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MOT Failures Guide · Tyres

Tyre MOT Failures

Tyres are one of the top three MOT failure categories every year. Most tyre failures come from tread worn below 1.6mm or sidewall damage that is visible with the naked eye. Here's exactly what the tester checks and how to pass.

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Tyre MOT Failures

Quick Answer

The legal minimum tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference. Tread below this figure, any bulge or lump in the sidewall, or cuts exposing the cord are all automatic MOT failures. Check tread with a 20p coin — if you can see the outer ring, the tyre is at or near the limit.
The six failure items

What the MOT Tyre Inspection Checks

The MOT tyre check is thorough. The tester inspects all four tyres for the following conditions, listed in order of how frequently they cause failures:

Major failure

Tread depth below 1.6mm

The most common reason. Measured across the central 75% of the tread width and around the full circumference. One area of low tread is enough for a failure — it doesn't need to be the whole tyre.

Dangerous

Bulge or lump in sidewall

A bulge indicates internal structural damage — usually impact damage from a pothole or kerb strike. The sidewall cords have failed. The tyre can explode without warning. Automatic Dangerous failure.

Major/Dangerous

Cut or split exposing cord

Any cut that reaches the tyre cord (the structural layer under the rubber) is an immediate failure. Superficial cuts to the outer rubber only may be advisory or a minor item.

Major failure

Tyre fouling on bodywork

A tyre rubbing against wheel arch or suspension components will fail the MOT. Often caused by incorrect tyre size or lowered suspension.

Major failure

Incompatible tyre mix

Cross-ply and radial tyres must not be mixed on the same axle. Different tread patterns on the same axle are not automatically a failure unless they affect safety.

Major failure

Tyre not suitable for vehicle

Load index or speed rating must be appropriate for the vehicle. A light truck tyre on a sports car or vice versa may fail.

What it costs

UK Tyre Replacement Costs by Size

Tyre prices vary enormously by brand and size. The table below gives realistic independent garage or fast-fit estimates for fitted tyres, including balancing. Budget, mid-range, and premium tiers are all shown.

Tyre size (common use)Budget (fitted)Mid-range (fitted)Premium (fitted)
175/65 R14 (city cars, older Fiestas)£55–£75£75–£100£95–£130
195/65 R15 (Golf, Focus, Astra)£65–£90£85–£120£100–£150
205/55 R16 (common family car)£75–£100£95–£135£115–£170
225/45 R17 (BMW, Audi A4 size)£85–£120£110–£160£140–£220
235/45 R18 (SUVs, performance cars)£100–£140£130–£190£170–£280
255/35 R19 (performance, AMG, M cars)£120–£180£160–£240£220–£380

All prices include fitting and balancing. Disposal charge £2–£5 extra. Prices are UK estimates, 2026.

Pre-test check

How to Check Your Tyres Before the MOT

20p coin tread test — insert into main groove; if outer band visible, tyre is at or near limit
Check tread across the full width — inner shoulder often wears faster than the outer on most roads
Run hands along sidewalls in good light — feel for any lumps, bulges, or unusual firmness
Inspect sidewalls for cuts — distinguish surface scuffs (advisory) from cord-exposing cuts (failure)
Check tyre pressures — the correct pressure does not affect MOT pass/fail, but overinflated tyres wear faster in the centre
Confirm all four tyres are from the same construction type — radial or cross-ply, not mixed per axle
Check for any visible cord showing through worn tread — this is a Dangerous failure, do not drive to the test
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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What tyre problems fail the MOT?
The main tyre failures are: tread depth below the 1.6mm legal minimum across the central three-quarters of the tyre width, bulges or lumps in the sidewall, cuts or splits exposing the cord or ply, tyres of grossly different sizes on the same axle, incompatible construction types (cross-ply mixed with radial on the same axle), and tyres that are the wrong type for the vehicle.
How do I check tyre tread depth before an MOT?
Use a 20p coin. Insert it into the tyre's main tread groove. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is below 2mm and will likely fail the MOT. The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the entire circumference. Most professionals recommend replacing at 3mm for safety margins.
Can I pass an MOT with cracked tyre sidewalls?
It depends on severity. Minor surface cracking (also called crazing) from UV exposure is common on older tyres and may only result in an advisory. Deeper cracking that affects the structural integrity of the tyre, or any crack that reaches the cord underneath, will cause an MOT failure. When in doubt, replace — tyres are not worth cutting corners on.
How much does a tyre replacement cost for an MOT?
Budget tyre (fitted): £60–£90 per tyre. Mid-range tyre (fitted): £85–£130. Premium tyre (fitted): £100–£200+. Prices vary significantly by tyre size — larger wheels on modern crossovers and SUVs cost significantly more than standard 195/65 R15 tyres. Factor in disposal charges (£2–£5) and balancing.
What is a tyre run-flat failure?
Run-flat tyres have reinforced sidewalls designed to support the vehicle even when deflated. They are tested to the same MOT standards as conventional tyres. The main difference is that a run-flat tyre used after a puncture can suffer internal damage that is not visible externally — if driven on when punctured, it may need replacement even if it appears intact.
Do seasonal tyres fail the MOT?
Winter tyres and all-season tyres are legal in the UK year-round and will not fail an MOT solely for being winter tyres. They must meet the same tread depth and condition standards as summer tyres. Studded tyres are not generally legal on UK public roads.
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SR

Ste Robinson

Founder, MotR · Last reviewed 12 June 2026

Ste Robinson is the founder of MotR, helping UK drivers check MOT history, tax status, vehicle records and ownership information using official DVLA and DVSA data.

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Tyre MOT standards sourced from the DVSA MOT Inspection Manual. UK tyre prices are independent garage / fast-fit estimates including fitting and balancing, 2026.

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