Tyres

Information 

This inspection applies to: 

Tyres fitted to the road wheels only, except in the case of a PSV.  The vehicle presenter should be informed when it is noticed that there is a defective tyre on a spare wheel.  No comment should be made where a spare wheel is not present. 

Identifying Tyre Size and Type 

To identify the size and type of tyres, it might be necessary to rotate the wheels or move the vehicle. 

Only one sidewall of a tyre needs to be marked. 

Section height: section width ratio (aspect ratio). 

The aspect ratio of a tyre is included in the size marking e.g. a 215/55R15 has an aspect ratio of 55%. 

“Standard” car tyres have a nominal aspect ratio of 82% (unless marked otherwise) and these are almost identical in size to tyres with an aspect ratio of 80% and can be safely mixed in any configuration on a vehicle. Therefore, in these circumstances it is not a Reason for Rejection 

Load Capacity 

The relevant axle UK WEIGHT is that shown on the Manufacturer’s Plate displaying axle weights. Where a Manufacturer’s Plate is not fitted or does not display axle weights, then the load capacity of tyres on such vehicles must be assumed suitable, unless there is indisputable evidence to the contrary. 

Dual size marking of tyres 

Some tyre manufacturers are now dual marking certain sizes of tyres. For example, a 185/75R14 tyre may be dual marked 185R14 

Where a tyre is found to be dual marked by the manufacturer on the side-wall, either markings can be accepted. 

Inspecting the tyres 

It is not possible to see every part of a tyre, in particular the tread contact area, when twin wheels are fitted or when the body shrouds the tyres.  If necessary, the vehicle must be moved to expose the hidden parts and the examination completed from under the vehicle. 

Recut tyres 

Recut tyres are permitted on:- 

• A goods vehicle at least 2540 kg unladen weight having at least 405 mm (16 inch) diameter wheels, 

• A vehicle with at least 8 passenger seats, excluding the driver’s seat, and over 2540 kg unladen weight, 

• A vehicle over 3050 kg unladen weight. 

Tread 

A tread pattern is the combination of plain surfaces and grooves extending across the breadth of the tread and round the entire circumference. 

The tread pattern excludes any tie-bars, tread wear indicators, or other features designed to wear out substantially before the remainder of the pattern, and other minor features. Grooves that had not been cut as deep as those containing the wear indicators when new, are not to be considered as part of the tread pattern. 

Breadth of tread 

The part of the tyre which can contact the road under normal conditions of use measured at 90 degrees to the peripheral line of the tread. 

A 1.6 mm minimum tread depth applies to:   

A vehicle first used after January 1933 that is either:- 

a. a passenger carrying vehicle (car, motor caravan etc) with not more than 8 passenger seats, excluding the drivers, or 

b. a goods vehicle or dual purpose vehicle not exceeding 3500 kg maximum gross weight. 

c. All quadricycles 

d. Tricycles with an unladen weight exceeding 410kg

A 1.0 mm tread depth applies to:   

a. A passenger carrying vehicle with more than 8 passenger seats excluding the driver’s seat. 

b. Tricycles with an unladen weight not exceeding 410 kg and an engine capacity greater than 50cc 

c. Tricycles with an ULW not exceeding 410kg which are electrically powered 

d. A vehicle first used before January 1933. 

A visible tread pattern only applies to:   

a. Tricycles with an unladen weight not exceeding 410 kg and an engine capacity not greater than 50cc.

Speed Rating

Speed Category  Symbol	Corresponding Speed (km/h)	Corresponding Speed (mph)
A1	5	3
A2	10	6
A3	15	9
A4	20	13
A5	25	16
A6	30	19
A7	35	22
A8	40	25
B	50	31
C	60	38
D	65	41
E	70	44
F	80	50
G	90	56
J	100	62
K	110	68
L	120	75
M	130	81
N	140	87
P	150	93
Q	160	99
R	170	106
S	180	112
T	190	118
U	200	124
H	210	130
V	240	149
W	270	168
Y	300	186

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 

The inspection of the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning lamp only applies to passenger vehicles first used on or after 1 November 2014 with four wheels and no more than 8 passenger seats excluding the driver. 

