Tyre Sidewall damage and MOT

[Hewey]

Hi All,

Just wondered to what extent a tyre needs to be damaged on the sidewall to fail an MOT.

I'd of thought virtually any damage would constitue a failure.

Cheers

Hewey

[fordfan]

Any exposed cords are a fail, as are any lumps or bulges that indicate a failure of the structure.  Any cuts need to be at least 25mm in length or 10% of the tyre width (whichever is greater) before they are allowed to be probed to look for cords.  However the tester could position such a cut so that the vehicles weight is on it, which would open it up for a visual check for exposed cords.