Many drivers assume a spare tyre is essential for an MOT, but the rules might surprise you. This guide explains exactly what MOT testers check, why a spare tyre isn’t required, and how to make sure your existing tyres don’t lead to a fail. Get clear, practical advice to help you prepare with confidence before your next MOT.
UK vehicle owners will be all too familiar with the concept of an MOT.
An MOT is an annual assessment of your vehicle, designed to determine whether it is safe to drive on the road and meets all environmental standards adhered to within the automotive world.
As such, the MOT in the UK looks mainly at the safety features and components which affect road safety on any vehicle. And with tyres playing such an integral told in road safety, it’s not hard to see why so many vehicle owners think that this means they must have a spare tyre as part of the package.
However, while a spare tyre is undeniably a convenient addition to your vehicle, it is not a requirement.
You do not have to have a spare tyre in your vehicle in order to pass your MOT, and not having a spare tyre will not cause you to fail the test.
What Does an MOT Test Look For?
An MOT will look at the structural integrity and strength of your vehicle’s tyres and will check that the tyre tread depth is higher than the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm.
It will also look for any damage or bulges to the tyre wall, will ensure warning lights are working with regards to underinflation and run-flat tyres, and will ensure that both the speed and load rating of tyres match the stats of your vehicle.
Beyond the tyres, an MOT will also check and test:
- Lights
- Brakes
- Seat belt
- Steering and Suspension
- Exhaust, Fuel, and Emissions
But it will not look for a spare tyre. This is because, not only will a spare tyre not fit in every vehicle, but not all vehicle owners will choose to carry one.
Do You Need a Spare Tyre?
Carrying a spare tyre in your vehicle is a matter of preference.
Those who choose to carry a spare tyre will find that it is convenient and makes it much quicker and easier to deal with a flat tyre, puncture, or blowout on the road. However, the existence of breakdown cover and tyre puncture repair kits means that swapping the damaged tyre for a spare is not the only option.
So, while recommended to many, a spare tyre is not a requirement under any form of MOT test or service check in the UK.
NOTE: While the existence of a spare tyre is not necessary to pass an MOT, it is crucial that you perform a maintenance check on your standard tyres prior to an MOT. Something like a lack of optimal pressure, or tread depth which is below the legal limit, can result in an immediate fail on the test. This will lead to more cost and will see your vehicle staying at the garage until you are able to rectify the issues.
