So what are the reasons for MOT tyre fails, and how can you avoid this happening to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Faulty](\"https:\/\/www.asdatyres.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/generic_MOT_tyre_fails_montage_article.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWorn tyre treads lead to MOT failure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOf the 11% of MOT failures caused by faulty tyres, the number one issue is illegal, worn-down tyre treads. Invented by Continental<\/strong> Tyres<\/strong><\/a> in 1904, your treads are the grooves in the rubber that are essential for removing water from the \u201ccontact patch\u201d between the tyre and the road. Without this, there would be no traction to grip the road. Grip allows you to brake, steer and accelerate safely and reliably. It\u2019s no wonder tyres are such an important part of the MOT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nIf your tyre treads are too worn they become dangerous. It\u2019s for this reason that there\u2019s a legal minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm in the UK. Anything less is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Warn](\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to best avoid tyre tread wear fails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRegular inspection is vital. Look out for shallow treads. A tell-tale sign is a shiny tyre surface. If you see this on your tyres it\u2019s time to think about a new set. You can confirm whether your treads are legal by placing a 20p coin inside the treads, along different points across the tyre\u2019s width. If at any point you can see any of the coin\u2019s outer rim, it\u2019s not just time to think about a new set of tyres, it\u2019s time to act. Your tyres are not only illegal, they\u2019re very dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nProlonging the life of your tyres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nMaintain the right tyre pressures
If your vehicle\u2019s tyres are inflated at the correct level they will wear down evenly, and they\u2019ll be not only safer but more fuel efficient too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nDon\u2019t waste money on part-worn tyres
UK Council Trading Standards teams up and down the country report that part-worn tyres are being sold with questionable repairs and inaccurate labelling. Because they\u2019re second hand, the best of the tyre\u2019s tread has already worn down, so they\u2019re not only unsafe but a false economy too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nAll tyres eventually wear down
Even if they\u2019re correctly inflated, all tyres will wear down gradually over time. It\u2019s all about managing this process, ensuring your tyres are as safe as they can be. With their superior compounds, premium tyres \u2013 like those from leading tyre manufacturer, Continental \u2013 will wear down slower than cheaper tyres with inferior compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nTyre wall bulges and cuts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGood, safe sidewalls are essential for driver safety. They\u2019re the part of your tyre that absorbs pressure, and are vital to ensure your car remains stable. Again, as with tyre treads, regular inspection is to be encouraged. If you notice a bulge in the sidewall, or nicks, tears or bubbles, it\u2019s usually a sign of serious tyre damage<\/a><\/strong>. For your driver safety \u2013 as well as that of other motorists \u2013 it\u2019s very important that you to get any damage checked by an expert right away. And if an inspector spots sidewall damage during your MOT, it\u2019ll be an immediate fail, without exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAvoid sidewall damage \u2013 five top tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAvoid scuffing your tyres against kerbs
A very typical example that leads to sidewall damage. A rough bang against a kerb or pavement is best avoided. If you\u2019re in the habit of regularly scuffing your tyres when, for instance, parking, the integrity of the tyre sidewall will eventually be compromised, leading to long-term problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPotholes – avoid them at all costs
Heavy thumps, bangs and scrapes due to encountering potholes can seriously damage your tyres. Potholes seem to be everywhere these days, so be extra vigilent and avoid them if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nMaintain the right tyre pressures
The tyre sidewall is exposed to even more significant pressures when they\u2019re insufficiently filled with air. The same is true if you have too much air in your tyres. Why? Because they have to compensate for under and over-inflated tyres to keep your vehicle stable. Ultimately, incorrectly inflated tyres can cause premature wear to your tyre\u2019s sidewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nA clean tyre is better than a dirty tyre
If you\u2019ve had the misfortune to either spill petrol on your tyres, or to have driven through some really dirty, oily water, it\u2019s essential that you clean off whatever\u2019s left on the tyres with water and washing up liquid as soon as possible. Again, regular tyre inspection will help you to spot any exposure to solvents and oils. If left unattended, these chemicals will ultimately soften your tyre compounds, and will most likely compromise the strength of the tyre sidewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nKeep a sharp lookout for sharp objects
You won\u2019t be surprised to learn (if you didn\u2019t realise already) that MOT inspectors are on the lookout for tyre damage caused by debris, particularly sharp objects. The reason is obvious: if cuts, tears and nicks are left to linger within the tyre sidewall (or any other part of the tyre for that matter) they will in all likelihood result in lasting damage, such as punctures and sidewall failures. Once again, this can be best avoided through regular tyre inspections, because the sooner you can spot and prise debris out of your tyre, the less chance of it causing any lasting damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFaulty Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nYour TPMS uses sensors embeded in the tyres to measure their pressure. TPMS is a relatively automotive technology, designed to make identifying tyre pressure<\/a><\/strong> issues easier for motorists. But, like all technology, TPMS needs to be correctly maintained, and if neglected can fail. Obvious, right? Yes, but unfortunately what many drivers aren\u2019t aware of is that these systems are also inspected