Tyre Runner
Free tyre check

Free tyre check — from a photo, in 30 seconds

No booking. No branch visit. Upload a photo of your tread and we check it against UK law, right now — so you know before the MOT does.

Free, no sign-up
Photos analysed, for tread and defects
Works for cars, vans and fleets
Check your tyre
MOT due? Know before they do.
Your tyre
Reading the tread…
Something went wrong

How it works

1
Snap a photo
Get the tread straight-on, in good light. Tip: Turn the front wheel out for an easier shot.
2
We analyse it
Our AI reads the grooves, looks for defects, and estimates your tread depth in seconds.
3
Get your verdict
Legal, wearing thin, or replace now — with clear next steps either way.
1.6mm
the UK legal minimum

Why 1.6mm matters

Your tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. Below that, each tyre can cost you a fine and points. We recommend replacing at 3mm — wet braking distances grow sharply below it, upto 1.5 double decker busses in extra stopping distance!.

£2,500
max fine, per tyre
3 points
on your licence, per tyre
3mm
when we advise replacing
Prefer to check by hand? Try the 20p test

Place a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tread. If the coin's outer band is hidden, you're above the legal limit. If you can see the band, your tread may be too low — upload a photo above and we'll give you a clear verdict. Check several spots across each tyre; wear is rarely even.

Why trust us

We don't sell tyres. That's the point.

A free check from a national tyre chain is done by the people who profit when you replace. Most fitters are honest — but the incentive is there. Tyre Runner is independent. We compare retailers and fitters; we don't stock or sell a single tyre. Our AI has no sales target, so the verdict is the verdict.

4 years
in the making
Our AI wasn't rushed out. We have built, tested and refined it since 2022.
Decades
of tyre-industry experience
Built by software engineers who specialise in tyres — not a general-purpose tool.
Millions
of tyre images
Trained on real tread photos in every condition — worn, wet, muddy, in poor light.
A tyre chain's free check
Checked by the business that sells the replacement
Often ends in a quote for their own stock
You need to visit a branch to get it
Our independent AI check
We don't sell tyres — no reason to rush you
Same AI verdict for every driver, judged only against the law
If you do need tyres, we compare prices across retailers — you choose
Tread on its way out?
Search deals on your size and get fitted at home or at a local garage.
Search tyre deals
Run vans or a fleet? No limits.
The daily photo limit is for personal checks only. Our fleet service checks for more defect scenarios, with a detailed report for every tyre, and unlimited tyres across your whole fleet — spot wear early and plan replacements before they become downtime.
Talk to our fleet team

Good questions

How accurate is a photo check?
It gives a good estimate, not a measurement. If your result is borderline, we recommend a proper gauge reading before you decide.
What photo works best?
Straight-on to the tread, in daylight, filling most of the frame. Turning the wheel to full lock makes front tyres much easier to shoot.
How long does it take?
Usually under 10 seconds per tyre. Snap, upload, and the verdict appears in seconds — no booking, no waiting room.
Is there a limit on checks?
You can check up to 6 photos per day — enough for all four tyres, a spare, and a retake. Need more? Our fleet service has no limits.
Which tyres can I check?
Any car or van tyre. Check each tyre with its own photo — fronts and rears wear differently, so all four are worth doing.
Does it check pressure and damage too?
The photo check covers tread depth and visible tread wear. It can't measure pressure, and hidden sidewall damage needs a hands-on inspection — check your pressure monthly against the figure inside your door frame.
What if my tyre is below the limit?
Avoid driving on it. Search your size with us and we can have new tyres fitted at your home or workplace — often the next day.
Where does the 1.6mm limit come from?
It's set by Regulation 27 of The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 — the official UK legislation governing tyre condition. Driving below the limit can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
Still stuck? Chat with our team — we're happy to help. 🙂