Is this tyre defect an MOT fail?
Is this tyre defect an MOT fail?
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Discussion

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
I have had a split on my tyre since I bought the car 2 years ago - I missed it when I checked the car over before I bought it.

However, the main agent that I bought it from passed it on the MOT and the garage local to me that I use for servicing also passed it last year.

However, this year, the local garage said that it would not pass even though there has been no change to the split. They also said that due to the cracking on the other front tyre that would fail as well then quoted me a crazy price for some replacement tyres.

I know that it is a fail if there are any cords showing and if the split is over 2.5cm but given that there is no change since last year I think they are trying it on a bit.

I dont mind buying new tyres if I need to but not if I dont have to. There is a council MOT place near me that I was thinking of taking it to instead as they play by the rules.

Anyway, some pictures of the split:







Some pictures of the 'crazing' on the other tyre:



Riley Blue

23,205 posts

256 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
There's no way I would drive on that split tyre irrespective of whether it's an MoT fail or not.

Cupramax

11,007 posts

282 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
If its deep enough so you can see the wire or cord inside the cut then yes its a fail.

PAUL500

3,248 posts

276 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
The reality is its fine, only the non structural outer thin rubber has been compromised.

The big "but" is though for the sake of a few quid do you really want it to let go on a cold wet winters night on the motorway at 70 mph. Those 4 small patches of rubber that keep you on the road are the most important part of the car.

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Cupramax said:
If its deep enough so you can see the wire or cord inside the cut then yes its a fail.
I struggle to get anything into the in to the gap to prize it open and can see no visible white from the cords.

RicksAlfas

14,559 posts

274 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Neither look great do they? I am sure you can understand why it was raised by the MOT man.
By all means take it somewhere else for a second opinion, but it won't make the damage go away.

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
PAUL500 said:
The reality is its fine, only the non structural outer thin rubber has been compromised.

The big "but" is though for the sake of a few quid do you really want it to let go on a cold wet winters night on the motorway at 70 mph. Those 4 small patches of rubber that keep you on the road are the most important part of the car.
This is what I thought which is why it has not failed on it before. My annual mileage is <5k and I was thinking of selling the car soon anyway so am loath to spend any more money on it than is needed - although I agree that it should probably be replaced.

I think the 'crazing' on the other tyre is a non-issue as well so its whether to replace the tyre or take it to the council centre and see what my £50 bet returns...

Spangles

1,441 posts

215 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
It's not a fail, your local garage is talking rubbish.

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
RicksAlfas said:
Neither look great do they? I am sure you can understand why it was raised by the MOT man.
By all means take it somewhere else for a second opinion, but it won't make the damage go away.
Yes, I understand that. They are the original tyres so 6 years old and have been subject to bumping up and down a kerb for a few months until the drop kerb extension was done - I suspect this is what has caused the smaller splits on the other tyre.

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

208 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
But that split appears to extend (after a short gap) into the shoulder of the tyre. It does look more like a split than a cut, so I would get it changed because to me that suggests a structural issue with the tyre. You've had 2 years' wear out of them, so can hardly complain.

I wouldn't worry about the other tyre, unless it is on the same axle, in which case get it changed at the same time.

If the tyre prices quoted are too much for you, try Mytyres or Event Mobile tyres or the Tyremen etc.

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Spangles said:
It's not a fail, your local garage is talking rubbish.
Yes, I thought as much as they passed it last year with the same fault present. Naturally they could replace the tyres for £185 each when I can get them for £85 online - I would replace them with like for like Michelin ones, not Chinese ditch finders.

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

208 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
KTF said:
Yes, I understand that. They are the original tyres so 6 years old and have been subject to bumping up and down a kerb for a few months until the drop kerb extension was done - I suspect this is what has caused the smaller splits on the other tyre.
If they are 6 years old, you should change them anyway, regardless of condition, since tyres deteriorate with age regardless of tread depth. There should be a date of manufacture on them somewhere, and I suspect they could be anywhere between 7-10 years old in reality.


KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Bluebarge said:
But that split appears to extend (after a short gap) into the shoulder of the tyre. It does look more like a split than a cut, so I would get it changed because to me that suggests a structural issue with the tyre. You've had 2 years' wear out of them, so can hardly complain.

I wouldn't worry about the other tyre, unless it is on the same axle, in which case get it changed at the same time.

If the tyre prices quoted are too much for you, try Mytyres or Event Mobile tyres or the Tyremen etc.
Unfortunately its both fronts that are showing problems so I would have to get both replaced.

Event Tyres are coming out the cheapest at £150 fitted for both at the moment.

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
Bluebarge said:
But that split appears to extend (after a short gap) into the shoulder of the tyre.
Do you mean around the '8' marker on the tape measure? That is just the tread pattern, there are no more splits that I can see around the original split.

PAUL500

3,248 posts

276 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
We all run secondhand tyres every day, so why not fit some inspected part worns?

KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
PAUL500 said:
We all run secondhand tyres every day, so why not fit some inspected part worns?
Hadn't thought of that option to be honest.

I will phone up a few local places and see what they say.

Edited by KTF on Wednesday 16th October 12:13

J4CKO

46,977 posts

230 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
If it were on the inside edge, nobody would have noticed, I very much doubt the tyre would fail due to that, there is an awful lot of cord and wire under there, you need to keep a measure of reality in PH tyre threads as there does seem to be the opinion that if you dont have a brand new set of Michelins top of the range tyres (Manufactured in the last six weeks) with at least 7 mm tread on you will end up dying horribly.

How many people have accidents due to tyres ? it happens but usually its down to the angle they are pointing and how fast they are rotating which isn't controlled by the tyre itself.


KTF

Original Poster:

10,709 posts

180 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
So based on the above it shouldn't be an MOT failure (and it has passed previous tests in that condition) but I should stop being a tight arse and really get it/them replaced?

ManOpener

12,467 posts

199 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
I've had a tyre fail at a split point almost identical to this in size an depth when hitting dropped ironwork (water main cover, maybe a 3cm tapered drop?) in a 30 zone. Tyre was a Continental SportContact 3. For the sake of about £150, which you'll invariably have to spend at some point in the near future anyway, it isn't worth risking IMO.

N Dentressangle

3,453 posts

252 months

Wednesday 16th October 2013
quotequote all
KTF said:
Spangles said:
It's not a fail, your local garage is talking rubbish.
Yes, I thought as much as they passed it last year with the same fault present. Naturally they could replace the tyres for £185 each when I can get them for £85 online - I would replace them with like for like Michelin ones, not Chinese ditch finders.
Not a fail for me either. I think the level of fastidiousness re tyres amongst people on this forum is higher than either the general public or mechanics as a whole. Some of the responses are daftly alarmist, and I'm surprised they get in a car at all.

Get on with your life. smile