MOT advisory “Non-component advisories Mudguard insecure” — meaning and what to do

This advisory means the tester found non-component advisories that is mudguard insecure — not bad enough to fail, but expected to need attention before your next MOT. It was recorded 3,300 times on UK certificates in 2025, making it one of the most common advisories in the country.
3,300Times recorded in 2025
Non-component advisoriesVehicle system
AdvisoryDoes not fail the test

What the tester saw

MOT testers work from the DVSA inspection manual. For this item the manual wording is “Mudguard insecure”. In plain English: there is wear or deterioration on the non-component advisories that is currently within legal limits. The tester is flagging it so you can plan the repair before it becomes a fail — or a roadside problem.

Do you need to fix it?

Not to stay legal today — an advisory does not affect the pass. But advisories are the tester telling you what will likely fail next time. Two sensible rules:

  • Safety-critical systems first. Non-component advisories advisories are usually less urgent, but get a quote now so the cost doesn’t surprise you later.
  • Buying a used car? Repeated advisories for the same item across several years of MOT history mean the owner has been ignoring it. Check the car’s full record with our free MOT history check.

Typical repair cost

Costs vary with the exact component — get the item quoted when it's advised rather than waiting for it to become a fail, when choices narrow.

DIY check before the garage visit

Rule out related electronic faults yourself — a scan takes two minutes and saves a diagnostic fee.

Related non-component advisories advisories

Non-component advisories Child Seat fitted...913,180 recorded in 2025 Non-component advisories Nail in tyre805,670 recorded in 2025 Non-component advisories Play in steering...768,564 recorded in 2025 Non-component advisories Items removed...262,359 recorded in 2025 Non-component advisories Coolant leak124,409 recorded in 2025 Non-component advisories Fuel Pipe/s corroded92,701 recorded in 2025

FAQs

Will “Mudguard insecure” fail my next MOT?

Not automatically — it fails only when the wear crosses the legal threshold in the inspection manual. But this advisory is the most common precursor: if left unattended, expect it to become a Minor or Major defect at a future test.

Can I ask the garage to remove an advisory?

No. Advisories are part of the official test record held by DVSA and appear in the vehicle’s public MOT history. Fixing the item means it simply won’t be advised next time.

Does an advisory affect the car’s value?

Slightly, yes — buyers who check MOT history (which is free) will price in the pending repair. Fixing cheap advisories before selling usually pays for itself.

Frequency: DVSA anonymised MOT data, 2025 (Class 4). Wording follows the DVSA inspection manual. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.