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How to make sure your tyres are MOT-ready

Failing an MOT for your tyres is like getting turned away from a club for having the wrong shoes – the ultimate indignity. But eBay can save you from all that…

MOT certificate
  • MOT

    From tread depths to pressures, your tyres are complicated things that are both tough and delicate all at the same time. For them to be able to deal with whatever the road throws at them, everything needs to be just so, which is why you want to make sure yours are in tip-top shape come MOT time.

    Some aspects of your car’s inner mechanics can be a lottery that you don’t find out about until you’re handed the dreaded fail certificate, followed by a pushy quote for the part from the garage. Failing for your tyres, however, is a cardinal sin, as any evidence will have been staring you in the face for weeks beforehand.

    That’s where eBay comes in. Not only does it have great deals on a huge range of tyre rims, hub caps and tyres, but also a vast choice of tyre repair kits, sealants and more. Whatever you’re looking for to guarantee your car a clean bill of health, the UK’s biggest marketplace has you covered, with 50 million live listings for car parts and accessories alone. You’ll also find plenty of parts and accessories at great prices from trusted, recognised auto brands, so whatever you need, you’ve come to the right place.

    Get at least 10% off car wheels and tyres

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  • How to check your tyres are MOT-worthy

    You may already do this, but a worthwhile habit for all drivers to get into is a monthly check on your tyre health. The tread wear bars are one of the most obvious indicators of excessive wear, as they only become visible at the point where your tyres need replacing. There will usually be a mark on the sidewall to show you where to look.

    As you may remember from your theory test, the minimum legal tread depth for tyres in the UK is 1.6mm, and the most fool proof way to check yours is with a tread depth gauge. You’ll find a large range on eBay, including from retailers such as Good Year – and it shouldn’t set you back more than a tenner.

    Shop tread depth gauges

  • How to fix it yourself

    If your tyre has a small puncture caused by a piece of debris rather than wear, you may be able to salvage it yourself. Rather than unnecessarily shelling out for a new set of rubber from a garage, you can choose from a range of high-quality tyre maintenance and puncture repair kits on eBay. Models from the likes of the AA and RAC come with sealants that can repair punctures of up to 6mm. Once applied and sealed, you can plug the inflator into the 12V socket and you’ll be back on the road.

    Shop repair kits

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  • If you need new tyres…

    Want to save money on your new tyres? You can compare prices from an impressive range on eBay. Simply input your tyre specifications and shop from leading brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Continental and more. And if, like most people, you don’t have the facilities or knowhow to be able to change a tyre on a rim, eBay even offers installations at a local garage as an extra. Just look for the ‘Installation Available’ tag on the listing.

    Thanks to eBay, ensuring your tyres are MOT-ready has never been easier, and you might just find you can get a brand-new set for a lot less than you thought possible.

    Get at least 10% off car wheels and tyres

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