Note: Quadricycles and vehicles issued with a Department’s Approval Certificate (IVA), do not require TPMS to be fitted 

The warning lamp (as shown) will generally illuminate and go off again when the ignition is switched on. If one or more tyre pressures are low, the lamp will remain illuminated. 

In the event of a system malfunction, the lamp will flash a number of times and then remain on. 

Method Of Inspection 

A. Type Of Structure 

On all the tyres fitted, check the 

1. Nominal size and aspect ratio. 

Note:  It cannot be assumed that there is a difference in the nominal sizes of tyres because either twin wheel is not in contact with the ground. 

Note:  A vehicle tyre which appears to be of inadequate size, ply or speed rating for the vehicle or its use is not a reason for rejection. However, the vehicle presenter should be informed. 

2. Type of structure, i.e., bias-belted, cross-ply or radial. 

Note:   Steel and fabric radial-ply tyres are to be regarded as the same structure type. 

B.  LOAD INDEX AND SPEED RATING 

1a. Check for a load index (of ply rating and tyre size) marked on at least one sidewall of each tyre. (See pages for the identification of tyre load index.  Ply rating and tyre size). 

Note:   A tyre not marked with a load index or ply rating is assumed to have the lowest ‘load capacity’ of its size. 

1b. Check the load index is adequate for the maximum laden weight of the axle. (where known) 

2. Check for a speed rating letter marked on the sidewall of each tyre. 

Condition of Tyres 

1. Examine each tyre for: 

a. Cuts, 

b. Lumps, bulges, tears, exposure to the ply or cord, or tread separation. 

Note:   On radial ply tyres care should be taken to distinguish between normal undulations in the carcass, resulting from manufacturing, and lumps or bulges caused by structural deterioration. 

c. Recut tread, 

d. Incorrect seating in the wheel rim, 

e. Valve condition and alignment, 

f. Correct fitting, 

g. Under-inflation. 

Note:  Under-inflation of a tyre is not in itself a reason for rejection. 

However, 

• A brake test might be inadvisable, because of possible damage, or 

• A headlight test might be affected, if the underinflation is affecting alignment. 

2. Check tyres for fouling a part of the vehicle. 
3. Check tyres on twin wheels for wall contact. 

D. Breadth and Depth of Tread 

1.6 Mm Tread Depth 

• Check the tread pattern over the complete circumference of the tyre.  Check also that the tread depth meets the requirements using, as necessary a depth gauge accepted for testing. 

1.0 Mm Tread Depth 

• Check the tread pattern over the complete circumference of the tyre.  Check also that the tread depth meets the requirements using, as necessary, a depth gauge accepted for testing. 

Visible Only Tread Depth 

• Check that the tread pattern is visible over the complete circumference of the tyre. 

E. Directional Tyres 

A directional tyre fitted to vehicles (with the exception of motorcycles) in the opposite direction is not a reason for failure. If a vehicle arrives for the annual inspection with a tyre fitted in the opposite direction the examiner should inform the customer that the tyre has been fitted in the wrong direction and they should have the tyre refitted correctly as soon as possible. 

F. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System 

On vehicles first used on or after 1 November 2014 fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system, check that the warning lamp is operative and does not indicate a system malfunction. 

Note: This inspection does not apply to quadricycles or vehicle that have been issued with a Department’s Approval Certificate (IVA).

Reason for Rejection

A. Type of Structure

				Deficiency Category
1			One tyre is of a different nominal size or aspect ratio to any other on the same axle.	MAJOR
2	a		One tyre is of a different type of structure from another tyre on the same axle.	MAJOR
	b	i	A 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle fitted with single wheels, and a cross-ply tyre or bias-belted tyre fitted on rear axle and radial-ply tyre is fitted on front axle	MAJOR
		ii	A 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle fitted with single wheels, and a cross-ply tyre fitted on rear axle and bias belted tyre fitted on rear axle.	MAJOR
	c		a tyre of a different type of structure is fitted to a steerable axle from that fitted to another steerable axle	MAJOR
	d		In the case of non-steerable axles a tyre fitted to a driven axle is of a different type of structure from that fitted to another driven axle.	MAJOR

Note:    Tyres with aspect ratios of 80% and 82% are almost identical in size and can be safely mixed in any configuration on a vehicle. Where this is done, Reason for Rejection 1 does not apply. 

