DRIVERS in the UK are being issued a “DOT code” alert this winter as more than 3 million have broken a crucial rule that could hand them an expensive fine.
Simple car tyre faults caused around 3.1 million drivers to fail their MOTs between July 2023 and July 2024, a recent Freedom of Information request revealed.
It just takes one simple, straightforward at-home check to ensure a pass on the test.
This is particularly important as winter conditions are coming to roads and drivers in the UK.
Many are failing to carry out the simple check, as YouGov data showed 60 per cent of drivers confessed to only replacing their tyres when it became necessary.
Many Brits could therefore be driving with tyres that are worn-out and unsafe without knowing it.
Drivers are advised to consider the age of their tyres, as well as the condition of their rubber, as important safety factors when on the road.
Scrap Car Comparison’s expert customer service manager, Matt Clamp, said: “MOT tests are something that can often fill car owners with dread.
“Tyres are an aspect of a vehicle that owners can easily inspect themselves, so there’s little reason why a car should fail for these faults.
“However, tyre perishing is something that is often overlooked.
He pointed out that even cars that are infrequently used and have low mileage can be subject to tyre degradation, which owners are often unaware of.
“In fact, perishing can actually be accelerated due to inactivity,” he added.
The MOT test
MOT tests commonly review a tyre’s tread and depth, as well as any cuts, bulges, or ageing-related wear and tear like cracks or degradation of the sidewalls and tread.
If there are any signs of these defects, tyres may get a minor warning – such as an advisory – or they may get a complete fail if the degradation is severe.
Other factors like exposure to heat or UV rays can also cause tyres to naturally degrade over time.
This is because the rubber compounds weaken and become brittle, leading them to crack or bulge in the sidewalls.
There are also driver habits that accelerate the degradation of car tyres, such as being aggressive on the road, harsh acceleration and braking, as well as poor wheel alignment and incorrect tyre pressure.
When tyres experience wear and tear they become dangerous to drive on as they lose their grip.
Inactivity also proves not to be good for maintaining tyres, and can instead hasten the rate of perishing.
Using tyres actually activates and disperses protective chemicals in the rubber compounds.
Tyre DOT code
Every tyre has a DOT code on its sidewall which indicates the date it was manufactured.
This can be a good guide as to when it is time to get a replacement.
The last four digits of the DOT code provide the manufacturing date, with the first two digits showing the week it was produced in a calendar year, and the last two being which year that was.
General guidelines are to check any tyres over five years old annually.
Tyres which are 10 years or older should be replaced, regardless of their condition.
Five years is said to be when tyres are most likely to perish, particularly if they have been exposed to high temperatures, UV rays or left unused for long periods.
When checking, vehicle owners should also look out for any cracks and fissures which are likely to appear as a “cracked eggshell” texture.
Matt said: “Getting in the habit of regularly checking your tyres can help to avoid any last-minute panics before your MOT, and also help your tyres last longer.
“Perishing can occur faster if tyres aren’t inflated to the correct pressure, so checking this regularly could help avoid the need to fork out for new tyres as often.
“If possible, storing your car in a garage or out of reach of the sun will also improve the longevity of your tyres, but as this isn’t achievable for most drivers, just making sure you’re using your vehicle regularly will be beneficial.”
