Some drivers think that all tyres on a car are tested as part of the MOT, including the spare tyre that is kept in the boot. However, the UK MOT rules are different when it comes to spares and road wheels fitted to the vehicle. By knowing these rules, motorists can prevent confusion during inspections and also make their vehicles safe and legal on the road.
In most cases, a spare tyre will not impact the MOT result, but it is important for the safety of the car and the legal requirement for it to be on the road.
MOT Tyre Rules
Tyres fitted at the time of the MOT test must comply with the legal requirements. The tyre tests are conducted for tread depth, sidewall condition, tyre size compatibility and overall safety. If a tyre has significant damage, wear or is fitted incorrectly, it can result in an MOT failure.
In the UK, the Minimum Tread Depth for Tyres is:
- The central three-quarters of the tread is 1.6 mm wide.
- The tyre's profile is evenly and uniformly worn around its circumference.
- None of the cords are exposed or damaged.
- Correct inflation and fitting.
Failure of any road tyre to meet these standards will cause the vehicle to fail the MOT test.
Spare Tyre Position
Many spares are not checked as part of a normal MOT, as they are not road wheels unless fitted to the vehicle. Spares stored in the boot, under the chassis, or in a storage compartment do not fall under the general MOT rules.
This means that a vehicle can pass an MOT even if the spare tyre is worn, damaged or even missing.
There are a few important things to note, though, where the spare tyre might be useful during testing.
When Spare Tyres Matter
Some vehicle configurations could mean that the MOT gives some attention to the spare tyre. This is normally the case when the spare tyre is attached to the outside of the car or is used as one of the running wheels.
The spare tyre might be important in some situations, such as:
- Permanently fitted spare tyres on the outside of the vehicle
- Roadless vehicles with the spare wheel in place as a normal road wheel
- Overhangs blocking viewpoints and/or number plates
- Loose spare tyres mounted to cause safety issues
In these instances, the safety of the tyre condition or mounting can be assessed as part of vehicle safety.
Temporary Spare Wheels
Modern cars don't always have spares in the way of a spare wheel; they have space-savers. These are emergency tyres for temporary use over short distances and are often speed and mileage-restricted.
A space-saver tyre fitted to the car during an MOT test must comply with legal tyre standards. The temporary spare will fail the test if it is damaged or has inadequate tread or unsafe wear when fitted to the vehicle.
Manufacturers may recommend changing temporary spare tyres after use or after a certain period of time, even if the tyres are still within the acceptable tread depth.
Safety Beyond MOT
Just because the vehicle passes the MOT does not mean that all parts in the vehicle are roadworthy. An out-of-shape spare tyre could be a safety hazard in the event of an emergency breakdown or roadside puncture and replacement.
A neglected spare tyre can lead to the following problems:
- Rubber cracking due to age
- Loss of pressure due to long storage time.
- Corrosion around the rim of the wheel
- Diminished handling because of the hard rubber compound.
The spare tyre is kept in optimal condition through regular checks. Drivers often cannot assess their tyres' condition for years without checking pressure and condition, which raises roadside risk.
Legal Driving Concerns
For the most part, a spare tyre in the car won't impact the MOT outcome; however, it should comply with legal requirements when fitted and used on public roads. If a spare tyre is faulty after a puncture, it could lead to fines, penalties and unsafe driving situations.
The police and roadside enforcement officers can impose penalties for the use of illegal tyres, even if the vehicle has just had an MOT.
This is why garages offering MOT in Northampton will recommend that you check the spare tyre, in addition to regular tyre checks. Preventative maintenance helps minimise the risk of emergency failures and enhances overall road safety.
Tyre Maintenance Tips
Maintaining tyres is not limited to the four main wheels. Spare tyres should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are safe and dependable in emergencies.
Here Are Some Recommended Spare Tyre Maintenance Tips:
- Inspecting tyre pressure regularly (every few months)
- Checking for cracks and signs of damage.
- Making sure the wheel nut kit is complete
- Ensuring the spare tyre is fitted correctly and is the correct size.
The following simple checks reduce the risk of unexpected issues when changing tyres at the side of the road.
Conclusion
If not used and properly stored, a spare tyre is not normally required to comply with the legal requirements for a vehicle to pass an MOT test. Tyres fitted on the road wheels at the time of the MOT inspection are the main focus of the MOT inspection. Any spare tyre on public roads, however, must still comply with legal requirements for tread and safety in the UK. Properly maintaining the spare tyre remains very important, as breakdowns and punctures can occur at any time, and an unsafe spare tyre may cause serious issues during a breakdown or puncture.
Although a spare tyre won't be an instant fail on an MOT test, it does have a role in keeping the roads safe. A correctly installed spare wheel can help drivers deal with unexpected punctures safely and legally. Regularly checking, testing and monitoring tyre condition helps mitigate risks on the road and keeps the vehicle ready for emergencies.
No comments:
Post a Comment