Tyres are to Blame for Millions of Drivers Failing Their MOT!
27th September 2016Can tyres fail MOTs? Every year a large proportion of motorists fail their MOT test first time due to their tyres! The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stated that in 2014/15, 7.4% of MOT test fails were due to tyres and TyreSafe claim that in 2013, a shocking 2.2 million vehicles were failed due to unsafe or illegal tyres. More recently, these statistics have increased to a whopping 10% of vehicles failing their MOT test on their tyres. So, are your tyres legal?
Take a look at the most common tyre faults and MOT tyre requirements which, if not abided by, could cause you to fail your MOT test:
Wrong Size Tyres
Using tyres that are the wrong size for your vehicle can result in an MOT fail. When fitting new tyres you must check your vehicle handbook to find the correct tyre size and use this to purchase new tyres. The vehicle handbook may specify a different size for the front and rear tyres, however, it is essential that tyres fitted on the same axle are the same size.
To check if the tyres fitted to your vehicle are the correct size, you can find the recommended tyre size in your vehicle handbook and check that this matches the size of your tyres. Your tyre size will be printed on the sidewall of your tyres.
Fitting Tyres of Different Construction
It is also a legal MOT tyre requirement to only fit tyres that are the same construction to the same axle. For example, cross-ply and radial tyres must not be fitted to the same axle. If you are unsure of the construction of your tyres, contact a tyre specialist for guidance.
Tyre Tread Depth
Another MOT tyre rule states that driving on tyres with a tread depth lower than 1.6mm is illegal and can result in a fine of £2,500 per illegal tyre and points on your licence if you are caught driving on them. Unsurprisingly, tyres with tread lower than this limit will also fail the MOT test.
You should check your tyre tread every three weeks to ensure that they are above the legal limit and replace them when necessary. Here at The Tyre Group, we would recommend that you replace your tyres at 3mm as from this point your gripping capabilities and resistance against aquaplaning is seriously affected.
Damaged Tyres
Tyres that have signs of damage including lumps, bulges, splits and cracks can be dangerous and could cause you to fail your MOT test.
If you suffer tyre damage, at any time not only before your MOT test, you must have your tyres checked over by a specialist who will be able to determine the extent of the damage.
In Doubt? Visit The Tyre Group!
If you are unsure whether your tyres meet the MOT tyre rules and standards needed to keep you safe on the road and pass the MOT test, visit your local Tyre Group branch. Here, you?ll be able to have them inspected by a tyre specialist for free!
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