Home / Failures / Tyre Failure Cost
MOT Tyre Failure Cost: £50-120 Per Tyre (10.05% of UK Fails)
Tyre failures account for 10.05% of all initial UK MOT fails, putting them third behind lighting and suspension. Most fixes need a single tyre replacement at £50-120 fitted, though premium and run-flat options reach £180-280. The legal rules are simple, the easy DIY checks are well-known, and most tyre fails are entirely preventable.
Share of all fails
10.05%
Class 4, DVSA stats
Mid-range tyre cost
£60-95
Family car, fitted
Legal tread depth
1.6mm
Central 75% of width
Run-flat / EV cost
£140-280
Premium tier
The Legal MOT Tyre Rules
The MOT inspection manual sets out specific tyre requirements. Failure on any of these is a hard fail; advisories on borderline items are common but do not stop the certificate being issued.
- Tread depth. 1.6mm minimum, measured across the central three-quarters of the tread width and around the full circumference. A tyre with 1.6mm in the centre but a worn shoulder will fail.
- Sidewall integrity. No cuts deep enough to expose the cord, no bulges or lumps, no significant tears.
- Tread separation. No tread lifting from the carcass.
- Construction type. All tyres on the same axle must be the same construction (radial or cross-ply, not mixed). The UK fitment rule effectively means radial only on cars built after 1998.
- Size and load rating. Tyres must be a size and load index suitable for the vehicle as listed on the V5C or in the door-jamb sticker.
- Speed rating. Tyres must be rated for at least the vehicle's maximum design speed.
- Wheel security. All wheel nuts must be present and properly torqued.
- Visible damage. No exposed cord, canvas or reinforcement.
Tyre Replacement Cost by Vehicle Type
| Tyre tier | Per tyre fitted |
|---|---|
| Budget tyre (155/65 R14, supermini) | £40-65 |
| Mid-range (185/65 R15, family hatchback) | £60-95 |
| Premium (205/55 R16, estate / SUV) | £90-140 |
| Performance (225/45 R17, hot hatch) | £110-180 |
| Run-flat (premium German cars) | £160-280 |
| EV tyre (Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, etc.) | £140-260 |
| SUV / 4x4 (Land Rover, large SUVs) | £120-220 |
| Winter / all-season | £70-180 per tyre |
The 20p Tread Test (Costs Nothing, Catches Most Fails)
The 20p coin happens to have a raised border about 1.6mm from its edge. Insert it into the main tread groove of the tyre. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is below the legal limit.
Test in three places per tyre: outer shoulder, centre and inner shoulder. Test all four tyres. Look for uneven wear that suggests an underlying alignment or pressure problem.
Patterns to watch for:
- Worn outer edges. Underinflation. Check pressures at a forecourt before increasing fuel costs further.
- Worn centre band. Overinflation. Lower pressure to the manufacturer's recommended figure.
- Worn inside edge. Misalignment (toe or camber). Needs a wheel alignment check.
- Cupping or scalloping. Worn shock absorber on that corner.
A proper tread depth gauge from Halfords or any motor factor costs £3-8 and gives a more reliable reading than the 20p coin. Worth keeping in the car's tool kit.
Common Tyre Fail Items at a Glance
| Fail reason | Fix | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tread below 1.6mm | Replacement | £50-180 per tyre |
| Sidewall cut, lump or bulge | Replacement (no repair) | £50-180 per tyre |
| Tread separation | Replacement | £50-180 per tyre |
| Mixed-construction on same axle | Replace to match | £100-360 (pair) |
| Speed rating below vehicle max | Replacement | £50-180 per tyre |
| Visible cords or canvas | Replacement | £50-180 per tyre |
| Incorrect size | Replacement | £50-180 per tyre |
| Insecure wheel (loose nuts) | Tighten to torque | £0-15 (just labour) |
Wheel Alignment: When It Matters
Wheel alignment is not part of the MOT test. A car can pass MOT with significant alignment problems. But misalignment causes uneven tyre wear, which causes future MOT fails. After replacing tyres on an axle, a £40-80 alignment check is sensible insurance.
Symptoms of misalignment that warrant a check:
- Car pulls to one side on a flat road.
- Steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight.
- One side of the tyre wears noticeably faster.
- Recently hit a kerb or pothole hard enough to feel.
Most chains (Kwik Fit, ATS, National Tyres) include a free alignment check when fitting new tyres. Confirm at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an MOT tyre failure cost to fix in 2026?
A single replacement tyre costs £50-120 fitted for most family cars, including balancing and disposal of the old tyre. Premium German cars or run-flat tyres push to £160-280. EV tyres £140-260. Budget tyres £40-65. The pricing depends on size, brand and rolling resistance class.
What percentage of MOT fails are tyres?
Tyres account for approximately 10.05% of all initial Class 4 fails, the third most common category after lighting (12.75%) and suspension (10.67%). DVSA quarterly statistics provide the breakdown.
What is the legal MOT tread depth in 2026?
1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread, around the full circumference of the tyre. The rule has been unchanged for decades. Many drivers replace at 3mm because grip and stopping distance start to decline well above the legal minimum.
Can a damaged tyre be repaired or must it be replaced?
Punctures in the central tread area can be plug-and-patch repaired by a tyre specialist for £15-25. Sidewall damage cannot be repaired. The repair-vs-replace decision follows BS AU 159 standards. Any tyre with cord damage, repair near the shoulder or signs of underinflation must be replaced.
Do all four tyres need to match for an MOT?
All tyres must be the correct size and construction for the vehicle. Front pair must match each other, rear pair must match each other (same brand recommended but not legally required, as long as construction type matches). You cannot mix radial and cross-ply on the same axle. Tread can vary between front and rear.
What is the 20p tyre tread test?
Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is below the legal 1.6mm minimum. The test is a quick approximate check; a proper depth gauge (£3-8) gives a more reliable reading.
Tyre fitting MOT bundle
National Tyres bundles tyre fitting with the MOT for the keenest pricing.
National Tyres MOT Cost