NCT's warning as hidden issue could see your vehicle turned away from test centre

NCT have issued a warning as a hidden issue could see your vehicle turned away from a test centre.

People have been complaining that appointments are difficult enough to land, so it’s important to address this problem before attending an appointment and delaying your test.

They explained that drivers need to inspect the underside of their vehicle beforehand as a dirty underbody can cause inspectors to refuse to administer the test.

Read more: NCT shares which issue with your car will cause an instant ‘NCT fail’

Read more: How to book an urgent NCT appointment and skip long waitlists

In a social media post, NCT said: “Even with glasses, you can't miss a dirty underbody! NCT testers play a vital role in keeping our roads safe.

“Don't let a dirty car get in the way of having your NCT. This vehicle owner was asked to get the underbody of the vehicle cleaned and then return to have it tested.”

They shared a video of a dirty underbody, which people should take note of.

There are several common issues with vehicles that may cause you to even fail your NCT. Aviva compiled a list - and here are five:

Tyres

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.