All drivers urged to check ‘DOT code’ as soon as | Tech News

Millions of motorists are failing their MOTs yearly due to elementary tyre defects, with contemporary Freedom of Information information displaying that 3.1 million particular person tyre faults resulted in MOT failures between July 2023 and July 2024.

Specialists at Scrap Car Comparison at the moment are urging drivers to perform one easy home inspection, which might imply the distinction between success and failure within the check. October figures from YouGov confirmed that 60% of motorists confessed to solely altering their tyres when completely important, indicating they might be driving on harmful, deteriorated tyres unknowingly.

While tread depth is often mentioned, many drivers neglect to think about their tyres’ age and the rubber’s general state, which may additionally create security considerations.

Matt Clamp, customer support supervisor at Scrap Car Comparison, stated: “MOT tests are something that can often fill car owners with dread. Tyres are an element of a vehicle that owners can easily check themselves, so there’s little reason why a car should fail for these faults.

“However, tyre perishing is one thing that’s typically ignored. Even vehicles with low mileage aren’t immune to this, which regularly catches house owners out. In reality, perishing can truly be accelerated due to inactivity.”

Why tyres fail MOTs

While it’s common knowledge that MOT tests scrutinise a tyre’s tread and depth, as well as any cuts and bulges, MOT testers are also tasked with looking for signs of age-related deterioration, such as cracking and degradation of the sidewalls and tread. Evidence of perishing can result in a minor warning, like an advisory, but could also lead to a failure if the level of degradation is more severe.

Tyres deteriorate over time due to a variety of factors, including natural ageing, wear and tear, and exposure to elements like UV rays and heat. This causes the rubber compounds to weaken and become brittle, leading to both cracking and an increased risk of bulges in the sidewall, as well as a loss of road grip.

Incorrect wheel alignment, improper tyre pressures, and poor driving habits such as aggressive acceleration and braking can also hasten this degradation.

Contrary to popular belief, tyres that have seen less use don’t necessarily last longer, as inactivity can actually speed up the rate of perishing. Regular use activates and disperses protective chemicals in the rubber compounds, which doesn’t occur if the tyres remain static, thus accelerating the ageing process.

Tyre code check

Every tyre will have a DOT code on the sidewall, which indicates the date of manufacture and can be a good indicator of whether it may be time for a replacement. The last four digits of the DOT code indicate the date of manufacture, with the first two digits showing the calendar week of production and the final two representing the year – for example, 1524 would mean the 15th week of 2024.

As a general rule of thumb:

Any tyres over five years old should be checked annually by a specialist

Tyres of 10 years old or more should be replaced, regardless of tread condition

Though five years is the age at which perishing is most likely to occur, tyres that have been exposed to high temperatures and UV rays, or have been left unused for long periods, are likely to perish faster. As well as checking DOT codes, vehicle owners should look out for visible cracks and fissures, which can often appear as a ‘cracked eggshell’ texture.

Matt advised: “Getting within the behavior of commonly checking your tyres can help to keep away from any last-minute panics earlier than your MOT, and in addition help your tyres last more. Perishing can happen quicker if tyres aren’t inflated to the right strain, so checking this commonly might help keep away from the need to fork out for new tyres as typically. If potential, storing your car in a storage or out of attain of the solar can even improve the longevity of your tyres, however as this is not achievable for many drivers, simply making sure you are utilizing your vehicle commonly will probably be useful.”