Repairs after an MOT failure or advisory
If your car has failed its MOT or has an advisory, here’s what to send us and what to check before arranging repairs at home or work.
Repair work after the test
We carry out repairs following MOT failures and advisories in Brighton, Hove and nearby areas. Send your vehicle registration, postcode and MOT report so we can discuss the work and a quote.
MOT tests and retests take place at an approved test centre. We can help arrange your MOT and recommend centres we use. We’ll discuss any repairs and confirm where the work will be done before booking.
Send the full report wording
Send the exact defect or advisory wording, or a clear photo of that section of the report. This can tell us which part is affected, where it is on the car and how the problem has been recorded. A short description such as “failed MOT” or “brakes” can leave out important details.
Include your vehicle registration and postcode in the same message. If there are several items, send the full list you want us to look at. For brake work, include whether the report refers to front or rear brakes, pads, discs or another part. You can check your MOT history on GOV.UK if you need the test details.
On the Ford C-Max suspension and brake job, the customer sent us the MOT failure list. One brake pad had worn down to its backing plate, the struts were leaking and the springs were corroded. We quoted for and completed the repairs, and the car passed a subsequent MOT. Sending the full list helps us quote for the work needed.
What about an advisory?
An advisory can appear on an MOT that has passed. GOV.UK explains that minor and advisory items may need monitoring or attention in the future.
You don’t have to wait until the next MOT to ask about an advisory. Send us the wording and let us know if anyone has checked the problem since, so we can discuss what is needed. Read GOV.UK’s explanation of MOT results for the differences between a pass, a failure and the items recorded on a report.
Confirm the repair location
Tell us where the vehicle is parked and what access is available. If it is still at the test centre, check with the centre before arranging repairs there. At home or work, include parking restrictions, gates or other access details.
Do not assume a failed vehicle can be driven to a more convenient location. Check the official guidance on driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT. Dangerous defects must be repaired before driving; an existing MOT certificate does not make an unsafe vehicle roadworthy. Get professional advice if you are unsure about moving it.
Agree the repair and arrange any retest
Check which items on your report the quote covers and the total price. If the work will be charged by the hour, ask for the rate and an estimate. Let us know if you already have a retest booked so we can discuss a repair date. Any retest will also need a confirmed booking with the test centre.
Book any MOT test or retest with an approved MOT test centre. Having the repairs done does not replace the MOT test or retest.
Find out about our MOT failure and advisory repairs. The brake quote checklist and mobile visit preparation guide cover the other details to have ready.
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