Wheels are not just a cosmetic concern at MOT time. The DVSA’s MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles sets out specific wheel, tyre and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) checks, and some wheel defects are classed as dangerous, meaning the car must not be driven away under its own power until the fault is fixed.
Key takeaways
- A crack in a wheel is classed as dangerous: the car must not be driven, including to the test itself.
- More than one loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud is dangerous. A single one is a major defect.
- A TPMS warning light on a car fitted with TPMS is a fail.
- Wheel bearing play is part of the axle, wheel and suspension checks.
What the tester checks
| Defect | MOT category |
|---|---|
| Any fracture or welding defect on a wheel (a crack) | Dangerous |
| More than one loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud | Dangerous |
| A single loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud | Major |
| TPMS warning light on, where the car has a TPMS fitted | Fail (checked since 1 January 2015) |
Buckled wheels are not a separate line item in the manual in the same way, but a wheel bent far enough out of shape will usually fail on related tyre or suspension checks, and the vibration it causes is worth fixing in its own right. Our buckled wheel repair service restores wheels to the correct shape.
Cracks: treat as an automatic fail
If a crack is present, it is classed as dangerous, and the car must not be driven, including to the test itself, if you suspect a crack. Our cracked wheel repair service is backed by a 1 year warranty.
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A crack in the spoke of a wheel. -
Welding a crack in our workshop.
Get ahead of your MOT
Before booking your test, check each wheel for:
- Visible cracks around the spokes or inner barrel.
- Flat spots or distortion along the rim edge.
- Any tyre that keeps losing pressure without an obvious cause.
TPMS
All cars registered in the UK since 1 November 2014 have a TPMS fitted as standard, so a persistent warning light is also worth investigating before your test.
Our wheel repair services
- Crack repair, backed by a 1 year warranty.
- Buckled wheel repair, for wheels knocked out of shape by a pothole or impact.
- Alloy wheel repair and refurbishment for scuffs, scratches and general wear.
- Diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment and powder coating, backed by a 3 year warranty.
We are the only company to offer a 3 year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels. See our price list for current prices.
Book before your MOT
Book at your nearest Alloy Fix workshop in Romford, Dartford or Hemel Hempstead.
- 800+ five-star reviews
- Rated 4.8★ on Google
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- 3-year warranty on powder coating and diamond cut
- 3 workshops: Romford, Dartford, Hemel
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive to my MOT test if I think a wheel is cracked?
No. A cracked wheel is a dangerous defect under the DVSA’s inspection manual, and the car should not be driven, including to the test centre.
Are wheel bearings checked at the MOT?
Yes, wheel bearing play is part of the axle, wheel and suspension checks in the DVSA’s MOT inspection manual.
Will a faulty TPMS warning light fail my MOT?
Yes, on any car fitted with TPMS, which has been standard on all new cars registered in the UK since 1 November 2014, a faulty or inoperative TPMS has been a checked MOT item since 1 January 2015.
What warranty do I get on a repair before my MOT?
Crack repairs carry a 1 year warranty. Powder coating and diamond cut work carry a 3 year warranty.
