Testers reveal the hidden reason your car could fail the NCT

The NCT service have revealed a common but largely hidden reason your car could fail its NCT.

Irish drivers dread attending for an NCT with their car as recent figures revealed that 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. 

However, another reason highlighted this week is corrosion and could be hidden under other parts or above wheel arches.

NCT Ireland posted to say: "Corrosion is a common fail in the NCT. It can make vehicles extremely dangerous to drive as it can seriously reduce the strength of the component."

They used a recent example to shine a light on the issue:

NCT Ireland also 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