Avoid Failing The MOT Test Because Of Your Tyres. Follow These Simple Steps

First of all, let’s get down to what an MOT really is?

The abbreviation ‘MOT’ refers to the Ministry of Transport. In the U.K., after three years of usage, an automobile must pass a series of tests and exams to ensure that it is still as safe to drive on the road as it was when it was purchased.

MOT tests are carried out to make sure that your vehicle meets both road safety and environmental safety standards.

When asked about your vehicle’s condition, you may appear to be fully confident that your vehicle is up to the best of the standards and will be able to pass the upcoming MOT Bolton with flying colours. But this is where many car owners are in the wrong.

Nowadays, automobiles are so dependable that most of us don’t remember checking things like fuel, coolant or windscreen washer water levels very often, which is a bad thing. There are a number of such reasons as to why you can fail an MOT test:

Improper Fuel and Exhaust Emissions
Faulty Seatbelts and Vehicle Horn
Cracked or Damaged Windscreen
Damaged Auto Parts or Body
Poorly maintained Suspension and Steering
Faulty Electrical equipment Wiring
Damaged Windscreen Wipers and Washers

Can Tyres Lead To An MOT Fail?

There exist several reasons why a vehicle may fail its MOT and yes, tyres are a common cause of your car failing its MOT test.

According to the 2019 to 2020 DVSA data on class 3 and 4 vehicles i.e. cars and light vans, 10% failed their MOT due to faulty tyres.

This can be easily avoided as your car tyres Bolton can be easily inspected and fixed before your MOT during a pre-check.

Here are some of the most frequent tyre-related MOT test failures to be aware of before your next MOT test:

Shallow Or Uneven Tyre Tread Depth

The MOT test is all about following legal and safe driving practices, ensuring that your vehicle is safe not just for you and your passengers, but also for all other road users. Tyre treads are quite significant, and the required minimum tyre tread depth for vehicles is 1.6mm. Tyres having tread depths less than 1.6mm are prohibited by law and will result in an MOT fail.

Uneven or irregular tyre wear is a typical reason for an MOT failure. The tread of your tyres is a series of grooves in the rubber that are meant to dispel water from between the tyre and the road. If these grooves wear out excessively or unevenly, tyre traction might be reduced, resulting in an MOT failure.

Condition Of The Tyre’s Sidewall

Since a tyre is checked as a whole, each and every part of it will be thoroughly inspected during an MOT test. Having good treads is not the only saving criteria for passing your tyre checklist. The condition of your tyres, both inner as well as outer surface should be pristine.

Sidewalls are the parts of the tyre that endure the entire pressure and weight of the vehicle and still manage to keep it steady. If you discover a rupture, crack, puncture, or lump in the sidewall, it’s usually a symptom of major structural damage to the tyre’s surface. You should inspect your tyres on a regular basis for any such damage before your MOT.

How To Avoid Tyre Sidewall Damage?

Look out for sharp objects- If you observe a lot of rubble, stones and in rare cases, there are even shattered glass on the road; avoid driving over them.
Optimum tyre pressure- The proper tyre pressure keeps them inflated to the proper level, ensuring they operate optimally. Under-inflated tyres subject the sidewalls to higher stress levels, increasing the likelihood of tyre damage or sudden blow-outs.
Avoid potholes- The bumpy driving you experience while driving over potholes can never be good. They can easily lead to faulty suspension and damage your tyres as well.
Keep them as clean as possible- Driving through mud, snow or spilt oil or even solvents can cause more damage to your tyres than you can imagine. The various chemicals or left off liquid can deteriorate the tyre’s rubber if exposed to them for too long.

Using Incorrect Tyres For Your Vehicle

Another typical reason for failing an MOT test is if your vehicle is discovered to be running on the incorrect tyres. You should the Bridgestone tyres that are of the proper size for your vehicle and that is mentioned in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

There are various ways that tyres can be proven to be wrongly fitted, and mixing any of the following might not only result in a failure but can also endanger the overall safety of your automobile: