Strange Corrosion advisory on MOT

[JamesV6CDX]

I put one of my Omegas in for MOT a couple of weeks ago (The 52 3.2 Ex plod). I was pleased when all it failed on was headlamp aim, which I quickly cured by fitting the complete unit from my old breaker, and going back for the retest.

There is however, one advisory: "general underbody corrosion". I asked the tester exactly where, so I could address it, and his reply was along the lines of "nowhere specific, it's just a bit rusty under there, but structurally sound".

I am not familiar with the MOT handbook so not complaining as such, just curious. I would have though if they are advising on something like that, they have to be able to say exactly where it is?

I haven't been brave enough to remove the sill covers yet 

[neil74]

At least it didn't fail on big holes in the chassis rails and sills which mine certainly will when its MOT is up on the 12th december. so hopefully its a case of a good grinding and repaint and your car should be good for years to come..

[johnnydog]

I sometimes wonder if MOT testers sometimes record advisories on older cars just to appease VOSA, when in fact there wasn't anything specifically amiss, but just so that it appears they have done a thorough test (even though they actually have).
I take a couple of classic Triumphs for their annual MOT and they always record an advisory as 'underside covered front to rear with underseal'.
They both have the original dealer applied underseal, which isn't particularly thick, and any 'dodgy' welding would be quite obvious. In truth, neither have ever been welded. Whether they think that regularly passing cars of this vintage with no advisories would raise an eyebrow within VOSA circles, I'm not sure.
I have previously had advisories commenting about panels that are covered, such as cills on the Omega, or full length underbody shields, such as on certain Audi's.
I think a lot of it is just 'arse covering' with older cars. Unless the corrosion is quite obvious, then I wouldn't worry about their comments unduly. I wouldn't think there are many Omegas out there without surface rust on the front and rear subframe areas, which some MOT testers may warrant an advisory.

[Keith ABS]

 Mate of mine owns his own garage and has an MOT centre. He told me that to keep the VOSA eyes away, it is always best to put an advisory or two on older vehicles as VOSA then views it as that centre does good MOT inspections. He don't let anything go that should fail, obviously, but silly things like oil leak from front of engine etc, exhaust showing signs of age.. you get the picture

Keith ABS

[Diamond Black Geezer]

Aye, and how many of us have been given an advisory for something one year, which then passes fine the following?  Just rear end covering, im sure, nowt t worry about 

[andyc]

get under there with a few cans of wax oil and give the under side a good coating

[tunnie]

Is worth checking areas....

[henryd]

Whoops,is that your 3.2

[tunnie]

Whoops,is that your 3.2

Yup. Needs new sills. 

[henryd]

Whoops,is that your 3.2

Yup. Needs new sills. 

Bugger,is it just what's in the picture or more widespread ?,I wouldn't fit a whole sill for that bit of corrosion

[tunnie]

Needs proper inspection really, in discussions with Serek 

[raywilb]

I too had a similar advisory back in june . it worried me at the time a little. I also noticed the examiner giving the rear end ( inside the wheel arches )he also kept twanging the exhaust tail pipe. in the end it wanted two brake pipes. fast forward a couple of months I decided to renew all brake pads & discs & a mate of mine whom happens to be a mot tester ( he was changing premises at the time of my mot ) invited me to make use of his car lift so I was working at a nice height. when we had it in the air I mentioned the advisory. anyway is verdict was its ok.

[Doctor Gollum]

Now I know which car, I am surprised that nothing was said about the hole in the boot stowage...

[JamesV6CDX]

Now I know which car, I am surprised that nothing was said about the hole in the boot stowage...

Not something I even noticed.... other than basics like lights / wipers / tyres, I just presented for test and hoped for the best!

Sorry I didn't get the chance to call you today - hopefully we can catch up tomorrow

[Doctor Gollum]

No problem