There’s some good and bad news concerning the 2025 tyre replacement market. The good is that MOT failure rates have seen a welcome reduction in illegals. The bad is that the number of borderline cases have significantly risen meaning that pushing on half of all vehicles on our roads are running on unsafe tyres.
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA)’s 2025 Tyre Check random study of 58,000 vehicles found that eight per cent of rolling stock were below the legal limit, which is a two percent improvement on its findings back in 2000. Countering this is that the number of barely legals has almost doubled over the past 25 years.
The study finds that West Midlands areas the biggest law breakers where a staggering 71% of motorists drive on unlawful tyres. In complete contrast the southern home counties post the lowest at under two per cent. “This shift suggests that while the most serious tyre failures may be on the decline, a new risk category is emerging that is putting drivers and road users at risk. Add it all up, and nearly two in every five vehicles on UK roads today (39.48%) are running on tyres that either break the law or barely meet it. While the remaining 60.52% are equipped with tyres above 2mm and considered safe across most conditions, the margin for error is narrowing fast” warns the NTDA who calls for a review of the legal minimum tread depth.
“Borderline tyres — those close to the legal limit — are a concern across several European markets, not only in the UK. However, the UK’s combination of high mileage drivers, changing weather, and the strong presence of budget tyres in the replacement market makes the trend more visible,” says Adrian Costache, commercial director Europe of Prinx Tyres. Part of the Chinese Prinx Chengshan Holding Limited group it’s yet another a new name which joins the 700 + brands already available in the UK.
Pushing for reduction of illegal tyres to five per cent or lower by 2030, the NTDA wants to see a more commonsensical tread depth of 2mm across the tyre’s contact area and recommends a “graduated enforcement approach” by implementing sliding penalties that are based on tread depth levels which could encourage proactive maintenance. The NTDA further wants to see enhanced MOT testing where more frequent inspections or mandatory follow-ups within three months of a tyre advisory being given. This could result in advisories which are not simply being forgotten until the next MOT. That’s backed up in a separate study by Verifleet that claims around 25% of MOT tyre failures were previously posted as advisories.
The NTDA also wishes to target financial assistance for low-income motorists that contribute to high illegal tyre rates in specific areas although how some motorists qualify is not stipulated. Ian Andrew, CEO of the NTDA, told Tyre Trade News: “This report should serve as a wake-up call for motorists. The fact that nearly two in five vehicles are running on tyres that are either illegal or dangerously close to it is deeply concerning. Legal doesn’t always mean safe, and drivers are leaving tyre replacement too late. Tyre safety must become a national priority.”
We’ve heard it all before of course but tyres remains remain one of the most neglected items on a vehicle and while they may appear pricey, in real terms they are cheaper than 40 years ago, thanks to so many brands being available aided by cut throat competition. The bulk are made up of budget and mid range priced ‘boots’. Christopher Anthony of Tyrepress.com and editor of long serving industry title Tyres & Accessories told CAT, budget brands account for at least half of all tyre sales and dominate the older car scene. Tyrespress’ What Tyre? comparison website provides detailed testing and views on all the runners and riders and Anthony reassuringly concludes their general performance “isn’t half bad” with only a couple of brands motorists should be wary of even if only gently driven.
That said, lesser known budget and mid range brands have come a long way in terms of performance, refinement and safety and some have even been elevated to OE status as a result. Prinx intends to join that select number after being introduced into the Europe in 2023. Produced in Thailand with a European HQ in Germany, this young company looks at the sector with new eyes. “We are not the cheapest tyre — and we don’t aim to be. Instead, we offer technology and quality normally found in higher segments, at a price level that gives drivers a clear benefit” says Costache. Positioning itself as upper mid range “we offer motorists a smart alternative: premium-like performance, modern design, and strong safety characteristics at a price point that makes sense for everyday driving.
Tested and developed across Europe “ultimately, we aim to give UK motorists confidence that they are buying a safe, high-quality tyre that offers excellent value without compromise. We will work closely with UK retailers, providing strong support, clear marketing communication and consistent supply”.
With the image and performance of lesser known brand tyres ever improving, price conscious tyres don't have to be regarded as being better than nothing and are certainly a better value and much safer bets than buying used leading brand names which are clouded with unknown histories.
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