2016 KIA Niro 1.6L Hybrid electric · AF66 AXU

Inner-edge tyre wear on both front wheels and corresponding brake disc deterioration on the rear inner discs form the defining mechanical narrative of this KIA Niro. The 2026 test cycle flagged matching advisories for nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit with balding on the inner edge, alongside a nearside rear inner brake disc noted as pitted or scored. While these observations were carried over from the 9 April 2026 failure to the subsequent pass on 10 April 2026, they point to a vehicle with uneven geometry or suspension geometry wear that is actively destroying its consumables. The earlier test records from 2023 and 2025 were completely clean apart from child seat fitment advisories, so this cluster of wear-related items has only emerged within the last twelve months and warrants close physical inspection rather than being dismissed as routine ageing. The P11 and P12 categories of tyre wear on the inner edge specifically are often traced to worn suspension bushes, top mount bearings, or spring seat distortion rather than alignment alone. Recorded mileage of 71,794 miles over a ten-year service life equates to an average accumulation of roughly 7,179 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected envelope for a hybrid family crossover of this age. There are no unusual gaps between tests, no sudden jumps in odometer readings, and no extended stationary periods that might suggest corrosion creep, perished rubber seals, or 12V battery degradation from disuse. The MOT history itself is annually consistent from 2023 onwards, confirming regular road use and a stable ownership pattern. Mechanically, this steady annual mileage profile is favourable because it implies even wear distribution across the drivetrain, brakes, and suspension components rather than the shock loading associated with either complete inactivity or high-mileage motorway running. A prospective buyer should treat the front inner-edge tyre wear pattern as the primary inspection priority, as it will recur quickly if the underlying cause is not rectified. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the top mount area, and pay attention to any vagueness or self-centring delay in the steering which could indicate worn lower control arm bushes. Camber wear of this severity can also load the front wheel bearings prematurely, so listen for rotational noise or humming that increases with speed. Request that the front wheels be removed so the discs, callipers, and pads can be physically examined, and confirm the tracking is within specification, as a four-wheel alignment check is the minimum requirement to prevent the replacement tyres suffering the same fate within months. For the rear brake system, the pitted inner disc advisory suggests the nearside caliper may be binding or the slide pins seizing, which generates uneven heat cycling and surface corrosion on the inner friction face. During a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed and feel for any vibration, pulsation, or pulling to one side that would indicate disc run-out or pad transfer. With the wheels off, check that the rear calipers retract cleanly and that the handbrake holds the vehicle on a slope without creeping. Inspect the rear brake flexi hoses for cracking and the parking brake mechanism for full engagement, as sticking rear calipers are a common failure point on hybrid vehicles that rely heavily on regenerative braking and use the friction brakes less frequently. Finally, verify that any replacement tyres are a matching brand and size across both axles, and confirm the wheel alignment printout if geometry work has been carried out, to ensure the inner-edge wear will not immediately return.