Would these tyres pass an MOT?

[Sway]

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this, but good to get an independent view.





Context - MiL has bought a car from a dealer. Nissan Micra, sold with a new MOT within the last couple of weeks.

I've just driven it, and there's a horrific whine that's linked to road speed (and I really do mean horrifically loud!) - however MiL is borderline deaf...

I'm advising her to return to dealer ASAP based on this, however a slightly more detailed look over brought these cracks, running the full circumference of both rear tyres...

Thanks in advance - and more than happy to accept if I'm wrong and they're A OK!

[Pica-Pica]

From previous discussions about circumferential cracks, it would seem they would pass. I would not be happy with them, or if sold them. Tyres are one thing that you can reasonably inspect on a used car, I would expect those to be exchanged or some negotiation on price done.

[Sway]

Thanks - that seems counter to Kwik Fit's position (hence the question!)

https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/why-are-my-tyres-cra...

[Dr Interceptor]

They would pass an MOT - although likely be advised on.

[wpa1975]

Dr Interceptor said:

They would pass an MOT - although likely be advised on.

This, advisory only on an mot.

[anonymous-user]

Avon tyres by any chance?

[Mr E]

What’s the date stamp on the sidewall (just out of interest)

[anonymous-user]

It will depend on whether the cords are visible through any of the cracks. If they are, then it's a fail, if not then it's not.

[sly fox]

whats the date code on the tyres? (4 digits in a lozenge shape box on sidewall)

[andburg]

agree with everbody else

Pass with an advisory

my rears on the civic went like this, tester said some brands do this far more than other but to just keep an eye on pressures. In his words the day you noticed any pressure drop they need replacement as they're likely to fail in a big way. I replaced them anyway....when a pair of premium tyres is £100 why take the risk

edit: horrific whine is unlikely to be tyres, they crack as they dry out wo it would be more of a roar as the tyres give less and transmit more vibration.

[Olivergt]

I would be much more concerned about getting the whine sorted out than the tyres, that sounds much more serious, tyres are, after all, an easy fix if required.

As others have said, those tyres should pass an MOT, maybe an advisory.

I've had tyres on a 12 year old car that were apparently 14 years on, they were obviously much worse than that with cracks all round and on the sidewalls, also very close to the legal limit and they passed an NCT (Irish MOT equivalent) with just an advisory.

I've just read the KF notes on cracked tyres and the answer to the Question, which they don't actually answer!

Are cracked tyres an MOT failure?
An MOT test will involve all four tyres being checked for damage and general wear and tear. When you take your car for its test, the tyres should have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm (the legal minimum) and there shouldn’t be any tears, bulges, or cracks around the tyre.

Your car may receive an MOT failure if it’s determined that the tyres aren’t safe to drive with. If your car does pass its MOT, it could be worth determining with the garage the state of your tyres, as they may be borderline or could need to be replaced soon. The garage will be able to tell you the tyres’ tread and what condition they’re in.

Edited by Olivergt on Tuesday 26th April 14:18

[goldieandblackie]

Better to ask the question of would you drive with them on with your mates/kids/wife/girlfriend etc = NO

[Fastpedeller]

If you are getting the car MOT'd and the place sells tyres they would be a fail - If you are buying a car from some dealers who 'arrange' an MOT they will pass

[Sway]

Thanks all.

Frankly, the dealer is dodgy as hell. It's getting checked over fully by an indy garage tomorrow before a potential chat with the dealer.

The whine is the most concerning bit, but this was something else concerning. It was how much recourse we had...

[Olivergt]

goldieandblackie said:

Better to ask the question of would you drive with them on with your mates/kids/wife/girlfriend etc = NO

For me that would be an emphatic YES. Cracks like that are not an issue, I would not drive on them if you could see the tyre carcass, or if there were bulges in the sidewalls, but those cracks on a car driven normally at normal speeds will be perfectly fine.

Remember, they will pass an MOT, which means the car is roadworthy, if they were in anyway dangerous, they would be a fail.

Edited by Olivergt on Tuesday 26th April 16:24

[Tommo87]

sly fox said:

whats the date code on the tyres? (4 digits in a lozenge shape box on sidewall)

This is a good question. As it will help identify if the cracks are age related, in which case it’s a definite call to replace them.

[98elise]

Dr Interceptor said:

They would pass an MOT - although likely be advised on.

This. I've had it a few times on older cars with low mileages.

[98elise]

Olivergt said:

goldieandblackie said:

Better to ask the question of would you drive with them on with your mates/kids/wife/girlfriend etc = NO

For me that would be an emphatic YES. Cracks like that are not an issue, I would not drive on them if you could see the tyre carcass, or if there were bulges in the sidewalls, but those cracks on a car driven normally at normal speeds will be perfectly fine.

Remember, they will pass an MOT, which means the car is roadworthy, if they were in anyway dangerous, they would be a fail.

Edited by Olivergt on Tuesday 26th April 16:24

Same here. If they are acceptable to an MOT tester then that's fine by me.

[georgeyboy12345]

Sway said:

Thanks all.

Frankly, the dealer is dodgy as hell. It's getting checked over fully by an indy garage tomorrow before a potential chat with the dealer.

The whine is the most concerning bit, but this was something else concerning. It was how much recourse we had...

The whine is probably just front wheel bearings. They’ll only be a couple of hundred to replace at the worst

[Sway]

Update time!

This whole scenario has actually had a massive upside. MiL is bipolar, and has been on a high. So buying anything where the salesperson has been remotely polite, and causing a world of grief for my other half..

However, she took the car to a mechanic a couple of units down from the dealer she bought it from for an independent view. Said mechanic hit the roof - dealer has major 'form' and apparently is due in court soon due to it.

He's fed up of seeing multiple cars a week come in with faults that the dealer has washed their hands of.

So, mechanic has dealt with it. Four new tyres, and two new wheel bearings (so bad that once on the ramp the wheels could be rocked 'inches'...). Lodged a formal complaint with the MOT certification body on the MOT tester in the same estate (over the wheel bearings, not the tyres). Repairs all done for 'free', as he's more than happy to ensure he gets paid by the dealer.

Meanwhile, it's hit home on MiL. Huge apology, finally realised that she's on a high, and does actually need to take her meds. Now has car without issues.

Alls well that ends well (well it might not for dealer and tester!).

All update based on third hand from MiL, via Mrs.