Can tyres fail MOTs?

Got your annual MOT test coming up and wondering what will fail an MOT? Or perhaps you're worried about your tyres failing your MOT in particular?

It's important to be clued up on the impact tyres can have on the pass rate for MOTs. Tyres are one of the most common causes of MOT failure. Your tyres can fail an MOT test based on various elements, such as tyre pressure and tread depth. You also may be unlucky enough to experience a slow puncture - meaning that the air pressure in your tyre is being gradually released over time, resulting in you needing to purchase a new tyre, or have the tyre repaired, if possible.

How to prevent tyres failing your MOT test

• Tyre pressure - tyre pressure is the volume measurement of air inside a tyre. Each tyre will be manufactured with a recommended tyre pressure level - this is likely to be found either on the inside of the driver's car door or in the vehicle handbook. Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct level before your MOT test.
• Tyre tread depth - the legal minimum tread depth across the UK and Europe is 1.6mm. The lower the measurement of the tread depth, the longer the stopping distance - which can lead to a dangerous drive. You can keep track of your tyre tread depth from tyre tread wear indicators, a tyre tread depth gauge or the simple 20p coin test. Take a coin and insert it into a tyre's tread groove - if you can't see the outer rim of the 20p coin, then your tyre is safe and above the legal minimum limit.
• Spare tyre - also, it's important to remember to check your spare tyre, too! As this will also be taken into account during your MOT test.

So, what else can fail an MOT test? And how can you prevent your vehicle from failing? According to figures from the DVSA in 2019, as many as 31% of all vehicles initially failed their MOT tests.

What will fail an MOT

As well as tyres, there are some other elements to watch out for which may fail your MOT test:

• Seatbelts - another common MOT failure is seatbelts. If your seatbelt is cut or frayed, or if the belt is unable to clip into the holder, this could result in a failure of your MOT.
• Brakes - if your brake pads are wearing too thin, or your brakes aren't working as effectively as you'd expect, you are likely to fail your MOT test. However, it's also common to be issued advisories based on the fact your brake pads are worn.
• Suspension - not always the easiest to spot, but suspension problems can lead to an MOT failure. Here at The Tyre Group, our experts will check your suspension thoroughly. However, before you book in for your test, pay attention to unusual clunk noises - as you may be able to identify problems with your suspension before your MOT test date.
• Visibility - this refers to an obstruction to the windscreen, which could be as simple as car air fresheners, or as dangerous as ineffective windscreen wipers. Sat navs can also be a reason for your vehicle to fail its MOT.
• Lighting - data from the DVSA shows that nearly a fifth of all vehicles fail their MOTs because of lighting issues.

Now you're clued up on how to prevent your tyres failing your MOT, book in for your MOT test. Locate your nearest Tyre Group centre now, or, alternatively, browse through our selection of tyres to buy online to ensure you're ready for the big day.