Tyres play a major role in whether your car passes or fails its MOT. In this quick guide, we break down the essential MOT tyre requirements — from legal tread depth and tyre pressure to spotting damage before your test. Stay road-safe and MOT-ready with expert advice from Tyres.co.uk.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance and safety on the roads, very few components are as important as the tyres.
Despite being external from the vehicle itself and maintained entirely separately from the main body of the car, they contribute towards countless issues on the road and represent an integral part of any MOT test and service.
So, what state do tyres need to be in to be deemed safe as part of an MOT in the UK?
Here’s our quick guide to everything you need to check ahead of an MOT, regarding the tyres on your vehicle.
When Do You Need an MOT?
All vehicles that are over three years of age must be subjected to an annual MOT.
The aim of an MOT is to test the safety features and functions of the vehicle, ensuring that it is in good working order on the road. Some of the main checks undertaken during an MOT include brakes, lights, and of course tyres.
Tyre Requirements to Pass an MOT
With tyres forming one of the most important checks during an annual MOT, it’s important to understand what is being checked and therefore what you need to be aware of as a vehicle owner, in the run up to the MOT.
- Tyre tread depth
- Fit for purpose
- Free from damage
- Filled to the correct pressure
Tyre tread depth refers to the depth of the rubber pattern. This is responsible for providing grip and traction on the road surface, making it an integral part of driver control and safety. In order to pass an MOT, the tyre tread depth must be over the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm. Typically, vehicle owners will be advised to source replacement tyres once the tread reaches 3mm.
Tyres also need to be fit for purpose – that is, fitted correctly, and with the right conditions in mind. For example, having summer tyres fitted during the winter months and in especially adverse climates can result in a failure, as tyres are more likely to suffer damage on the road.
Tyres need to be free from damage, including cracks and punctures in the rubber tread or the sidewall. And finally, tyres must be filled to the correct pressure to support the load that they are carrying – not overfilled to avoid excess pressure, but not underfilled to impact control.
