Brake pipe corroded
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material”
- “Brake pipe slightly corroded”
- “Brake pipe excessively corroded”
What it is
Brake pipes are the rigid metal lines that carry brake fluid from the master cylinder to each wheel. They run underneath the car, exposed to road salt and water.
Why it matters
Corrosion weakens the pipe wall. A pipe that rusts through leaks brake fluid, and the brakes on that circuit can fail. Light surface corrosion is often advised; heavy corrosion is a fail.
What to check when viewing a car
If corroded brake pipes were advised, ask whether they have been replaced since. A garage can inspect the pipes on a ramp. Replacement is common on older cars, especially those used through salted winters.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: brakes
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake discs worn, pitted or scored
- Brake hose damaged or deteriorated
- Parking brake (handbrake) not working well enough
- Brakes pulling or uneven (imbalance)
- Brake fluid leak
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.