Tyre condition

The reason for failure with respect to tyre wear is:

 

"The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising: the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre".

Tyres must be correctly matched with regard to:

 

• type
• size
• structure 
  
  NB. type or structure but not both.

 

• tyres on the same axle must be of the same structure and size.

 

Also examined:

 

• general condition of tyre
• condition of valve.

   

Tyres fail if they have serious cuts, bulges or other damage.

 

The wear on the tyre is checked with a tyre tread depth gauge to ensure compliance.

 

The tyres are examined to ensure that there is no fouling with any part of the vehicle.

 

Notes:

1. Although under-inflation is not in itself a reason for failure, a brake test may be inadvisable because of possible damage, and it may affect headlamp alignment. The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.

2. From 2012, Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) will form part of the MOT Test. Vehicles on which TPMS was originally fitted will have to have it fully operable. When this test is implemented one faulty sensor will result in a fail.

 

Wheel condition

 

• damage
• distortion
• cracks
• distorted bead rim
• securely attached to the vehicle
• no wheel nuts or studs missing.

   

An externally fitted spare wheel or spare wheel carrier must not be so insecure that it is likely to fall off.