Can Cheap Tyres Cause an MOT Failure?

Everyone who drives wants to save money, and one of the first expenses people try to save on is their tyres. However, when it comes to MOT testing, is it better to select a lower-priced tyre, or does that make it more likely to fail the test? In this article, we examine whether cheap tyres are the reason behind it and what drivers need to know before they arrange their next test.

Why Do Tyres Matter So Much in an MOT?

One important thing to note is that a tyre's cost isn't considered during the MOT test. A failure doesn't necessarily mean the tyre is expensive, and a pass doesn't necessarily mean the tyre is cheap. The condition of the tyre, and not the brand or price, is what matters. 

Tyres are among the few points of contact between a vehicle and the road surface and therefore receive close attention from MOT testers. The main areas that testers are taught to consider are the tread, structure and overall wear of a tyre, as a worn tyre can impact braking distance, grip and general vehicle control. Whether that tyre costs £30 or £130, the same rules apply, and the same faults lead to the same consequences.

Why Do Cheap Tyres Get Blamed?

While price is not a direct factor in the test, the cost of tyres may occasionally not match the criteria that are being assessed. This is typically due to the quality of materials and manufacturing methods used, rather than the cost. Just as with high-quality tyres, budget alternatives can wear more quickly, and the legal tread depth limit may be reached sooner than expected. Some budget tyres are also more susceptible to bulging, cracking, or sidewall damage, especially if they are made from lower-grade rubber compounds or are older. 

These issues can cause an MOT failure and are more likely with less expensive, lesser-known tyre manufacturers. This is what people mean when they talk about cheap tyres and MOT failures. While this is not always the case, budget tyres are more likely to have the faults that the testers look for. In other words, the failure is not caused by the price itself, but if the tyre is not well manufactured or maintained, it can be at a higher risk.

Common Tyre Faults That Cause MOT Failures

It's easier to comprehend tyre quality and how it correlates with test results when motorists know exactly what examiners are looking for. Some of the most common issues that cause vehicles to fail an MOT test relate to tyres.

• Low Tread Depth: The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6 mm, measured across the middle third of the tyre all the way around its circumference. This is closely monitored by examiners as it can reduce grip, especially when wet, which can lead to stopping distances being increased and to skidding.
• Cuts and Bulges: Cuts that expose the tyre's internal fabric or cords, or bulges caused by damage to the tyre wall, will be considered an automatic failure. These faults are serious as they reduce the strength of the tyre and could cause a sudden blowout. Weaker, lower-quality compound tyres are more susceptible to this type of damage.
• Wrong Tyre Size or Type: The wrong tyre size, the wrong tyre type for the vehicle, or having different tyre types on the same axle can also lead to an MOT failure. It's not about the price; it's about whether the tyre is suitable for the vehicle. It's a mistake that can be made by any driver who doesn't read the specification of the car before purchasing.
• Perished or Cracked Rubber: Rubber is a natural material and can age, harden and crack over time, particularly when a tyre is improperly stored or stored for extended periods in extreme temperatures. This is more likely in tyres that were not manufactured to a high standard to begin with, but even the best-quality tyres can deteriorate if stored for many years without use.

Are Cheap Tyres Always a Problem?

Not necessarily. Today, budget tyres are significantly improved, and many of them provide good safety and durability for daily driving. The problem isn't so much buying a cheap tyre as it is knowing where it comes from and how well it has been maintained. Even if the driver is looking for cheapest tyres in Reading, it is best to check the basic quality indicators, including the manufacture date, overall condition and the correct markings on the tyre. An average, well-kept budget tyre that is checked regularly is safer than an expensive tyre that has not been well-maintained and is not inspected regularly. 

In many instances, the cost at the till is not as important as the maintenance practices. Anyone thinking of buying cheap tyres should ask a few questions at the fitting centre they are considering, such as where the tyres come from, the warranty offered, and how long the tyre is expected to last before replacement. A bit of extra research can prevent a lot of headaches.

Getting Tyres Checked Before the Test

A pre-MOT inspection can save you time, money, and stress. Most garages will check tyres for wear before the test for a small fee or for free, while also checking steering components and other important safety parts. This can help identify problems before they cause a failure. It is an easy, inexpensive measure that lets drivers fix problems at a convenient time, not on the day of the test. This is one of the simplest and most beneficial precautions to take if motorists have any doubts about the condition of their tyres.

Conclusion

It is not always the case that low-priced tyres are automatically going to fail the MOT; likewise, choosing a cheaper tyre doesn't mean motorists are guaranteed to fail the MOT. Ultimately, whether the vehicle passes or fails depends on the condition, safety and reliability of the tyres fitted to the vehicle, and not on the price paid or the brand on the tyre sidewall. A well-maintained, regularly examined and replaced budget tyre can easily beat a neglected or over-aged premium tyre.

However, it is reasonable to accept that cheaper tyres, especially those from smaller companies, are more likely to develop faults such as early wear, sidewall cracks, or bulges. That doesn't mean drivers shouldn't use budget tyres, but it does mean they need to be a bit more careful when selecting and caring for them. No matter how much a tyre costs, simple precautions like checking the manufacture date, checking for visible damage, and regularly checking the tyre's tread depth can greatly reduce risk.

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