Tyre worn on the inner or outer edge
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Tyre worn on inner edge”
- “Tyre worn on outer edge”
- “Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge”
What it is
This means the tyre has worn more on one edge than across the rest of the tread.
Why it matters
The worn edge can reach the legal limit while the rest of the tyre still looks fine, so it's easy to miss. Uneven wear is often linked to wheel alignment or worn suspension and steering parts, which are worth having checked.
What to check when viewing a car
Look at the inner edges of the front tyres, which are hard to see without turning the wheel. Ask whether the alignment has been checked if the same tyre wear appears on more than one MOT.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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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 cracking or perishing
- 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.