The undertray protects some components from road debris and water etc.

Probably, but I thought their main purpose was to smooth air flow under the car ? In the days when I used to DiY oil changes on my 306, after a few years I had to invent new ways to attach the sump guard when the OEM bolts began to seize. The whole thing was a bit of a nuisance - I wonder what garage mechanics think of them ?

On the new MINI there are 2 little flaps built into the undertray one for the sump plug and the other for the oil filter which makes changing the oil a doddle.

had an addvisary on polo , saying couldnt check underneath because of tray.

had an addvisary on polo , saying couldnt check underneath because of tray.

Hmm...worth getting one then.

Not really. There are often 'advisories' on this country's MoT reports to say they can't check things because they are covered up. It's just 'information' rather than 'advice'. I have read that MoT testers are inspected occasionally for outliers from the normal range of reporting results, so lots of them just like to write something for the sake of it, thinking it might make their record look better. Engine trays and coverings are a common source of this comment. I sometimes wonder if, for example, you had a perfectly safe and functioning suspension joint but which '5.3.4 'no longer prevents the ingress of dirt', whether wrapping some duct tape around it would enable it to pass.

It is frustrating for those of us who pride ourselves on getting no advisories ........

Why the pride? My Audi (W12 AYE) had stacks of advisories before I bought it in 2014. I suppose they helped me and the garage, because the previous owner had the unnecessary work done.

I had tyre advisories for three years running but I certainly wasn't going to replace its expensive top quality rubber until I needed to.

<< I take pride in having my vehicles maintained at a high standard - higher than just passing the MoT test - you may not but some others do as well. >>

And you are welcome to. But, assuming the MoT tester has been thorough and correct, any 'advisories' are simply advice which the keeper can act upon if he decides that will be needed before the next test.

<< I take pride in having my vehicles maintained at a high standard - higher than just passing the MoT test - you may not but some others do as well. >>

And you are welcome to. But, assuming the MoT tester has been thorough and correct, any 'advisories' are simply advice which the keeper can act upon if he decides that will be needed before the next test.

The advisory that a standard undertray is fitted is of no benefit to anyone - no-one is expected to remove the undertray before the next MoT

No. it's just explaining that the tester wasn't able (permitted) to remove it to check things.