The National Car Testing Service have issued a warning for motorists as a number of common issues are seeing drivers turned away from the test centre or failing their inspection
NCT Test centre data has been revealed(Image: Collins)
Drivers are being warned not ignore the basic vehicle checks ahead of their NCT, as a number of drivers are being turned away.
Unknown to many, easily fixed issues like ensuring your car has adequate engine oil, can lead to inspectors being unable to test your car.
NCT Ireland took to Facebook to warn: “Don’t let your oil levels slide or you may be in for a surprise! NCT Inspectors can refuse to test the vehicle because low oil levels can cause issues with exhaust emissions tests. Check all your fluid levels regularly to make sure that they are all topped up to the correct level”
NCT Ireland has also previously flagged visibility, lights and wipers as key areas that can affect test results if not properly maintained.
Motorists are now being encouraged to check their vehicles thoroughly before arriving for their test to avoid unnecessary delays or failures.
There are several common issues with vehicles that may cause you to fail your NCT.
Tyres
The National Car Testing Service revealed last year that figures showed that 182,160 motorists failed their NCT due to tyre condition – this is 10.5% of motorists.
They added that 43,184 vehicles were recorded as having dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm.
Mark Synnott, Managing Director of NCTS, noted that the service has detected over 200,000 tyres with defects so far this year.
Make sure you don’t have mismatched shapes and sizes, worn treads, and visible damage on your tires.
Check that your tires have matching pairs on each axle in the front and back, that there are no noticeable bulges, scratches, or cuts on the surface, and that you’ve inflated them to the recommended pressure set out by your manufacturer.
With Ireland’s unpredictable weather, keep in mind that in colder months, as the temperature drops, so does your tyre pressure.
It’s a good idea to check your tread depth. You can do this by inserting a €1 coin into a groove. It’s too worn if you can see the outer gold ring.
Make sure you do that test liberally, at different points along each groove, on each tyre, as it only takes one worn patch to trip you up.
Some tyres even have a Tread Wear Indicator. This is a ribbed bar running across the tyre that is spaced evenly through the main grooves in the tire tread.
If the tyre treads are level with the ribbed bar your tyre does need replacing.
In Ireland, the legal minimum tread depth in Ireland is 1.6mm, with Aviva recommending between 8mm and 4mm for maximum safety.
Common car light failures
To pass the NCT, your lights need to be fully functional with no cracks or damage.
Your headlights also need to be aligned so that they evenly match up and are aimed at the right height.
You can double check this every time you get your bulb replaced.
Don’t forget to check your brake lights
Just before your test, double check that your brake lights are working. Don’t go to the effort of getting another person, and just reverse up to a reflective surface, press the brakes and look in your rear-view mirror.
Car suspension failures
You will receive an automatic failure if there is an imbalance of 30% or more between the suspension on the left and right side of your car.
This will also occur if you can see wear, leaking, cracking, corrosion, or other significant damage.
Brake lines & pads issues
Having functioning and safe brakes is one of the most important parts of your car and sometimes we unfortunately may be unaware of problems with them.
The rubber hose carrying brake fluid can crack and leak over time, alongside other forms of wear and tear that could mean you are failed.
It’s recommended by Aviva to get your brakes tested twice a year.
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