Tyre cracking or perishing
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Tyre has slight cracking”
- “Tyre perished”
- “Tyre has cracking or perishing of the sidewall”
What it is
Rubber hardens and cracks with age and exposure to sunlight, even if the tyre has plenty of tread. It often shows as fine cracks on the sidewall or between the tread blocks.
Why it matters
Light cracking is usually an advisory. Deep cracks can weaken the tyre and lead to failure at speed. Older tyres also grip less well than newer ones.
What to check when viewing a car
Look at the sidewalls for cracks, and check the tyre's age: the four-digit code on the sidewall gives the week and year it was made. Cars that sit unused for long periods often have older tyres.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: tyres and wheels
- Tyre worn close to the legal limit
- Tyre worn on the inner or outer edge
- Tyre damaged: bulge, cut or lump
- Wheel bearing has play or is rough
- Tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) warning light
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.