In all other cases of mixed aspect ratios on the same axle, rejection is justified (except where one temporary spare wheel* or space saver is used in an emergency. Where a temporary spare wheel or space saver is used, this should be recorded as an advisory defect). 

*Temporary spare wheel 

A temporary spare tyre must have a speed category at least equal to 120 km/h (speed category symbol L). When fitted to the vehicle for temporary use the outward facing surface of the wheel must exhibit a distinctive colour or colour pattern which is clearly different from the colour(s) of the normal units. If it is possible to attach a wheel cover to the temporary-use spare unit the distinctive colour or colour pattern must not be obscured by this wheel cover. A maximum speed warning symbol must be permanently displayed on the outer face of the wheel in a prominent position

				Deficiency Category
2	a		One tyre is of a different type of structure from another tyre on the same axle.	MAJOR
	b	i	A 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle fitted with single wheels, and a cross-ply tyre or bias-belted tyre fitted on rear axle and radial-ply tyre is fitted on front axle	MAJOR
		ii	A 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle fitted with single wheels, and a cross-ply tyre fitted on rear axle and bias belted tyre fitted on rear axle.	MAJOR

Note: Any tyre ‘type’ mix between different axles is acceptable for vehicles that have 

• 2 axle and ‘twin’ wheels on the rear axle 
• 3 axle, one steering and one driving.

Note: This does not apply to vehicles with an axle fitted with ‘super single’ tyres having a road contact area at least 300 mm wide.

				Deficiency Category
2	c		a tyre of a different type of structure is fitted to a steerable axle from that fitted to another steerable axle	MAJOR
	d		In the case of non-steerable axles a tyre fitted to a driven axle is of a different type of structure from that fitted to another driven axle.	MAJOR

B. Load Index and Speed Ratios

			Deficiency Category
1	a	a tyre not marked with its size on at least one sidewall.	MAJOR
	b	A tyre that has a load index (or ply rating and tyre size) that is inadequate for the permitted maximum laden weight of the axle to which it is fitted.  (See pages for the determination of tyre load capacity).	DANGEROUS
	c	A tyre marked with one of the following speed rating letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J or K are not acceptable, however they would be acceptable in the case of a Quadricycle where the speed rating on the tyre is suitable for the maximum design speed as declared by the applicant (this may be a lower speed than the national speed limit).	DANGEROUS

Note: Some tyres are not marked with a speed rating and the absence of such a mark is not a reason for rejection.

C. CONDITION OF TYRES

				Deficiency Category
1	a		A tyre has a cut the length of which is at least 25 mm or 10% of section width, whichever is greater, deep enough to reach the ply or cords.	DANGEROUS
1	b		A tyre has:
		i	a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. This includes any lifting of the tread rubber.	DANGEROUS
		ii	Any of its ply or cord exposed	DANGEROUS

Note: Bulges resulting from satisfactory repair in the sidewall or shoulder of a tyre should be accepted provided the height of the bulge does not exceed 5 mm.

			Deficiency Category
1	c	A re-cut tyre fitted to a vehicle not permitted to be so equipped,	MAJOR
	d	A tyre incorrectly seated on the wheel rim,	DANGEROUS
	e	A seriously damaged or misaligned valve stem which could cause sudden deflation of the tyre	DANGEROUS
	f	A tyre not fitted in compliance with the manufacturer’s sidewall instruction, e.g., an asymmetric with a sidewall marked ‘outer’ fitted with the marking to the inner side of the wheel.	MAJOR
	g	A deflated tyre	MAJOR
	h	A tyre which is underinflated	MINOR
	i	a tyre marked ‘NHS’, ‘Not for Highway use’ or similar	DANGEROUS

Note: Direction of rotation may be indicated by an arrow and/or words, but an arrow by itself should not be taken to indicate direction of rotation.

			Deficiency Category
2		A tyre fouling a part of the vehicle.	MAJOR

Note: This does not apply to vehicles designed to permit tyre contact with the chassis or frame e.g., steering lock stop function.

			Deficiency Category
3		Tyres on twin wheels making wall contact due to under inflation or incorrect fitment.	MAJOR

Note: Some tyres, e.g., radial ply tyres, with flexible side walls may touch under load. Wall contact in these circumstances is not a reason for rejection.

