Motorists are being urged to act immediately if they receive a tyre-related advisory on their MOT certificate, as experts warn that ignoring it could be dangerous and costly.
Advisories are notes from examiners flagging parts that may need replacing soon, but they don't prevent a vehicle from legally passing. However, a previous RAC poll found that 39% of drivers didn't plan to fix all advisory issues.
Tyres: The Critical Advisory
Andy Turbefield, head of quality at Halfords Autocentres, told Express.co.uk: "If your MOT results include an advisory for tyres that are close to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, that should be your top priority."
He added: "Tyres nearing this limit will usually receive an MOT advisory and should be replaced as soon as possible, as driving with illegal tread depth is both dangerous and could result in a fine and penalty points. While all MOT advisories should be addressed, tyre tread is the one issue you shouldn't put off."
Alarming Statistics
Figures show that 2.15 million vehicles failed an MOT due to tyre defects in a single year, with 36% of these failures having been previously flagged with advisories.
Cherie Carter, director at Indigo Car Hire, said: "If I had to pick just one advisory, it would be tyres that are close to the legal tread limit or showing signs of cracking or damage. Your tyres are the only part of the car touching the road, so even if they technically pass the MOT, they're already telling you that they're nearly ready to be changed."
She warned: "In heavy rain, worn tyres take longer to stop and are more likely to lose grip. The longer you leave it, the greater the risk that it becomes both a safety issue and a more expensive repair."
Uneven Wear Signals Bigger Problems
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit, highlighted uneven tyre wear as a key concern: "A car may pass the MOT with uneven wear if the tread is above 1.6mm, but if a tyre is wearing unevenly, it probably indicates bigger problems. The wheels may be misaligned or the suspension worn."
He added: "These issues will compromise handling and therefore safety and will also lead to the tyres wearing out quicker than they should. Fixing these problems will not only make the car safer, it will save drivers money in the long run."