as part of the MOT and \u2013 if found faulty \u2013 will result in test failure. To avoid an MOT fail, make sure you get your TPMS checked when you get your vehicle serviced, and whenever you change your tyres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of the 11% of MOT failures caused by faulty tyres, the number one issue is illegal, worn-down tyre treads. Invented by Continental<\/strong> Tyres<\/strong><\/a> in 1904, your treads are the grooves in the rubber that are essential for removing water from the \u201ccontact patch\u201d between the tyre and the road. Without this, there would be no traction to grip the road. Grip allows you to brake, steer and accelerate safely and reliably. It\u2019s no wonder tyres are such an important part of the MOT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your tyre treads are too worn they become dangerous. It\u2019s for this reason that there\u2019s a legal minimum tyre tread depth of 1.6mm in the UK. Anything less is illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular inspection is vital. Look out for shallow treads. A tell-tale sign is a shiny tyre surface. If you see this on your tyres it\u2019s time to think about a new set. You can confirm whether your treads are legal by placing a 20p coin inside the treads, along different points across the tyre\u2019s width. If at any point you can see any of the coin\u2019s outer rim, it\u2019s not just time to think about a new set of tyres, it\u2019s time to act. Your tyres are not only illegal, they\u2019re very dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintain the right tyre pressures Don\u2019t waste money on part-worn tyres All tyres eventually wear down Good, safe sidewalls are essential for driver safety. They\u2019re the part of your tyre that absorbs pressure, and are vital to ensure your car remains stable. Again, as with tyre treads, regular inspection is to be encouraged. If you notice a bulge in the sidewall, or nicks, tears or bubbles, it\u2019s usually a sign of serious tyre damage<\/a><\/strong>. For your driver safety \u2013 as well as that of other motorists \u2013 it\u2019s very important that you to get any damage checked by an expert right away. And if an inspector spots sidewall damage during your MOT, it\u2019ll be an immediate fail, without exception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid scuffing your tyres against kerbs Potholes – avoid them at all costs Maintain the right tyre pressures A clean tyre is better than a dirty tyre Keep a sharp lookout for sharp objects Your TPMS uses sensors embeded in the tyres to measure their pressure. TPMS is a relatively automotive technology, designed to make identifying tyre pressure<\/a><\/strong> issues easier for motorists. But, like all technology, TPMS needs to be correctly maintained, and if neglected can fail. Obvious, right? Yes, but unfortunately what many drivers aren\u2019t aware of is that these systems are also inspected as part of the MOT and \u2013 if found faulty \u2013 will result in test failure. To avoid an MOT fail, make sure you get your TPMS checked when you get your vehicle serviced, and whenever you change your tyres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to best avoid tyre tread wear fails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prolonging the life of your tyres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your vehicle\u2019s tyres are inflated at the correct level they will wear down evenly, and they\u2019ll be not only safer but more fuel efficient too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Council Trading Standards teams up and down the country report that part-worn tyres are being sold with questionable repairs and inaccurate labelling. Because they\u2019re second hand, the best of the tyre\u2019s tread has already worn down, so they\u2019re not only unsafe but a false economy too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if they\u2019re correctly inflated, all tyres will wear down gradually over time. It\u2019s all about managing this process, ensuring your tyres are as safe as they can be. With their superior compounds, premium tyres \u2013 like those from leading tyre manufacturer, Continental \u2013 will wear down slower than cheaper tyres with inferior compounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTyre wall bulges and cuts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAvoid sidewall damage \u2013 five top tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A very typical example that leads to sidewall damage. A rough bang against a kerb or pavement is best avoided. If you\u2019re in the habit of regularly scuffing your tyres when, for instance, parking, the integrity of the tyre sidewall will eventually be compromised, leading to long-term problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heavy thumps, bangs and scrapes due to encountering potholes can seriously damage your tyres. Potholes seem to be everywhere these days, so be extra vigilent and avoid them if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tyre sidewall is exposed to even more significant pressures when they\u2019re insufficiently filled with air. The same is true if you have too much air in your tyres. Why? Because they have to compensate for under and over-inflated tyres to keep your vehicle stable. Ultimately, incorrectly inflated tyres can cause premature wear to your tyre\u2019s sidewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve had the misfortune to either spill petrol on your tyres, or to have driven through some really dirty, oily water, it\u2019s essential that you clean off whatever\u2019s left on the tyres with water and washing up liquid as soon as possible. Again, regular tyre inspection will help you to spot any exposure to solvents and oils. If left unattended, these chemicals will ultimately soften your tyre compounds, and will most likely compromise the strength of the tyre sidewall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won\u2019t be surprised to learn (if you didn\u2019t realise already) that MOT inspectors are on the lookout for tyre damage caused by debris, particularly sharp objects. The reason is obvious: if cuts, tears and nicks are left to linger within the tyre sidewall (or any other part of the tyre for that matter) they will in all likelihood result in lasting damage, such as punctures and sidewall failures. Once again, this can be best avoided through regular tyre inspections, because the sooner you can spot and prise debris out of your tyre, the less chance of it causing any lasting damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFaulty Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n