D. Breadth And Depth Of Tread

			Deficiency Category
1		The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6 mm throughout a continuous band comprising:
	i	The central three-quarters of the breadth of tread, and:	DANGEROUS
	ii	Round the entire outer circumference of the tyre.	DANGEROUS

Note: Each side of the central band of the tyre can be devoid of tread (i.e., bald and still meet the pass standard although in practice such tyre wear is unlikely to occur. See diagram overleaf.)

			Deficiency Category
2	a	A tyre with a tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area,	DANGEROUS
	b	A tyre with a tread pattern the depth of which is not at least 1 mm through a single band:
		i) round the entire outer circumference of the tyre,	DANGEROUS
		ii) of at least three-quarters of the breadth of tread.	DANGEROUS

Note: The 1.0 mm tread depth requirement applies to the whole tread width if the original tread pattern did not extend beyond three-quarters of the tyre tread width when new.

E. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

	Deficiency Category
A tyre pressure monitoring system warning lamp:
inoperative where required	MAJOR
indicating a system malfunction.	MINOR

Tyre Size, Ply Rating And Load Index Tables 

How To Use This Table: 

1. Locate the line entry corresponding to the size and ply rating or load index marked on the tyre sidewall. 
2. Read off the maximum axle load (kg) for these tyres in ‘SINGLE’ or ‘TWIN’ formation, as appropriate. 
3. These tables show the maximum axle load for tyres in single and dual (twin) formation. If a tyre has only one load index marked then that index refers to use in single formation.  Such tyres can be used in dual formation by applying the following formula: 

Max load in dual formation = Max load shown for single x 1.91

Nominal Tyre Size	Ply Rating	Load Index	Maximum Axle Load (kg) Single Tyres	Maximum Axle Load (kg) Twin Tyres
145-13C  145-13C	6 8	83/81 88/86	970 1120	1840 2120
560-13C	6	-	1020	1940
590-13C	6	-	1070	2090
640-13C 640-13C	6 8	-  -	1280 1430	2240 2750
670-13 670-13C 670-13 670-13C	- 6  - 8	94/93 - 99/98 -	1340 1380 1550 1580	2600 2650 3000 3050
155-14C	6	-	1070	2040
175-14 175-14C 175-14C	- 6 8	96/94  - 99/98	1420 1430 1550	2680 2680 3000
185-14 185-14 185-14 185-14C 185-14C	RADIAL REINFORCED RADIAL REINFORCED 4PL 6 8	- - 94 99/97 102/100	1200 1340 1340 1550 1770	2300 2560 2560 2920 3200
195-14 195-14C 195-14C	- 6 8	105/103  - 109/107	1850 1850 2060	3500 3510 3900
215-14C	8	112-110	2240	4240
590-14C	6	-	1170	2240
600-14C	8	92/90	1260	2400
640-14C	6	-	1330	2550
650-14C 650-14C 650-14C	4 6 8	- 93/91  -	970 1300 1500	1860 2460 2840
670-14C 670-14 670-14C	6  - 8	- 101/99  -	1430 1650 1680	2750 3100 3160
700-14C 700-14 700-14C	4  - 6	- 93/93  -	1070 1340 1380	2050 2600 2650
750-14 750-14 750-14C 750-14 750-14C	4  - 6  - 8	- 98/96  - 102/101  -	1200 1500 1530 1700 1730	2300 2840 2950 3300 3360
175/75-14	-	98/99	1550	3000
185/75-14	-	102/104	1700	3200
195/75-14	-	106/104	1900	3600
205/75-14	-	109/107	2060	3900
215/75-14	-	112/110	2240	4240
145-15C	8	91/98	1230	2320
185-15C	8	103/102	1750	3400
590-15C	6	-	1220	2340
640-15C	6	-	1380	2650
670-15 670-15C 670-15 670-15C 670-15	- 6  - 8 10	98/96  - 103/102  - 108/107	1500 1530 1750 1780 2000	2840 2900 3400 3460 3900
700-15C 700-15C 700-15C 700-15	6  - 8 10	- 103/102  -  -	1750 1750 1940 2440	3400 3400 3760 4580
750-15C 750-15C 750-15 750-15	6 8 10 12	-  -  -  -	1830 2060 2340 2750	3560 3970 4370 5340
255/75-15	-	118/116	2640	5000
175-16C 175-16C	6 8	98-96 101/99	1500 1650	2840 3100
185-16C	8	104/102	1800	3400
195-16C	8	107/105	1950	3700
205-16 205-16C 205-16C	- 6 8	106/104  - 110/108	1900 1900 2120	3600 3610 4000
215-16C 215-16C	6 8	110/108 113/111	2120 2300	4000 4360
600-16 600-16 600-16 600-16 600-16	- 6 8 - 10& RADIAL	95/92  -  - 103/101  -	1380 1380 1530 1750 1830	2520 2550 2920 3300 3300
650-16 650-16 650-16 650-16 650-16 650-16	- 6  - 8 - 10& RADIAL	98/97  - 104/102  - 108/107  -	1500 1530 1800 1830 2000 2040	2920 2920 3400 3460 3900 3900
700-16 700-16 700-16 700-16 700-16 700-16 700-16 700-16	- 6  - 8  - 10  - 12 & RADIAL	102/100  - 108/106  - 113/112  - 117/116   -	1700 1730 2000 2040 2300 2340 2570 2650	3200 3260 3800 3870 4480 4480 5000 5000
750-16 750-16 750-16 750-16 750-16 750-16 750-16 750-16	- 6   - 8 & RADIAL 10  - 12 & RADIAL  -	108/106  - 112/110  -  - 116/114  - 121/120	2000 2040 2240 2240 2500 2500 2900 2900	3800 3870 4240 4270 4720 4720 5600 5600
825-16 825-16	8 10	-  -	2650 2850	4880 5440
900-16 900-16 900-16 900-16 900-16	6  - 8  - 10	- 114/111  - 119/117  -	2340 2360 2720 2720 3050	4370 4360 5140 5140 5600
175/75-16	-	101/99	1650	3100
185/75-16	-	104/102	1800	3400
195/75-16 195/75-16	-  -	104/102 107/105	1800 1950	3400 3700
205/75-16	-	110/108	2120	4000
215/75-16	-	113/111	2300	4360
225/75-16 225/75-16	-  -	116/114 118/114	2500 2640	4720 5000

