NCT testers reveal unseen reason they refused to test car amid warning to others
Every car owner in Ireland is required to ensure their car has an up to date NCT certificate
NCT testers have issued a warning to other drivers after turning a car away from a centre and refusing to test it recently.
The official NCT social media channels posted details of the incident which saw a tester at a centre somewhere in Ireland refuse to even complete the standardised test on a car.
The underbody of the vehicle was caked in mud and dirt and the incident has prompted a reminder to others.
The NCT's post read: "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."
Irish drivers were also recently reminded of little-known rules when presenting their car for an NCT around the country.
Most motorists dread attending for an NCT and recent figures revealed why as half of all cars tested in 2023 failed the minimum standard test for roadworthiness.
Most of us are familiar with the big ticket items that will see our cars returned with that 'failed' report; tyres, brakes, suspension, steering and so on, but some smaller rules could see your car refused at a centre.
We also know the main rules of presenting our car in a clean state, but there is another rule most people are completely unaware of. It won't result in your car failing but it could see your car refused a test.
One of the items on a checklist to run through before presenting your car for an NCT is the glove box. The advice states that you must ensure "your glove compartment is unlocked & clear of personal belongings, this is to allow for OBD testing."
On-board diagnostics testing system (OBD) is used during an NCT inspection to check for information and faults. The plug-in computer scans your vehicle for its vehicle identification number, the odometer reading, the electronic braking system and the anti-lock braking system.
Elsewhere, NCT Ireland recently revealed a number of other little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT.
The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."
One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.
Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.
You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:
Windscreen Wipers and Washers
Reasons for failure:
Missing
Not cleaning windscreen effectively
Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view
Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed
Seat Belts
Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired
Belts not operating properly
Tyre Condition
tread worn, distorted or damaged
tread depth of less than 1.6mm
Incorrectly seated on wheel rim
Valve Damaged
Registration Plate Lamps
Not working, faulty or not fitted
Not white in colour.
Lens missing or broken.
Stop Lamps
Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not brighter than tail lights.
Not red in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken
Switch does not operate correctly
Indicator/Tell Tales
Missing, not working or faulty
Lens broken or missing
Not amber in colour
Horn
Control insecure
Horn insecurely mounted
Not working correctly
Not working or not fitted
Registration Plates Front and Rear
One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.
Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size
Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour
Side Lamps
Not white in colour