New research from the RAC has revealed that one in six motorists who failed to address MOT advisory notices in the past year subsequently experienced a vehicle breakdown or were involved in a collision.
The study, which surveyed 1,460 drivers, estimates this affects approximately six million people across the UK.
The findings highlight a concerning trend of drivers dismissing early warning signs about their vehicles' condition.
Advisory notices serve as crucial indicators of potential safety issues that could lead to future MOT failures or render vehicles unfit for the road.
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Millions of motorists could find themselves breaking the law for not looking after their cars
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The research found that 44 per cent of drivers received one or more advisory notices at their most recent MOT.
Despite these warnings, 39 per cent of those motorists do not intend to resolve all the flagged problems.
This practice carries serious legal consequences, including fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points if caught.
Additionally, knowingly driving a vehicle with unresolved safety issues can invalidate motor insurance coverage.
Drivers could be slapped with a £2,500 fine
PAEven among drivers who received no advisories at their latest MOT, 22 per cent admitted to previously ignoring such notices.
The most frequently reported MOT advisories included tyre wear (42 per cent), brake pads or discs (34 per cent), suspension issues (22 per cent), lights (16 per cent) and corrosion (14 per cent).
While some problems, such as tyre wear and faulty lights, are relatively simple to monitor, many other issues require professional assessment.
RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender warned: "Unfortunately, our research suggests there's a lot of troubling 'advisory apathy' among drivers."
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He emphasised that advisories signal "the potential for the vehicle to become unroadworthy in a matter of months or even weeks, depending on the nature of the issue and how often the vehicle is driven."
Government data reveals that vehicle defects contributed to 1,350 collisions in 2023, the highest figure in five years. These incidents resulted in 36 fatalities, also the most since 2018.
Mullender advised: "We recommend drivers remove the guesswork altogether.
"Alongside frequent checks at home, it's vital to get vehicles serviced at regular intervals, depending on what the manufacturer recommends."
10 million vehicles received at least one advisory during their MOT tests last year
PAHe noted that traditional garages often have lengthy waiting times, making mobile mechanics a practical alternative.
These professionals can perform full services and repairs, including brake replacements, at customers' homes or workplaces.
"It's also good to remember that an MOT is the most basic of roadworthiness checks, and no replacement for a proper service by a qualified mechanic," Mullender concluded.
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