Login
My Garage
New hero

New Rules: MOT Fail For Faulty Tyre Pressure Monitor

By Stephen Turvil | April 16, 2015

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

New Legislation Makes It Harder To Pass MOT

New Rules: MOT Fail For Faulty Tyre Pressure Monitor
More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a brochure
Request a test drive

Motorists could face higher repair bills as new legislation ensures a vehicle with a tyre pressure monitor cannot pass its MOT if the system fails, TyreSafe has confirmed. The not-for-profit safety organisation added that new cars must have a pressure monitor by law, so the new regulation could impact upon millions of motorists.

How A Tyre Pressure Monitor Works

A monitor incorporates a sensor within each wheel. If the pressure is to high, or to low, the motorist is informed via a message on the dashboard. A basic system has a warning light that confirms there is a problem with one or more tyres, whereas a sophisticated system confirms which corner(s) to inspect. The motorist can then confirm the diagnosis using a manual gauge and adjust accordingly.

Important Safety Feature

A system of this nature is an important safety feature as tyre pressure influences how a car brakes and corners. Incorrect pressure also prematurely wears a tyre, increases fuel consumption, and ensures a vehicle produces more pollutants. On this basis, it seems fair that any malfunction is an MOT issue (despite the cost).

Maintenance Required

A monitor should work reliably for years but every system requires maintenance and repair. Typical problems include a flat sensor battery or failure due to corrosion. Parts can also be damaged when changing a tyre. On this basis, some motor manufactures recommend replacing the valve cap and other core components at this point.

Monitor Cannot Be Removed

A motorist might be tempted to remove the monitor to bypass MOT issues. This is a false economy. If the vehicle had a monitor when it left the factory, it must be present and working to pass. 

TyreSafe Discusses Monitoring Systems

TyreSafe Chairman, Stuart Jackson, explained that monitoring systems have been gradually introduced “into the market over a period of years and with little or no fanfare to help educate motorists”. He added that repair stations are “telling us that they’re encountering a lot of customers who either aren’t aware of how these systems work (and need to be maintained) or just see them as an expensive luxury rather than the crucial safety feature”.

Video Explains Tyre Pressure Monitors

TyreSafe – that strives to make the roads safer by informing motorists about a range of tyre-related issues - has produced a brief video to “help motorists understand the safety features of this technology.”

More On This Car
Take one for a spin or order a brochure
Request a brochure
Request a test drive

Related Articles

Blue Badge misuse soars 1000%: disabled drivers left struggling for spaces
Blue Badge abuse is on the rise, with fake badges, theft, and misuse blocking access for those who truly need it. Find out how bad it’s...
May 09, 2025
UK strikes car tariff deal with the US — but there's a catch
The UK’s new car trade deal with the US slashes tariffs—but a strict limit could leave British carmakers stuck in first gear.
May 09, 2025
Ferrari’s first electric car is coming – here’s what you need to know
Ferrari has revealed when its first fully electric car will arrive, with deliveries starting in October 2026. Here's everything we know so...
May 09, 2025
New Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid Offers Up to 69 Miles Electric Range, Starting from £56,000
This A6 PHEV joins the recently launched A5 plug-in hybrid and is one of 10 new electrified models Audi plans to release in 2025.
May 08, 2025