Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert says little-known 20p tip helps drivers save on MOT test
Martin Lewis' MSE is urging drivers to check their tyres
PA
Data analysed by Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert shows that six per cent of MOT failures were as a result of tyre issues.
One of the key factors is tyre pressure, with drivers being urged to look up what they should be and fill them up if needed.
Drivers are recommended to check their tyre pressure regularly and before any long journeys to ensure they won’t encounter any problems when out on the road.
The tread of the tyre is also crucial to ensure drivers are safe on the road and pass their MOT test.
The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre
PA
The legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
According to law, the tread must meet this minimum requirement across the entire circumference of the car’s tyre.
Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website suggests an easy and simple way for motorists to check their tyres without the need for any specialist equipment.
It advises: “To measure, use the quick 20p tyre test detailed on the TyreSafe website. Pop a 20p coin on its edge into the main grooves of the tyre tread.
“If the outer rim of the coin is hidden, your tyres should be legal. If you can see it, get them checked.”
According to the RAC, the difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and another worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44 per cent.
According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, 32.5 million MOT tests took place in the financial year 2022 to 2023.
Of these, there were 7.3 million test failures for all vehicle types, with an initial fail rate of 28.38 per cent.
The total fail rate for class three and four vehicles (cars, vans and passenger vehicles with up to 12 seats) was lower, at 22.4 per cent.
Almost 2.5 million tests failed with at least one dangerous item, which could include brakes, tyres, lamps and indicators.
The Government launched a public consultation in January to hear opinions on potential changes to the MOT test and its outcomes.
It proposed changing the date for when people take their new car for its first MOT, potentially extending it from three years to five years.
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Motorists can use a 20p coin to check their tyre tread
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Another factor included questioning how to accommodate the differences between electric and hybrid vehicles and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
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