MOT advisory that means nothing

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 17:25
MOT advisory that means nothing - FoxyJukebox

Funny one this-When perusing the MOT history site GOV.UK for suitable cars I've spotted for sale on Autotrader or elsewhere-I constantly see the MOT advisory-"Engine covers obscuring some components". What is the tester looking for here? Are the engine covers at fault/illegal ? if it's that important for the tester to look underneath why wern't the covers removed( and hence replaced after inspection).

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 17:47
MOT advisory that means nothing - Galaxy

I believe an MOT test is purely one of inspection. Nothing is permitted to be removed in order to allow further examination, not even engine covers!

They are just covering themselves by saying that, I'm sure.

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 17:53
MOT advisory that means nothing - daveyjp
Same if you fit a childs car seat. The seatbelt will get an advisory as it can't be tested.

Once you start permitting dismantling where do you stop?
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Tue 1 Nov 2016 17:59
MOT advisory that means nothing - elekie&a/c doctor

Sadly,the Mot test is a very low rent inspection and as already noted ,an mot tester is not allowed to remove any covers or fixtures and fittings to inspect testable items that may be obscured .Eg,some parts of the braking,steering and suspension componets.Interestingly,you could have wheel held on with only one wheel nut (but covered by a wheel trim)and it would be a pass.

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 18:32
MOT advisory that means nothing - Wackyracer

I got an advisory on my van of "spare wheel missing" even though the wheel was inside the van.

My car recently failed it's MOT on service brake efficiency, even though VOSA have agreed that it's fine. I now have a pass certificate but, the fail will always be on the cars MOT history.

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 20:34
MOT advisory that means nothing - Galaxy

Several years ago there was, apparently, an MOT Test "fiddle" which was in popular use in some quarters.

People would deliberately disable their car's bonnet release mechanism in order to prevent inspection of anything inside! Because the tester was not permitted to carry out any dismantling, all he could do was issue an advisory that the bonnet could not be opened. But he still had to give the car the benefit of the doubt, in spite of this. This was compliant with the VOSA regulations at this time.

Thankfully, this loophole has now been closed. Amongst other things, the bonnet latch is now part of the MOT test, and a bonnet which can't be opened will be a fail, not an advisory.

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Tue 1 Nov 2016 23:13
MOT advisory that means nothing - bathtub tom

Many years ago I shoved my bike into the back, intending to ride into town while the car had a service and MOT. The heavens opened, the dealer took pity and got me a lift into town.

Some time later I wandered back to find the MOT stated: rear seat belts not tested due to bike!

Edited by bathtub tom on 01/11/2016 at 23:19

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Wed 2 Nov 2016 08:20
MOT advisory that means nothing - skidpan

Had an advisory once when the tester did not like to colour of the rear fog warning light on the dash. You know, the one fitted by the manufacturer.

Complained to garage owner who said there was nothing he could do about it but did say the tester was a bit of an idiot.

Since then the garage owner or his son have done my tests and never had such an advisory since

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Mon 7 Nov 2016 18:58
MOT advisory that means nothing - Oliver Mayo

It is just routine, indicates that the car has a panel and may hinder their inspection somewhat.

A MOT is fairly basic and checks safety related items only, it is of utterly no use with regards to how well maintained or what sort of condition a vehicle might be in.

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