Hitting the road with a damaged or word car tyre can result in a serious life threat and a hefty fine. Your vehicle is at risk whereas you endanger other lives with battered pair of wheels. Tyres affixed to a vehicle must fulfill the purpose they’re made for that is ultimate road safety and smooth driving experience. They must be flawless in almost every way; properly inflated as per manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Tyre that’s being described as “fit for the purpose” must meet the following requisites;
- Absolutely compatible with the types of tyres tailored as per other wheels
- Must be lump, tear and bulge free as this is likely to happen by partial or separation failure of the structure
- Must be without a cut or by chance if there is any, it shouldn’t exceed 25mm that’s approximately 10 percent tyre’s sectional width
- No part of the string or layer must be visible
Warning: If any vehicle is found with all the faults as mentioned above or tyres other than their normal size or aspect ratio as per vehicle’s requirement, it won’t pass the MOT test.
- Maintenance duty
Tyre must be properly inflated as per vehicle and manufacturer’s guide with recommended pressure. In certain conditions, “run-flat” tyres that are partially inflated are permitted.
- Tread depth
The “tread depth” like other functions and mechanisms is pre-defined and mustn’t fall below the legal aspect. Tread refers to that part of the tyre which comes in contact with the road in normal conditions. Minimum tread depth depends on the vehicle class so it differs with each type of automobile.
- Spare tyre
You need not to carry a spare car tyre and it doesn’t even comply with the legal requisites while being towed away. Once attached to the vehicle; even if it’s punctured, tyre must adhere to the law! While spare wheel isn’t tested in the MOT, examiner might just attract to an unserviceable item as a matter of courtesy.
- Investing in a new car
When purchasing a new car, don’t assume it to arrive with a standard spare wheel and tyre fitted in the boot. In fact, car manufacturers commonly provide a non-standard or simply a thin tyre sealant along with a compressor or inflator pack. In case it does carry a full-size spare, have it raised with the dealer as this is important. If design of the boot floor can accommodate, a few even offer a standard spare wheel as a cost option.
- Possible penalties
- In some countries, if anyone found driving a vehicle with an illegal or defective car tyre, Fixed Penalty Notice may be given by the state’s police officer.
- Police officer however has the option whether to or not to issue a fixed penalty and report the case for prosecution.
- Both driver and owner of the vehicle (if different), will be penalized with a legal notification
- Permanent disqualification may happen if more than one car tyre is found defective
Conclusion
The above laws are associated specifically to vehicle’s tyres and usually common in many states but it’s advised to get acquainted with road policies being practiced in your home country.
