Minimum Tyre Tread for MOT: Simple Guide

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 by Chesca D
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Chesca D is a Content & Editorial Coordinator at Tyres.co.uk and is responsible for researching, coordinating, and producing accurate, up-to-date tyre guidance for our Knowledge Hub..
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Worried about failing your MOT because of worn tyres? This quick guide explains the legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK, how to check your tyres at home using simple methods, and when to replace them before your MOT. Stay road-legal and confident with expert advice from us.

Have you got an MOT coming up?

Chances are you’re doing all you can to get ahead of any small issues with your vehicle, to avoid that stomach churning (and bank balance threatening) MOT fail.

Perhaps one of the most important parts of your vehicle to check in advance of an upcoming MOT is your tyres – and we don’t just mean tyre pressure and how plump they are.

Tyre tread depth, when under the legal limit, can amount to an immediate MOT fail. What’s more, if you are driving on tyres with a tread depth below the legal minimum, also classed as bald tyres, you could be handed a financial penalty and points on your licence. And let’s not forget that bald tyres equal dangerous tyres – with a distinct lack of grip and friction creating difficulty when it comes to controlling your vehicle on the road.

Lucky for you, we’ve created this quick guide to tyre tread, so you know exactly what tread depth you need to be checking for in advance of an upcoming MOT.

What Tread Depth Do You Need to Pass an MOT?

You need to have a tyre tread depth of at least 1.6mm to pass an MOT.

However, because this is also classed as the legal minimum limit and anything below this is illegal and can result in fines and points on your licence, vehicle owners should be aiming for a tread depth that’s higher than 1.6mm. 2mm or more is ideal before taking your vehicle for an MOT.

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How to Check Your Tyre Tread Depth

To avoid taking a vehicle with potentially bald tyres to an MOT, only to be handed a ‘fail’ and a hefty bill to replace your tyres on site, our advice is to check your tread depth in advance and replace any tyres before taking your vehicle to the garage. 

Here are the best ways to check your own tyre tread depth…

  • Insert a 20p coin into the grooves around the outer surface of the tyre. If you can see the border of the coin, then your tyres are classed as bald. If the border is hidden within the groove, then your tyres fall within the legal range
  • Use a professional tyre tread gauge. This is what your local garage will do during your MOT and will give you the most accurate tread depth reading
  • Look for tyre tread wear indicators. When the surface of the rubber sits flush with these indicators, it’s time to replace your – now overly worn – tyres

All of these techniques are ideal and easy at-home ways to check your tyre tread, leaving no excuses as to why you can’t check your tread ahead of an MOT.

And if you do find that your tread depth is bordering on the legal limit and you want to get your tyres replaced before your MOT, that’s where our team and leading selection of UK tyres comes in. Available at Tyres.co.uk we have one of the largest and most affordable selection of tyres in the UK, offering advice on selecting the right tyres for your vehicle and personal needs as well.

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