MOT Advisory-How long should I leave it

Lum

The thread went to hell back when ad hominem attacks like "child killer" started getting thrown about.

However I agree that there is no value in continuing.

Joe_Horner

Ratboy wrote: »

Whatever! If a person decices to post comedy characters, regarding a serious issue, the the thread has gone to hell.

If people want to drive round with brakes in their cars that have been told need replaced imminently, then don't; so be it!

That PROVES the attitude of Britain today; and why Society is broken.

Grow a life; and think about where your comments come from, and why you are making them?

You're right about the thread, which is what usually happens when people who don't know what they're talking about try to impose their half-baked (mis)understanding on people who do.

Here is a very clear example for you about why an MOT advisory does NOT mean anything needs "imminent" relacing:

I drive a Daf. I do all the maintenance and repairs on it myself. I have the original "factory" workshop manuals and I absolutely know what I'm doing for everything from filling the screen wash to completely stripping and rebuilding the entire car - in fact, I did just that in order to recommission it after a 35 year lay-up. I also used to maintain aircraft and sign them as fit to fly, so my awareness of the need for engineering safety really isn't lacking.

On its last MOT I got an advisory for play in the n/s lower suspension balljoint. This is a SAFETY CRITICAL PART!! OH NOES!!!!

I got the car back into my workswhop, jacked it up and got out a DTI to measure the play - you do know what a DTI is seeing as you understand all engineering stuff, don't you?

The total vertical play was 0.72mm with zero side-play. So, the tester (who I trust and who has no interest in trying to chase down obscure Daf parts) was absolutely correct that there was play. So he was right to advise.

However, the factory manual happens to specify that vertical play of up to 2.5mm (over 3x what was there) is acceptable in that joint provided there's no side shake. So yes, it was a correct advisory - on a safety critical component - but it was not by any stretch of the imagination "imminently due" replacement.

MOT testers don't have access to manufacturer's wear limits during the test, except in rare cases where they're included on the computer system for an unusual set-up, so they tend to advise well on the side of caution even assuming they're not actively trying to scare suggestible people into "buying safety".

As I said, if you wish to continue subsidising your garage by accepting pointless work without question then go ahead - it's your cash after all. But stop with the accusations of irresponsibility against people who have FAR more engineering knowledge, qualification and experience than you.

Ratboy

Unless you are pedantic; and quote mechanical experience from a poster that you know nothing about.

A fine cause of flaming if ever I saw one!

Richard53

Good post, Joe, and a nice clear example of what advisories are about.

It's worth saying that you don't need to be an engineer to find advisories useful. At my last MoT, I was warned 'rear tyres close to wear limits'. I knew that already, but if I had been ignoring them (as many motorists seem to do), than it would have been a very helpful wake-up call. Although the tyres were fully legal and not in any way dangerous.

WLC

Why are some people wasting their time commenting, really? If you are going to bother replying, then please be informed about what you are replying to.

There is no debate here about whether or not to change DANGEROUS discs!!! And as stated a DOZEN times, my intention was to gain a second opinion from someone I trust, and then act on that TRUSTED recommendation. If gaining a second opinion makes me dangerous, or worse, a 'child killer' as a certain individual chose to refer to me, what a load of ....

Some of you may be interested to know, I got that 2nd opinion today. And just for those who doubt, I obtained the manufacturers recommended wear and then my trusted guy measured the discs. VERDICT: Absolutely nowhere near needing replacement!!! My guy had absoultely NO DOUBT that I was a victim of the 'scare tactic'.

So a massive thank you to those of you who recommended a 2nd opinion. I will personally celebrate in the knowledge that I can have a SAFE car without falling for the 'scare tactic'. To the rest of you, enjoy burning your money

Stooby2

Very well put - if you aren't confident with cars/mechanical things it's worth getting an advisory checked by a reputable mechanic, but it's not something to panic over - if it were, you'd be leaving with a fail certificate.

Quite often the MOT tester can just be doing you a favour, i.e. "that's not as good as it could be, keep an eye on it", but I would be wary of the one who then offers to fix it for you. A second opinion is always worthwhile.

Lum

Is there an MOT advisory code for foreign material getting into your brake disc?

alastairq

MY view?

I think [from a professional viewpoint] that the doomsayers are more in danger of being killed by their own inadequate driving standards, than they are by someone driving a car that has had an 'advisory'?

What is often forgotten is that, with a MoT test, the examiner is getting right under the vehicle, having a look.

Something yer average car owner doesn't do?


The 'advisory' is really about making he owner aware of a potential issue.

Something that may need addressing before the next MoT....?

Or...dealing with when the finances are in a better shape?


Or..... would the naysayers [aka drama queens?].....rather the examiner said absolutely nothing about items that might need attention in the future?

So.....if an examiner advises that one's tyres are a bit worn, ie, not illegal; [so as not to fail an MoT] but will be in the not-too-distant future......does one need to immediately get them changed out?

Or, wait until a more suitable financial moment in life?


Really, licence holders ought not to treat their licences like oyster cards....

Ratboy

As the OP has posted a second opinion, I would like to see the actual readings taken off the brake discs, and compare them to the Manufactures specs.

I don't have the exact car specification, as I don't believe it's been posted; but when the OP does, this discussion can be confirmed, or excluded as the garage were working roughshod.

Please post your exact model of car, how old it is, and when the brakes were last changed, and I will tell you the Manufacturer specs for if the brakes are good to go, or about to fail.

Stooby2

Why? He/she is not answerable to you - you have no right to demand anything from them - especially not to satisfy your own ego.

You've been told time and again that an advisory is just that. It does not mean the vehicle is dangerous when it leaves the MOT centre and it will not cause Armageddon if driven on the road in that condition.

Give it up. You're really not helping the cause of the MSE forums.