ALERT: Simple test will tell you if this vital part of your car is dangerous and will fail NCT

Drivers preparing to present their cars for an NCT in the coming weeks are being urged to carry out a simple test on their brakes.

NCT testers posted an update on social media warning that 132,000 cars failed an NCT in 2024 due to "dangerous defects," including with tyres and brakes.

They said: "Don't risk it—tyres, corrosion & brake line issues can be spotted easily and before your journey by conducting a simple walkaround check of the vehicle."

Brake wear can be spotted with worn brake pads or while driving if braking feels sticky or spongey in the pedal. Squeaking is also a telltale sign that you have serious brake damage. You can see a range of suggested checks and tests you can carry out on your car prior to an NCT below.

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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 half of all cars fail 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

Reasons for failure:

Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired
Belts not operating properly

Tyre Condition

Reasons for failure:

tread worn, distorted or damaged
tread depth of less than 1.6mm
Incorrectly seated on wheel rim
Valve Damaged

Registration Plate Lamps

Reasons for failure:

Not working, faulty or not fitted
Not white in colour.
Lens missing or broken.

Stop Lamps

Reasons for failure:

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

Reasons for failure:

Missing, not working or faulty
Insecurely mounted
Lens broken or missing
Contains water/moisture
Not amber in colour

Horn

Reasons for failure:

Control insecure
Horn insecurely mounted
Not working correctly
Not working or not fitted

Registration Plates Front and Rear

Reasons for failure:

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

Reasons for failure:

Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not white in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken