Worn or damaged tyres are among the most common MOT failure points — but they’re also one of the easiest things to check yourself.
What to do:
- Inspect all four tyres (and the spare if you have one) for cuts, bulges, or objects stuck in the tread.
- Check tyre pressure against the recommended levels in your car’s manual or on the driver’s door frame.
- Measure tread depth — the legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
- An easy test: place a 20p coin into the tread. If you can see the coin’s outer rim, it’s time for new tyres.
- Make sure all tyres are the same size and type across each axle.
Tip: Uneven wear might mean your tracking or suspension needs adjustment. Sorting that before the MOT can save both money and hassle.