MOT testers adhere to the guidelines provided by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). Similar to essential vehicle components, they conduct checks on tyres to ensure their roadworthiness. The following rules are the same for all the MOT stations whether it is Northampton, England or elsewhere in the UK. By reading the details below, you will understand how they examine a tyre:
The Significance of Tread Depth in Tyre Health
Tyres are meant to wear due to usage, but if they wear beyond a certain limit, it not only affects the vehicle’s owner but also poses a potential risk to others on the road. Considering these concerns, the DVSA has established a rule specifying that the tread depth of a tyre should never go below 1.6 mm. Violating this rule may lead to legal consequences for the car owner.
The reason is that tyres with excessively worn treads become incapable of providing the essential grip needed on the road and diminish the driver’s control over the vehicle. Testers use the tread depth indicator to determine how much a tyre has worn, and if it surpasses the acceptable level, the MOT test is declared a failure.
Tyre Condition: Factors Affect Performance and Safety
At the time of the MOT test, testers completely check the condition of the tyres to ensure their performance and safety. They need to determine whether any bulges, cuts, cracks, or other kinds of damage could negatively impact safety. No attention to timely replacement may lead to punctures or blowouts, posing a notable risk, especially when a driver is at high speeds. If any such shortcomings, whether it is minor or major, are caught, the tester usually recommends prompt replacement.
Inspecting Tyre Size and Types
Testers also want to know if your car is equipped with tyres that follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for specifications. Tyres need to have the correct size, speed rating and load rating; Otherwise, they will not be able to perform optimally. If these are not as valid as required then it simply means that you are playing with your security.
The Right Tyre Pressure
We should always maintain optimum pressure on tyres as it is important for safety purposes. Due to low pressure in your tyres, they will wear down very quickly, fuel consumption will increase and the driver will have to compromise on vehicle control and stability. On the other hand, if your tyre pressure is higher than the manufacturer’s guidance. It can burst and get punctured at any time, which is a disturbing factor for you and also for other drivers and passengers. Keeping such aspects in mind, the tester will thoroughly check the pressure of your tyres to know if they are good as per professional specifications.
Inspecting Tyres Alignment
Testers are also instructed by DVSA to check the alignment. Therefore, while checking the tyres, the tester also checks whether the tyres are properly aligned or not. If the tyre alignment is not in proper condition then the surface of the tyre starts wearing unevenly, like this, some parts of the tyre bear more load than others, resulting in vehicle handling problems and becoming a hindrance to security. If testers find any signs of uneven wear. They recommend that they be replaced if the condition worsens. And they are also asked to correct the alignment that may be causing this condition.
What Is Next If A Vehicle Fails the Tyre Test in an MOT?
When a vehicle doesn’t pass the tyre check while MOT checking, the MOT centre will issue only a failure MOT certificate. Inspected vehicles cannot be legal to drive anywhere until you have diagnosed all defects towards them and go for retesting to the same or any other MOT centre.
If you choose to go to another MOT station for re-testing, it will have different charges and while you are going to the first one, the charges will increase after a certain time. You can get a discount on re-test MOT charges if the found deficiency is repaired at the same place where the first MOT test Northampton was completed.
What Tyre is Best to Replace?
If a tester recommends you change your vehicle’s tyres as they are not in good condition, you should get the right knowledge of their selection before making a decision. Car owners who are currently in or around Northampton and England can find the best automobile workshops where the tyres are in various sizes, and multi-brands that will be suitable for almost all types of vehicles be it sports cars, SUVs, 4X4, lightweight or heavyweight vehicle.
As it is understood that the budget of all car owners is not the same, accordingly the three ranges are categorised. For instance, cheaper tyres, mid-range tyres and premium tyres offer a different driving experience. There are also very high-performance vehicles which have slightly higher expectations regarding tyres, therefore, understanding this demand, even the best high-quality tyres are now provided in the markets of such cities. If we talk about the most popular and bought tyres which are quite suitable for UK roads, then Continental, Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear tyres are always on the list of top 5 tyres.
