Bald Tyres — What They Actually Cost You
A practical guide to bald tyres for UK drivers, from the CarPal mobile tyre team.
What counts as bald
Legally, a tyre is illegal once tread falls below 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the width, anywhere around the circumference. In everyday language ‘bald’ usually means visibly smooth, which is well past that point.
Importantly, a tyre can be illegal while still looking acceptable at a glance — particularly if the wear is on the inner edge where you cannot easily see it without turning the steering.
The penalties
Up to £2,500 and three penalty points. Per tyre. Two illegal tyres is six points, which for a newer driver is a licence gone.
It is also an automatic MOT failure, and driving with illegal tyres can give an insurer grounds to dispute a claim on the basis the vehicle was not roadworthy.
What actually happens to grip
Tread grooves clear water. With no tread there is nowhere for water to go, so the tyre rides up on a film of water rather than contacting the road. That is aquaplaning, and it happens at lower and lower speeds as tread reduces.
Wet braking distances lengthen dramatically. In the dry the effect is much smaller, which is exactly why bald tyres feel fine right up until the moment they do not.
Where to check first
Inner edges. Alignment issues wear the inside shoulder first, and it is the part you cannot see without turning the wheels to full lock or getting underneath.
A tyre that looks fine from outside the car can be down to cord on the inner edge. Turn the steering to full lock and look.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for bald tyres in the UK?
Up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
Will bald tyres fail an MOT?
Yes, automatically. Tread below 1.6mm is an MOT failure.
Can bald tyres invalidate my insurance?
An insurer may dispute a claim on the basis the vehicle was not roadworthy. It is not worth the risk.
Where do tyres usually go bald first?
Often the inner edge, due to alignment, which is also the hardest part to see. Turn the steering to full lock to check.
Need help with your tyres?
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