Tyres advisory
Tyre Close to Legal Limit MOT Advisory Cost
Tyre advisories are common and easy to price. They are not usually a reason to walk away, but they can reveal poor maintenance.
Typical UK cost
GBP 60-180 per tyre for common cars, more for large wheels or premium tyres
Buyer risk
Price it in
Negotiation note
Negotiate the cost of matching tyres, not the cheapest possible tyre.
MOT wording this covers
- Tyre worn close to legal limit
- Tyre tread depth close to legal limit
What it means
The tyre still met the MOT legal minimum at the test, but it was close enough that the tester warned it may soon fail or become unsafe.
Is it safe to drive?
Replace soon, especially before winter, motorway use or long trips. Legal does not always mean sensible.
Should you buy a car with this advisory?
Check all four tyres. A car on mismatched budget tyres may have been maintained cheaply elsewhere too.
Checks at a viewing
- Use a tread gauge or 20p coin to check the central three-quarters of the tyre.
- Check all four tyres, not only the advisory tyre.
- Look for cracks, bulges, cuts and uneven shoulder wear.
Garage checks
- Ask whether uneven wear points to tracking, suspension or alignment issues.
- Ask for tyre sizes before pricing replacements.
Price the obvious wear item
Use the advisory wording to sanity-check parts pricing before you negotiate. Always confirm fitment and labour with a garage before ordering vehicle-specific parts.
Check the full MOT history
Repeated advisories matter more than one isolated note. Enter the registration to check the vehicle history and model failure pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tyre close to limit advisory cost to fix?
A typical UK repair range is GBP 60-180 per tyre for common cars, more for large wheels or premium tyres. The final bill depends on the car, access to the part, labour rate and whether related parts also need replacing.
Is tyre close to limit a serious MOT advisory?
Replace soon, especially before winter, motorway use or long trips. Legal does not always mean sensible.
Should I buy a used car with tyre close to limit on the MOT history?
Check all four tyres. A car on mismatched budget tyres may have been maintained cheaply elsewhere too.
What should I check before buying a car with this advisory?
Use a tread gauge or 20p coin to check the central three-quarters of the tyre. Check all four tyres, not only the advisory tyre. Look for cracks, bulges, cuts and uneven shoulder wear.