Over half of all cars tested by the NCT don’t pass with most defects being easy to avoid like faulty light bulbs or worn tyres writes Geraldine Herbert
There were just under 1.5 million NCT tests carried out last year and more than half of the cars tested failed first time. However those that fail usually have an issue that is very simple to fix either by the driver or by a mechanic before the day of the NCT.
Broken headlights, missing bulbs and tyre condition are just a couple of the reasons cars fail.
So how can you prepare your car before a NCT, just a few simply checks could save you time and money; if you do discover you need to bring it to a mechanic you will have some to shop around rather than being under pressure due to a looming retest date.
Clean your Car
Cleaning your car inside and out will not only give the impression of a well cared for and maintained car but also if your car is really dirty then the tester can actually refuse to carry out the test; A National Car Test inspector refused to carry out a car test because there were dog hairs in the vehicle, Also ensure to empty the boot as this needs to be accessible and pay particular attention to your lights, mirrors and registrations plate, they should be clear and undamaged.
Lights
Nearly a fifth of all failures are due to lights. When your car is parked walk around it and checks all of the lights, the headlight and low beam, indicators, parking lights, number plate lights and brake lights. The rear fog lamp, where fitted, will also be checked and also ensure and the reverse provides a white light which is clearly visible.
Warning Lights
Inside the car, check all the warning lights on the dash including the indicator for Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems and Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) / Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS): you car will fail if a malfunction indicator is not working or indicates a defect in the system.
Water & Fluids
Top up all the fluids and make sure you have enough fuel Fluids include engine oil, engine coolant, power steering and brake fluid windscreen wash. Most of these are clearly labelled under the bonnet and easy to top up but if you are unsure check the manual.
Tyres
Make sure all tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. You can do this at most service stations and you can find the correct pressure in your manual. There also needs to be at least 1.6mm of tread across three-quarters of the tyre. Use a torch to ensure there are no cuts, lumps of bulges on the tyre, not alone will you fail but you will have less grip and risk a blowout. Remove hubcaps so that the wheel nuts are visible. Also an “E” or “e” mark indicated that the tyre is certified to comply with EU regulations and must be present on your tyres, a vehicle will fail if an “E” or “e” mark is not visible.
Windscreen and Wipers
Make sure your wiper blades are working and are not damaged or worn including the rear wiper. The Windscreen should be free from large chips or cracks.
Handbrake
Check that your handbrake can hold the car on a hill and also check when pulling it upwards that is doesn’t click anymore than about 7-8 times.
Seatbelts
All seatbelts must be in good condition and working so ensure you can easily access them and that the belts and their clips should are visible. All the clips properly engage and that the belt is not frayed. Also if you have child seats fitted then the NCT is required to check that they are correctly attached.
Documents & Fee
Bring all paperwork relating to your car such as the vehicle registration book, registration certificate, licensing certificate and also your personal identification, if you don’t have the documentation to check, you may find you will be turned away. Remember the fee, the test costs €55 and a re-test where test equipment must be used to check the vehicle will cost €28. It is free when only a visual inspection is required.
Finally don’t leave your test until the last minute, you can book a test up to 90 days in advance, so do yourself a favour and allow plenty of time to make any necessary repairs to your car.
Geraldine Herbert
16th March, 2017
