Tyre question

MikeHunt79 · 18 Jan 2011 at 11:40

Is it illegal to use a tyre with the tread direction pointing the wrong way?

Also, I've got an MOT coming up soon, will it fail if one of my tyres has tread direction going the wrong way?

It's not a big issue if it is, it just means it will be one more thing to do this weekend...

InvaderGIR · 18 Jan 2011 at 11:40

It's directional for a reason, don't put it on the wrong way round.

Jono8 · 18 Jan 2011 at 11:41

Yes, it is an MOT fail.

andicole0 · 18 Jan 2011 at 11:42

I suspect it will be as it will be unsafe. Probably fail MoT under construction and use rules.

Andi.

MikeHunt79 · 18 Jan 2011 at 11:47

InvaderGIR said:
It's directional for a reason, don't put it on the wrong way round.

Well I'm getting 2 new tyres soon, but I can get this tyre sorted before then even if it is until the new tyres arrive.

Jono8 said:
Yes, it is an MOT fail.

Ok, thanks. I think I'll get the tyre turned round next time I'm near a tyre fitter.

EDIT: One more question, am I right in assuming most spare wheels use non-directional tyres (if such a thing exists)?

volospian · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:05

Who fitted the tyre the wrong way round? Or did you swap one side over with another... or what?? :confused:

Gaygle · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:07

I am struggling to imagine what lead you to have a directional tyre facing the wrong way?

MOOGLEYS · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:09

EDIT: One more question, am I right in assuming most spare wheels use non-directional tyres (if such a thing exists)?

Spare wheels should be non directional but it depends if anyone has changed the tyre.. The spare is not part of the MOT test...

MikeHunt79 · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:20

Gaygle said:
I am struggling to imagine what lead you to have a directional tyre facing the wrong way?

I'm having to use the spare wheel right now as I managed to a puncture in the sidewall of one of my tyres over the weekend....

The spare isn't a spacesaver but a full sized wheel complete with a tyre with directional tread.

MOOGLEYS said:
Spare wheels should be non directional but it depends if anyone has changed the tyre.. The spare is not part of the MOT test...

Yep I've had a new tyre fitted to my spare wheel as the original tyre was so old that it had started to perish. I guess I have done the wrong thing by getting a directional tyre fitted but I didn't think to ask for a non directional tyre at the time.

mattyfez · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:20

MOOGLEYS said:
Spare wheels should be non directional but it depends if anyone has changed the tyre.. The spare is not part of the MOT test...

Oficially you don't have to carry a spare, but if you do, it must be legal.

MOOGLEYS · 18 Jan 2011 at 12:23

mattyfez said:
Oficially you don't have to carry a spare, but if you do, it must be legal.

Incorrect it does not matter what condition its in as the MOT tester should not be looking at it in the first place.

Note:
The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.

A decent tester may point out to you if your spare is looking dodgy just to let you know...

From my MOT handbook...

Tyres fitted to the road wheels only. The vehicle presenter should be informed when it is noticed that there is a defective tyre on a spare wheel.

Berger · 18 Jan 2011 at 15:24

InvaderGIR said:
It's directional for a reason, don't put it on the wrong way round.

What happens when he wants to reverse?

Does he have to change his tyres round?

InvaderGIR · 18 Jan 2011 at 15:35

Berger said:
What happens when he wants to reverse?

Does he have to change his tyres round?

Can't see you hitting standing water at 70mph in reverse.

mattyfez · 18 Jan 2011 at 16:47

MOOGLEYS said:
Incorrect it does not matter what condition its in as the MOT tester should not be looking at it in the first place.

A decent tester may point out to you if your spare is looking dodgy just to let you know...

From my MOT handbook...

Right you are, I stand corrected!