mechanics.tradeTyre condition
Tyre condition came up 1,903,139 times at the MOT during 2025, more than any other defect on the list.
What it is
The tester looks over every tyre for cuts, bulges, and any place where the cords inside show through the rubber. Damage deep enough to reach the cords is recorded as dangerous, because the tyre can let go without warning.
What the tester can write down
What the tester writes depends on how serious it is: dangerous and major.
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A tyre seriously damaged | Major | 576,561 |
| A tyre cords visible or damaged | Dangerous | 544,201 |
| A tyre seriously damaged | Dangerous | 406,421 |
What you can do about it
A damaged tyre has to be replaced; there is no repair for a cut that deep. Look along the inner wall as well as the outer one, because kerbing tends to mark the side facing away from the pavement.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 7,050,749 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.