Technical inspection: everything you need to know about tyre condition

Tyre condition plays a crucial role during the technical inspection. In fact, tyres that are too worn, damaged, or non-compliant can compromise vehicle safety. They can also lead to a re-test.

Fortunately, a few simple checks can help you avoid many unpleasant surprises. Before your appointment, take the time to check the wear, pressure, and general condition of your tyres.

In this guide, discover the points inspected by the examiner and the good reflexes to adopt to prepare your vehicle.

Summary

Why are tyres important during the MOT test?
Which elements does the controller check?
What faults can lead to a re-examination?
How to recognise a worn or dangerous tyre?
How to prepare your tyres for the MOT test?
What to do when tyres need replacing?
FAQ on Tyres at the MOT Test

1. Why are tyres important during the MOT test?

Tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Therefore, their condition directly influences braking, stability and handling.

Worn-out treads evacuate water less efficiently. Consequently, the risk of aquaplaning increases on wet roads. Furthermore, under-inflated or damaged tyres can reduce grip and increase braking distances.

The controller therefore pays particular attention to each tyre. He also examines the wheels, rims, and several elements related to the axles and suspension.

To better understand the role of your tyres, consult the Technical advice Pneus Online.

2. What elements does the controller check?

During the technical inspection, the professional examines each tyre on the vehicle. They check, in particular, its level of wear, its general condition, its dimensions, and its fitting.

The depth of the carvings

First, the controller observes the depth of the main tread grooves. The minimum legal depth is 1.6 mm.

Tyres also have wear indicators. These small rubber bumps are found at the bottom of the tread grooves. When the rubber reaches their level, the tyre has reached its legal limit.

However, it is best not to wait until this point. This is because a tyre gradually loses its effectiveness as its tread wears down, especially on wet roads.

The regularity of wear

Next, the controller checks if the tread shows even wear.

More pronounced wear in the centre can indicate pressure that is too high. Conversely, significant wear on both sides can signal under-inflation.

Furthermore, wear located on only one edge can indicate a problem with alignment, geometry, or suspension. In this case, have the vehicle checked quickly to avoid premature wear of new tyres.

The overall condition of the tyre

The controller also inspects the tread and sidewalls. They look for, among other things:

a deep cut or gash ;
a lump or hernia ;
significant cracking; ;
a distortion ;
visible cables; ;
a tread separation ;
a foreign object embedded in the tyre ;
a trace of friction against the vehicle.

A small superficial mark doesn't always present an immediate danger. However, a deep cut or a bulge can weaken the tyre's structure. The tyre must then be replaced without delay.

The dimensions and indices

tyres must correspond to the specifications intended for the vehicle. The inspector therefore looks at the dimensions, but also the load and speed ratings.

An inscription such as 205/55 R16 91V Indicate several pieces of information: the tyre width, the sidewall height, the rim diameter, the load index, and the speed rating.

Avant de commander de nouveaux pneumatiques, apprenez à choisir les bons. read the tyre marking.

Furthermore, if you wish to change the size of your tyres, always check their compatibility with your vehicle. For this, consult our guide on tyre size equivalence.

Tyre consistency on the same axle

The two tyres fitted on the same axle must have compatible characteristics. In particular, they must have the same size and the same structure.

The brand does not necessarily have to be identical in all situations. Nevertheless, Pneus Online recommends fitting the same model on the same axle. This will ensure a more consistent behaviour during braking and cornering.

Furthermore, both tyres must show similar levels of wear. A significant difference can unbalance the vehicle, particularly on a wet road.

The mounting on the rims

The controller also checks the fitting of each tyre.

When the manufacturer specifies a direction of rotation, the arrow marked on the sidewall must point in the correct direction. Likewise, the «Outside» marking must face outwards on an asymmetric tyre.

Finally, the tyre must not rub against a vehicle component. The rim must also not be significantly deformed.

The pressure and the TPMS light

Incorrect pressure accelerates tyre wear. It also alters road-holding and can increase fuel consumption.

The controller doesn't necessarily measure every pressure with a pressure gauge. However, it can signal a visibly underinflated tyre.

Furthermore, on vehicles equipped with a pressure monitoring system, the TPMS warning light must function correctly. If this light remains illuminated, check the pressure before your appointment.

You'll also find our advice for correctly adjusting the your tyre pressure.

3. What defects can lead to a re-test?

Not all faults are equally serious. However, several defects can lead to a failed technical inspection.

The controller may in particular note:

a wear indicator has reached; ;
sculptures that are too shallow; ;
a major power cut ;
a hernia or a deformity; ;
visible cables; ;
non-compliant dimensions ;
incompatible tyres on the same axle ;
incorrect assembly; ;
contact with a part of the vehicle; ;
a faulty pressure monitoring system.

Consequently, a tyre may still appear to be roadworthy whilst having a fault serious enough to warrant a re-inspection.

That is why it is best to check your tyres several days before your appointment. This will give you enough time to have them checked or replaced.

4. How can you tell if a tyre is worn or unsafe?

You can spot many defects without special equipment. To start, park the vehicle on a flat surface and turn the front wheels slightly. This will allow you to observe the full width of the tyres more easily.

Check the wear indicators

Look for the letters TWI, a triangle or the manufacturer’s logo on the sidewall. These markings indicate the position of the indicators in the grooves.

When the tread reaches the wear indicator mark, replace the tyre. In other words, do not plan on driving several thousand more kilometres.

Examine the entire tread

Don’t just look at the centre of the tyre. Check the inner and outer sides as well.

