mechanics.tradeTread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
This was recorded 1,003,193 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 3 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
1,003,193recorded in 2025
3on the national list
4.9%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
What you can do about it
Tyres need at least 1.6mm of tread. A 20p coin is a good rough check: if the outer band is hidden when you push it into the groove, you have plenty left.
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a dangerous defect. What the categories mean.
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.