About half of cars do not pass the NCT first time. Most failures are on small things you can check yourself in ten minutes.
Lights
Check the headlights, dipped and full beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate light. Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake.
Tyres
Look at the tread depth and the sidewalls. Cracks, bulges, uneven wear and different tyres on the same axle can all cause a failure. Check the pressures.
Wipers and washers
The blades should clear the screen without smearing, and the washer fluid should work. Top up the fluid.
Windscreen
Chips or cracks in the driver’s line of sight can fail. Look at them in daylight.
Horn, mirrors and seat belts
Test the horn. Check the mirrors are not cracked and that every seat belt locks, retracts and has no fraying.
Brakes and steering
You may not be able to test these properly yourself, but listen for grinding or squealing, and note if the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels soft. Front suspension and steering parts are among the most common failure points.
Exhaust and warning lights
A loud exhaust or smoke is a failure risk. Do not go with an engine or ABS warning light on.
What a mobile mechanic can do
We can check these things at your home or work before the test, tell you what needs attention and fix some of it on the spot. Tell us the make, model and year of the car and when your test is.
On the day
Bring the registration documents, remove loose items from the boot and make sure the car is clean enough for the tester to see underneath.
If you would rather have it done for you, book a pre-NCT check at home.