In fact, asymmetrical wear may go unnoticed when the wheels are aligned. Gently run your hand over the tread as well. You should then be able to feel any differences in height or an uneven surface.

Inspect the flanks

The flanks must not have any deep cuts, lumps or hernias.

A bulge often appears after hitting a kerb or a pothole. It usually indicates damage to the internal structure. In this case, do not continue your journey and seek professional advice as soon as possible.

Check the pressure regularly

Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, ideally once a month and before a long journey.

You will find the recommended figures inside the fuel filler flap, on the driver’s door pillar or in the vehicle handbook.

Furthermore, repeated loss of pressure may indicate a slow puncture, a faulty valve or a damaged rim. So don’t just keep re-inflating the tyre over and over again.

Keep an eye out for vibrations

Vibrations in the steering wheel may indicate that the tyre is out of balance or has become deformed.

Similarly, if the vehicle pulls to one side, the tracking may need adjustment. Finally, any unusual rolling noise should also make you pay attention.

In all these situations, have your tyres and vehicle checked before the MOT test.

5. How to prepare your tyres for the MOT test?

A few days before the appointment, carry out a thorough check.

Start by measuring the tread depth. Next, inspect the tread and the sidewalls. Also check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.

Next, compare the markings on the two tyres on the same axle. The dimensions and key specifications must match.

Finally, check that the pressure indicator light goes out normally after starting.

Here are the main points to check:

the depth of the sculptures ;
wear indicators ;
the condition of the tread ;
the inner and outer sides; ;
tyre pressure; ;
dimensions and indices; ;
the direction of assembly; ;
the absence of vibrations; ;
the absence of a TPMS indicator light.

Cette inspection ne demande que quelques minutes. Pourtant, elle peut vous éviter une contre-visite. Surtout, elle permet de détecter un problème avant qu’il ne mette votre sécurité en danger.

6. Que faire lorsque les pneus doivent être remplacés ?

Si un pneu présente une usure importante ou un dommage irréparable, remplacez-le avant le contrôle technique.

Dans la plupart des cas, il vaut mieux changer les deux pneus du même essieu. Ainsi, le véhicule conserve une adhérence équilibrée entre le côté gauche et le côté droit.

Avant votre commande, relevez les informations inscrites sur le flanc :

width ;
height ;
the diameter ;
the load index ;
the speed index ;
les éventuelles homologations constructeur.

Vous pouvez ensuite rechercher vos nouveaux Car tyres on Pneus Online.

Vous hésitez encore entre plusieurs catégories ? Consultez notre guide consacré aux Summer, winter and all-season tyres.

Enfin, vous pouvez faire livrer votre commande dans l’un de nos Partner fitting centres. Le professionnel pourra alors monter les pneus, les équilibrer et vérifier leur conformité avant votre contrôle technique.

7. FAQ sur les pneus au contrôle technique

Quelle est la profondeur minimale légale d’un pneu ?

La profondeur minimale atteint 1,6 mm dans les rainures principales.

Toutefois, il reste préférable de remplacer les pneus avant d’atteindre cette limite. En effet, leur capacité à évacuer l’eau diminue progressivement avec l’usure.

Un pneu craquelé peut-il entraîner une contre-visite ?

Oui, lorsque les craquelures fragilisent le pneu ou présentent un risque pour la sécurité.

En revanche, quelques petites marques superficielles n’entraînent pas automatiquement une contre-visite. En cas de doute, demandez l’avis d’un professionnel.

Une hernie sur un pneu est-elle dangereuse ?

Oui. Une hernie révèle généralement une détérioration de la structure interne du pneu.

Par conséquent, ne tentez pas de la réparer. Remplacez rapidement le pneumatique.

Faut-il installer les mêmes pneus sur un essieu ?

Les pneus d’un même essieu doivent présenter des dimensions et des caractéristiques compatibles.

De plus, monter le même modèle améliore l’équilibre du véhicule. Cette solution reste donc fortement recommandée.

La pression des pneus est-elle vérifiée ?

Le contrôleur peut signaler un pneu visiblement sous-gonflé. Il examine également le fonctionnement du voyant TPMS lorsque le véhicule possède ce système.

Avant le rendez-vous, contrôlez donc la pression à froid.

Peut-on passer le contrôle technique avec des pneus hiver ?

Oui, à condition que les pneus hiver respectent les dimensions prévues pour le véhicule. Ils doivent également présenter un niveau d’usure correct et un montage conforme.

Peut-on passer le contrôle avec des pneus 4 saisons ?

Oui. Les pneus 4 saisons restent autorisés s’ils correspondent aux caractéristiques du véhicule et ne présentent aucun défaut dangereux.

Un clou entraîne-t-il automatiquement une contre-visite ?

Non, pas toujours. Toutefois, un clou peut provoquer une fuite lente ou endommager la structure du pneu.

Faites donc contrôler le pneumatique avant le rendez-vous, même si la pression semble stable.

Conclusion

L’état des pneus peut déterminer le résultat du contrôle technique. Des sculptures trop usées, une coupure profonde, une hernie ou des dimensions non conformes peuvent notamment entraîner une contre-visite.

Avant votre rendez-vous, contrôlez donc l’usure, la pression et l’état général de chaque pneumatique. Vérifiez également les dimensions et le montage des pneus sur chaque essieu.

Grâce à cette inspection, vous réduisez le risque de contre-visite. Surtout, vous améliorez votre sécurité et celle de vos passagers.

Enfin, n’attendez pas le contrôle technique pour remplacer un pneu dangereux. Dès qu’un défaut apparaît, demandez l’avis d’un professionnel ou recherchez des pneus adaptés à votre véhicule sur Pneus Online.