What is a tyre advisory notice?
A tyre advisory notice on your MOT means your tyres are close to failing the test and need attention. It’s a warning that something isn’t right. While your car might scrape through this time, it will not be safe or legal for long.
The two most common reasons for a tyre advisory notice are:
- Worn tyres where the tread is close to the legal minimum.
- Perished tyres that are cracking or degrading with age and sunlight.
A tyre advisory notice is not something to ignore. Tyres in poor condition lose grip, which affects how safely your car handles and brakes.
What a tyre advisory notice means for your safety
Worn tread means less grip, especially in the rain. The grooves in your tyres are designed to move water away, and when they get too shallow, your risk of skidding or aquaplaning goes up.
Perished tyres are just as dangerous. When the rubber hardens and cracks, the tyre loses flexibility. Instead of moulding to the road surface, it becomes rigid and does not grip properly. This is especially risky on corners or uneven roads.
The legal implications of ignoring a tyre advisory notice
Tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. If you are caught with tyres below this, you risk:
- 3 penalty points per tyre
- A weighty fine per tyre
- Up to 12 points and a driving ban if all four are illegal
What’s more, if you’re involved in an accident and your tyres are found to be illegal, your insurance company may also refuse to pay out.
That is why most experts recommend replacing tyres at 3mm tread depth rather than waiting until the legal limit.
How long can I drive on a tyre advisory notice?
Don’t! An advisory means your tyres are already on their way out. You might squeeze a bit more life out of them, but every mile increases your risk of a blowout or fine. It is safer and cheaper to sort it straight away.
How to spot tyre issues yourself
If you’ve had a tyre advisory notice, or you’re worried about your tyres, here are some quick checks:
- Look for cracks, splits, or bulges in the sidewalls
- Check tread depth with a 20p coin. If you can see the outer band, the tread is below 3mm
- Run your hand gently over the tread to feel for uneven wear
Even if the tread looks fine, tyres older than six years start to degrade. Check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the week and year of manufacture.
How much does a new tyre cost?
It depends on size and brand, but for most cars you can expect to pay between £50 and £120 per tyre. That is much less than the cost of a fine, points on your licence, or an accident caused by unsafe tyres.
What to do after a tyre advisory notice
If you have had a tyre advisory notice on your MOT, get the tyres replaced straight away. Don’t wait until the next MOT. By then, they will almost certainly fail.
We recommend using a tyre specialist. In Leicester, we use:
- Eden Tyre Services on Revensbridge Drive
- Tyres Galore on Mayfield Road
Need a hand checking your tyres?
If you’re worried about your tyres and not sure if they need replacing, bring your car in and we’ll take a look. We’re always happy to show you what to look for and give you honest advice.
If you have a long trip coming up, ask about our road trip checks. We will check your tyres, brakes, fluids, and lights so you can set off with peace of mind.
Get in touch using our contact form or give us a call on 0116 3190 118 or 07850 881 911. Alternatively, drop in to our friendly garage on Shaftsbury Road, Leicester, LE3 0QN. We’re always happy to help.
Fast answers to tyre advisory notice FAQs
A tyre advisory notice means your tyres are close to the legal limit or showing signs of damage such as cracking or perishing. It’s a warning that they will not last until the next MOT.
You can, but you shouldn’t. The tyres are already unsafe and may quickly become illegal. Replacing them straight away is the safest option.
You risk a weighty fine, 3 penalty points per tyre, and your insurance may refuse to pay out if you have an accident. Unsafe tyres also increase your chances of losing control of your car.
