Can Dented Alloy Wheels Lead to MOT Failure?

The yearly MOT test determines if a vehicle meets legal roadworthiness standards in the UK. With alloy wheels being more prone to curb rash, scrapes and impact damage than steel wheels, it’s natural to wonder if dented alloys might cause your car to fail its MOT.

This article will explore the MOT testing requirements related to wheels and tires. We’ll look at how both minor and major alloy wheel damage could potentially impact passing or failing the test.

MOT Wheel and Tire Checks

During the MOT inspection, your tires and wheels will undergo the following checks:

– Tire tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central 3⁄4 width of the tread and around the entire perimeter.

– Tires cannot have cuts, bulges or exposed cords anywhere on the sidewalls or tread.

– Tire pressure should meet the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.

– Wheels must be free from cracks, bends or damage that compromises structural integrity.

– No loose or missing wheel nuts.

– Brake components like pads, rotors and callipers are in good condition with enough life remaining.

How Minor Damage Can Fail the MOT

At first glance, it may seem that only catastrophic wheel damage would cause MOT failure. But in some cases, even slight alloy wheel defects can result in a failed test due to their impact on other components.

For example, a minor wheel dent or bend that causes steering system vibration could fail the test for suspension component security and steering free play. A compromised tire bead seal caused by minor rim damage could fail the tire integrity requirements.

If small wheel damage has introduced steering, braking or suspension issues that exceed standards, the MOT tester can fail the car based on those faults originating from the wheels.

Serious Damage Means Automatic Failure

In cases of substantial wheel and tire damage, the MOT will result in an automatic fail. Some examples include:

– Fractured, cracked or buckled wheels

– Impact damage or large dents that compromise wheel integrity

– Wheels distorted badly enough to affect vehicle tracking

– Missing wheel nut studs or fasteners

– Tires with deep cuts, sidewall bubbles, exposed plies or shoulder damage

– Insufficient tire tread depth

– Mismatched tire sizes on the same axle

These types of substantial wheel and tire defects pose a direct safety threat. The examiner has no choice but to fail any car presented with severely compromised wheels or tires.

Preventing Failure Due to Damaged Alloys

To avoid the annoyance and costs associated with alloy wheel damage causing an MOT failure, it’s smart to:

– Repair any dents, scrapes or surface damage as soon as possible after they occur.

– Address any vibrations or steering/suspension issues right away to prevent accelerated wear.

– Carefully inspect wheels before MOT tests and address any developing cracks or structural issues.

– Consider alloy wheel refurbishment if rash and wear is visibly detracting from your car’s looks.

– Maintain proper tire pressures and tread depth between tests.

Restore Your Alloys, Preserve Roadworthiness

While most minor damage won’t single-handedly cause an MOT failure, it can contribute to related issues in steering, brakes and suspension. Severely compromised wheels and tires will mean an automatic test failure.

With regular inspections and reconditioning of damaged alloys by a repair specialist, you can keep your wheels road-legal and prevent costly MOT headaches.

Please note:  please always double-check MOT requirements against current UK legislation.