Tyres have the ancestry for being the primary, perhaps overlooked yet vital components, adjoined with MOT tests. Many would rather choose instead to notice the testable serviceability of brakes, lights, or emissions, without giving fair worth to the tyres, which, in conjunction with road surface, act as a major link to safety and legal requirements. Unfortunately, this sparse regard has caused many tyre-related failures on the MOT of vehicles in the UK.
The failure of maintaining your vehicle’s tyres could result in your MOT failure, thus jeopardizing not only your safety but also your legal right to drive. Proper tyre care will result in a smoother, safer ride and a bigger chance of passing the MOT on the first go. Every little check in the MOT test is conducted on tyres, where even the tiniest detail can send your wonderful rig into costly repairs and retesting.
This complete guide will delve deep into how tyres can contribute to the failure of your MOT and what you can do in your power to ensure that your car passes with flying colours.
What Is an MOT Test?
An MOT test is an annual inspection under UK legislation upon any vehicle older than three years. This inspection verifies that the vehicle’s roadworthiness, safety, and emissions are adequate. It is not a service for the car; rather, it is a legal necessity ensuring a car can meet minimum environmental and safety standards.
An MOT tests all elements of your vehicle, including the lights, brakes, suspension, exhaust system, and, of course, tyres. An MOT certifies that your vehicle complied with these basic legal obligations, but keep in mind that passing an MOT does not guarantee that your vehicle is in good order; it only means your vehicle met the minimum threshold of safety at the time of the test.
Why Tyres Are Important for an MOT Test?
Tyres are vital for the performance and safety of your automobile. They are the only link between your vehicle and the road surface. Defective conditions of tyres affect braking distances, handling, and vehicle control. That is why thorough checks on the state of your tyres are done during an MOT test.
Tyres not reaching the given acceptable standard will cause a failure to the MOT. As the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) stated, faulty tyres ranked among the top reasons for MOT failings in the UK. Statistics show tyre-related issues are statistically significant failures, especially with older vehicles.
Furthermore, if just one tyre is defective or mismatched, the vehicle could be deemed an MOT failure. As for complete road safety, all four tyre accounts must be in good condition.
Key Tyre Checks in an MOT Test
1. Tread depth
In the UK, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. If your tyres are below this limit, your MOT will automatically fail. Tread depth is a major concern in water displacement, preventing aquaplaning during wet conditions.
The best tip ever is to insert a 20p coin into the tread on your tyre. If, when you do this, the outer band of the coin becomes visible, your tyres are too worn and need replacement.
2. Condition of Tyres
The condition testing includes checking for any possible cuts, such as:
- Cracks on the sidewall
- Bulges or cuts
- Exposed cords or steel belts
- Embedded objects (this could include nails)
Even the smallest crack or bulge could be enough to fail the MOT test, particularly about the tyre’s structural integrity. The MOT inspectors consider tyres a major defect category and a serious issue.
3. Matching Tyre Type
The condition for your vehicle is that the type of tyres on the vehicle must be correct and matched across the same axle. If the front left tyre is radial, the front right must also be a radial tyre. Cross-ply and radial tyres cannot be mixed on the same axle and will fail the MOT test.
4. Tyre Pressure
Though not directly tested during the MOT, under-inflated tyres can be seen with wear patterns of irregularities under them, which can lead to failure. Besides, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) has been fitted on many modern vehicles that must operate during the test. If your TPMS light is they say, that is considered a defect, and you could fail the MOT because of that.
5. Tyre Weight and Speed List
Each tyre is rated for load and speed. Having inappropriate ratings according to that vehicle may fail you MOT. It is very important to have tyres that at least meet or exceed the specifications given by the manufacturer so that they can be installed correctly for their load and speed. However, tyres that are unsuitable for the load or speed your vehicle has made can compromise safety.
How Tyres Drive Safety and Performance
Braking Distance
Damaged or old tyres usually increase the braking distance in wet conditions to a very large extent. This is one of the most important safety hazards and a key consideration of MOT testers. A new car has old tyres and loses quite a few meters compared to a car fitted with good tread.
Veicle Handling
The grip your tyres give your steering, cornering, and handling is what they provide. Unequal or poor quality tyres often lead to an unsteady driving experience. If you feel your vehicle is unsteady while making a turn, or you feel some vibrational effect at certain speeds, your tyres might be to blame.
Fuel Efficiency
They limit fuel efficiency and make running costs high because they pollute the environment. Too soft a tyre increases resistance to rolling, making the engine work harder and increasing fuel consumption.
Suspension Wear
Run-out tyres usually indicate suspension problems, which will also be checked during the MOT. Other mechanical failures are likely to happen due to tyre problems being ignored. The tyres and the suspension might need to be checked professionally, especially if you experience constant vibrations, pull on one side, or unequal wear.
Tyre Maintenance Tips to Pass Your MOT
1. Regular Inspections
Get accustomed to checking your tyres every couple of weeks. Are there any signs of wear, cracks, or embedded objects? Early fault detection can save you an MOT failure or even an accident.
2. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
Using a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust tyre pressures by the manufacturer’s recommendations. Wrong pressure causes premature wear and poor performance of tyres.
3. Tyre Rotation
Rotating your tyres every 5,000 to 8,000 miles will help achieve even wear on the tread, enhancing the tyre’s life and performance. This determines the early alignment or suspension issues.
4. Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Worn-out tyres can be caused by misalignment of the wheels. Get alignment and balancing checks as part of routine servicing. This also helps in improving the overall handling and stability of your vehicle.
5. Quality Tyres
Invest in tyres suitable for your vehicle and conditions. Cheaply-made and low-quality tyres have up-front costs saved but can have even higher costs later due to increased wear, bad handling, and a potential MOT failure.
6. Spare Tyre Checks
This doesn’t usually count toward the MOT, but a spare tyre can be flagged if it shows signs of visible negativity or incorrect storage. Keep your spare in good condition with inflation.
What Next? If Your Tyres Lead to an MOT Fail
Should your vehicle fail the MOT because of tyre-related issues, they will prepare a “refusal of an MOT test certificate” specifying its reasons. You should:
Replace any Defective Tyres: It is important to replace them with tyres specified for size, load, and speed rating. The same brand and model should be used on the same axle.
Re-book Your MOT: Once all issues have been resolved, you need to arrange a re-test. Some test centres will offer a free or discounted re-test within 10 working days, provided you carry out the repairs as soon as possible.
Call In The Professionals: Ask a professional mechanic to check the installation and alignment to avoid repeated failures. Some garages may also offer pre-MOT inspections to point out any possible risks.
Keep the Paperwork: Get all receipts and inspection notes for the new tyres and repair work on any tyre. This could prove helpful in the re-test.
Conclusion
Your car tyres are important to your vehicle’s safety system and greatly influence your MOT pass-or-fail decision. With proper care and attention, failed MOTs due to tyre issues are easy to prevent.
So do not neglect your tyres if you prepare for your MOT or simply want peace of mind. Safe tyres make for a safe journey—for you and everyone else on the road. Taking charge of your tyre maintenance gives the best chance of passing your MOT, prolonging your car’s life, and improving your driving experience.
The next time you think, “how tyres affect your MOT results?” rest assured that they do, indeed, provide the difference between passing and losing money.
