.

Regular Servicing Fills the Gaps

Here’s where car servicing becomes essential.

A full service looks deeper than an MOT. It checks things like oil levels, filters, belts, and coolant. It catches problems before they show up as advisories.

If you’re in the area, finding reliable car servicing in Uxbridge or trusted car servicing across London can help avoid bigger issues later. A good car service centre doesn’t just fix what’s broken. It stops new problems from starting.

And when you keep a record of regular servicing? That adds to your car’s value too.

Ignore Now, Pay More Later

Some people delay fixing advisories because they’re hoping to save money. But here’s the reality.

The longer you wait, the worse the problem gets. What starts as a slight suspension noise could become a full replacement job. That small oil leak? It might turn into a full engine issue.

You don’t need to fix every advisory immediately. But the important ones shouldn’t wait. And leaving them all untouched? That’s never a good idea.

Taking action today can stop bigger repairs tomorrow.

Conclusion

To wrap it up in a nutshell, advisories are basically a heads-up. They recommendations by a professional, suggesting you should fix an issue before it snowballs into something bigger. If you’re not sure what to prioritise, a reliable MOT service centre in Uxbridge or London can help you figure it out. For that, contact us here at GVE London. From servicing to MOT test itself and detailing to repairs, we’ll take care of it all in our facility.