12th March 2018
Did you know that nearly 10% of MOT test fails are related to tyres?* Avoid failing your next MOT test by checking that your tyres are legal, safe and roadworthy with our helpful guide!
Having the wrong tyres fitted to your vehicle is not only an MOT fail – it could also be highly dangerous!
Make sure that your tyres are the correct size for your vehicle by comparing the size printed on the tyre sidewall to the tyre size recommended in your vehicle handbook. If your tyres do not match the specified size, contact your local Merityre Specialists branch as soon as possible as driving on the wrong sized tyres can lead to dangers on the road.
If you have recently suffered a puncture and replaced your tyre with a space saver tyre, you should make an appointment to have this changed. Space saver tyres are designed to only travel for a short distance, to get you safely home or to a tyre specialist following damage, and must be replaced afterwards. Having a space saver tyre fitted is an MOT test fail.
One of the most common MOT tyre faults found is insufficient tread depth. Tyre tread wears naturally over time and it is important that you frequently check that yours is not below the legal limit of 1.6mm. If you are found to be driving on tyres that do not meet this legal requirement, you could face a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre.
Merityre Specialists would recommend replacing your tyres when tread drops below 3mm as at this point gripping and braking capabilities are reduced.
You can check your tyre tread depth easily at home using a 20p coin. Simply place the coin into a groove in your tyre and check if the outer band of the coin is visible above the tread. If it is, you will need to replace your tyres as soon as possible. This test should be repeated in at least three different places on each tyre.
Damaged tyres can also cause you to fail your MOT test so you should make a thorough inspection to ensure that they are in good condition. Look out for signs of damage which may include lumps, cuts, tears, punctures or cracks. If you do spot any of these signs you must contact a tyre specialist as soon as possible, even if the damage looks small it can indicate that the internal structure of the tyre is compromised which could pose significant dangers when driving.
Merityre Specialists would recommend undertaking checks for tyre damage every three weeks, not just ahead of your MOT test, to ensure that your tyres will keep you safe on the road. For more guidance on tyre damage and what to look for, take a look at our guide.
If you have any concerns that your tyres may fail your MOT test, visit your local Merityre Specialists where we can carry out a free tyre check to ensure that your tyres are safe and legal.
*https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reasons-why-your-car-fails-an-mot