Yes, bald tyres can fail an MOT in the UK. Tyres must meet the legal minimum tread depth and be in safe condition. If the tread is too low or the tyre is damaged, the vehicle can fail the test and may also be unsafe to drive.
Yes. If a tyre does not meet the required legal tread depth or has unsafe wear or damage, it can cause an MOT failure.
In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for cars is generally 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.
Tyres are a major safety item. Worn tread can reduce grip, increase stopping distances and make the car more dangerous in wet conditions.
Even before tyres become illegal, poor tread depth can already affect braking and road holding.
Many drivers describe very worn tyres as bald, but the real issue is whether the tyre is below the legal tread limit or otherwise unsafe.
If the tread is below 1.6mm in the legal measurement area, the tyre is illegal.
Tyres may wear more on one edge, in the centre or in patches due to alignment or inflation problems.
If tread is level with the wear indicators, the tyre is usually at or very near the legal limit.
Do not wait until MOT day to look at tyres. A quick tread-depth check and condition inspection beforehand can avoid an easy failure and help keep the car safer on the road.
If tyres are close to the limit, replacement before the test is usually the smarter option.
For most cars, it is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the full circumference.
Yes. A tyre may still pass while being close to the limit or performing poorly in wet weather.
Yes. One tyre in unsafe condition can be enough to fail the vehicle.
Yes. Grip and braking ability can already be reduced before the tyre becomes illegal.
