mechanics.tradeTyre tread depth
Tyre tread depth came up 1,051,590 times at the MOT during 2025, the 11th most recorded defect on the list.
1,051,590recorded in 2025
3.4%of all recorded defects
11thon the national list
What it is
The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the middle three quarters of the tyre and right round it. Below that the tester records it as dangerous, because wet grip falls away sharply as tread runs out.
What the tester can write down
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | Dangerous | 1,003,193 |
What you can do about it
Most tyres carry small raised bars in the grooves: when the tread is level with them, the tyre is finished. A 20p coin works too, as the outer band of the coin is about 2mm.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 10,968,796 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.