The tyre load index table below shows the maximum axle load for tyres in single and dual (twin) formation that may not be listed in the Size-Load table.

Load Index	Single kg	Single lbs	Dual kg	Dual lbs
70	670	1474	1340	2948
71	690	1518	1380	3036
72	710	1562	1420	3124
73	730	1606	1460	3212
74	750	1650	1500	3300
75	774	1703	1548	3406
76	800	1760	1600	3520
77	824	1813	1648	3626
78	850	1870	1700	3740
79	874	1923	1748	3846
80	900	1980	1800	3960
81	924	2033	1848	4066
82	950	2090	1900	4180
83	974	2143	1948	4286
84	1000	2200	2000	4400
85	1030	2266	2060	4532
86	1060	2332	2120	4664
87	1090	2398	2180	4796
88	1120	2464	2240	4928
89	1160	2552	2320	5104
90	1200	2640	2400	5280
91	1230	2706	2460	5412
92	1260	2750	2520	5500
93	1300	2860	2600	5720
94	1340	2948	2680	5896
95	1380	3036	2760	6072
96	1420	3124	2840	6248
97	1460	3212	2920	6424
98	1500	3300	3000	6600
99	1550	3410	3100	6820
100	1600	3520	3200	7040
101	1650	3630	3300	7260
102	1700	3740	3400	7480
103	1750	3850	3500	7700
104	1800	3960	3600	7920
105	1850	4070	3700	8140
106	1900	4180	3800	8360
107	1950	4290	3900	8580
108	2000	4400	4000	8800
109	2060	4532	4120	9064
110	2120	4664	4240	9328
111	2180	4796	4360	9592
112	2240	4928	4480	9856
113	2300	5060	4600	10120
114	2360	5192	4720	10384
115	2430	5346	4860	10692
116	2500	5500	5000	11000
117	2570	5654	5140	11308
118	2640	5808	5280	11616
119	2720	5984	5440	11968
120	2800	6160	5600	12320
121	2900	6380	5800	12760
122	3000	6600	6000	13200