2018 KIA Sportage 1.6L Petrol · SL68 AFA

A pattern of tyre wear and brake component thinning dominates the MOT record, with advisories appearing each year for front and rear tyres and for brake pads, while the rear disc has been flagged once for wear. The latest test on 19 January 2026 was a clean pass, confirming that none of those advisories escalated to a failure, but the recurrence suggests the wear items are approaching the limits set by the test criteria and will likely need attention in the near future. At eight years old the odometer reads 38,918 mi, giving an average of roughly 4,900 mi per annum – well below the typical UK usage pattern for a family SUV. The low annual accumulation may indicate periods of light use or extended storage, which can exacerbate tyre ageing and rubber cracking even when mileage is modest. The MOT history shows no gaps longer than a year, so the vehicle has been regularly inspected despite the modest mileage, providing a consistent picture of its wear progression. Prospective buyers should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for sidewall cracks, tread delamination, or uneven wear that could have been masked by the advisory thresholds; any bulging or hard spots may signal structural tyre degradation. While the tyres passed the legal tread depth test, the “worn close to legal limit” advisory on the off‑side front and near‑side rear, plus the “slightly damaged/cracking” note on the near‑side rear, mean you should expect the remaining tread life to be limited and budget for replacement within the next few thousand miles. During a test drive, feel for any vibration or pulling, especially when cornering, which can indicate tyre or wheel‑rim issues. Brake performance warrants equal scrutiny. The front pads have been reported as “wearing thin” since the 2024 test and the rear pads and disc were flagged in 2022. Examine the pads for a remaining thickness of less than 3 mm and the discs for scoring or glazing. On a drive, listen for squeal or grinding on initial application, note any pedal sponginess, and watch for a rise in pedal travel as the pads wear. If the pads are indeed near the end of their service life, a full pad set replacement – and possibly a rear disc resurfacing or replacement – should be anticipated soon to maintain safe stopping distances.