More than 935,000 motorists have failed their MOT test because their tyre tread depth fell below the legal minimum, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by eBay.
The figures, sourced from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), show that 935,605 people failed their assessment because their tyre tread depth was below the 1.6mm threshold. This is the minimum legal requirement in the UK, but tyre and safety experts argue that this level is not sufficient to guarantee safety on the road.
Why 3mm is the recommended minimum
Most tyre and safety professionals recommend that drivers replace their tyres when tread depth reaches 3mm, rather than waiting until the legal limit of 1.6mm. This is because braking performance deteriorates significantly once tread depth falls below 3mm.
Tests conducted by the UK technical organisation MIRA found that stopping distances increase dramatically once tyres are worn below 3mm. The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%. This means that a car travelling at 70mph could take an extra 14 metres to stop in wet conditions, which could be the difference between a safe stop and a collision.
The dangers of worn tyres in wet conditions
Worn tyres are particularly hazardous in wet weather because the tread is designed to disperse water away from the contact patch between the tyre and the road. When tread depth is reduced, less water can be moved away, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and loss of grip.
In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, which illustrates the immense workload that tyres are under. Deeper tread allows tyres to perform this task more effectively, improving grip and stability on wet roads.
KwikFit, a leading tyre and auto repair company, has issued a clear warning to motorists: “If at any point of measurement you can see any of the coin’s outer rim, it’s not just time to think about a new set of tyres, you need to act – because they’re not only illegal, they’re very dangerous.” This refers to the common practice of using a 20p coin to check tread depth, where the outer rim of the coin should not be visible when inserted into the tread.
eBay launches new MOT Hub to help motorists
In response to these findings, eBay has launched a new MOT Hub designed to assist motorists in navigating the MOT process. The hub brings together DVSA-sourced MOT data and eBay’s My Garage feature in one place, allowing drivers to see their vehicle’s MOT history and receive recommended parts to resolve any advisories.
Abir Tewari, eBay UK’s director of commercial operations for parts and accessories, said: “We know MOTs can be a source of stress for motorists, from remembering test dates to understanding advisories and finding the right parts in time. The new MOT Hub is designed to make that process simpler, bringing together DVSA-sourced MOT data and eBay’s My Garage in one place. With recommended parts to resolve advisories, eBay gives motorists confidence to fix and maintain their own vehicles.”
The MOT test is a legal requirement for all vehicles over three years old in the UK, and tyre tread depth is one of the most common reasons for failure. With over 935,000 failures due to this issue, the importance of regular tyre checks and timely replacement cannot be overstated. Motorists are advised to check their tyre tread depth monthly and before long journeys, especially in wet conditions, to ensure they remain safe and legal on the road.
