My car is due it's NCT, what do I do?

L-M

NCT time, here and some simple hints and money saving and tips to get you by.

First comes first never, ever, under any circumstances pay for a "Pre Nct check". These are a complete and utter waste of money. If you want to find out what is wrong with your car, bring it to the NCT and let them tell you. They will give you an exact list, you then take this list away and do exactly and it says, bring it back and bingo, you've passed.

That said, you must always pre NCT your car yourself. Anyone can do it, it's the most basic of things to look out for.

First things for make sure the car is spotless clean inside and out. Don't ever send your car in for a test dirty.

Plug all your seat belts in.

Check your oil, water etc. Make sure they're all working. Check your wipers, make sure they're not falling apart. Also make sure there's water in your washer bottle.

Check all your bulbs, make sure everything works including the foglights etc.

Check your tyres. Tyres should have thread on them, here's how to check

About 3-4 days before your NCT, get a fuel additive from your local Motors factors and put it in on top of a tank of fuel. Then, on the day of your test make sure to give the car a good drive on a good stretch of road before you bring it in. Drive a high enough revs (4,000 odd rpm or higher) and a few miles. This will give the exhaust etc. a good clear out and increase your chances of passing the emissions test.

After you've done these simple, free checks, the best thing to then do is bring the car for the NCT and leave the technical things up up the lads at NCT, don't pay your local mechanic to do something they're paid to do anyway.

CiniO

Limerick man wrote: »

First comes first never, ever, under any circumstances pay for a "Pre Nct check". These are a complete and utter waste of money. If you want to find out what is wrong with your car, bring it to the NCT and let them tell you. They will give you an exact list, you then take this list away and do exactly and it says, bring it back and bingo, you've passed.

In most cases that's right, but it all depends on the cost.
I've got my pre-NCT check done for €5 and it included all checks like suspension test, brakes test on the rollers, emissions test, etc.
It profited for me, as it found out rear brakes were faulty, and I got it fixed.


However it's absolutely right it's a waste of money if you pay €50 for the mechanic to look at car, while he doesn't even have an testing equipment like NCT centre

First things for make sure the car is spotless clean inside and out. Don't ever send your car in for a test dirty.

It is recomended on the NCT website, to make sure car is clean, especially underbody, but I don't think there is any need for car being spotless.
I brought mine for nct last week. There was a bit of dirt outside, as weather is wet and roads dirty. I also didn't clean it properly inside as I didn't have time, so there was a good bit of sand (I live near a beach) or food leftover (I have small child).

Plug all your seat belts in.

Why?
There's no need for that. It's up to person who is testing a car to do it.

Check your oil, water etc. Make sure they're all working.

How can oil and water not be working?

Check your wipers, make sure they're not falling apart. Also make sure there's water in your washer bottle.

Check all your bulbs, make sure everything works including the foglights etc.

Are you sure if there's a need for front foglights to be working to pass the test?

About 3-4 days before your NCT, get a fuel additive from your local Motors factors and put it in on top of a tank of fuel.

Unless there is particular reason for it (f.e. engine is in bad condition) I can't see any reason for doing it.

Then, on the day of your test make sure to give the car a good drive on a good stretch of road before you bring it in. Drive a high enough revs (4,000 odd rpm or higher) and a few miles.

For petrol engines driving it even at 5000rpm won't really do any harm.
However for diesels 4000rpm is bit excessive I think.

Atomic Pineapple

CiniO wrote: »

In most cases that's right, but it all depends on the cost.
I've got my pre-NCT check done for €5 and it included all checks like suspension test, brakes test on the rollers, emissions test, etc.
It profited for me, as it found out rear brakes were faulty, and I got it fixed.

€5 for a pre NCT check is not the norm though.

CiniO wrote: »

Why?
There's no need for that. It's up to person who is testing a car to do it.

To avoid one of the catches slipping under the seats I'd imagine, especially in the rear, if its not visible it can be a fail

CiniO wrote: »

Are you sure if there's a need for front foglights to be working to pass the test?

Yes they do.

To add to Limerick Man's post I'd recommend getting your lights alignment checked to make sure they are within the requirements, as I've not done a couple of times and had to repay for the retest just for the lights!

challengemaster

Foglights don't need to be working afaik - I passed it last time with the almera and one of the foglights was blown

Atomic Pineapple

challengemaster wrote: »

Foglights don't need to be working afaik - I passed it last time with the almera and one of the foglights was blown

Must have changed? I failed on a fog light not working years ago!

unkel

It's in the NCT manual:

Where auxiliary lamps are found to be inoperative, this should not be considered a reason for failure.

Mind you can still fail on the front fog light, if it is the wrong colour, wrongly mounted, etc.

mad muffin

What about child car seats, do they need to be removed before the NCT?

Also our car has alloys but a plastic cap covering the nuts, does that need to be removed too?

challengemaster

mad muffin wrote: »

What about child car seats, do they need to be removed before the NCT?

Also our car has alloys but a plastic cap covering the nuts, does that need to be removed too?

Child seats don't need to be removed, but if they are left in they will be checked to make sure they're fitted right. If not, you will fail on that.

Any plastics / hub caps covering wheel nuts does have to be removed before the test.

dr.fuzzenstein

This should almost be a sticky, just to avoid a million "NCT is due, what do I do" threads.
The lights don't necessarily have to be aligned every time, her car and mine have passed four NCT's between them without having lights re-aligned.
Unless the light was removed or the car bashed, I don't see them getting themselves out of alignment.
When I went to have my lights done just before the last NCT (a week prior), I was told "Oh No! You can't do this a week in advance! You have to get your lights done the morning of the test and then very slowly drive over the the test center, if you hit a pothole, come back!".
So decided, the hell with it, just chance it and passed no problem.
Of course, I didn't do anything to the lights in the meantime other than change the odd bulb.
My rear tires where well below and I knew it, but I had no money to get them changed and it was too late to change the NCT date, so I took the test knowing I would have to come back for a free visual.
Other than that I just changed the oil, checked all lights, cleaned the car and hoped for the best.

unkel

unkel wrote: »

It's in the NCT manual:

Where auxiliary lamps are found to be inoperative, this should not be considered a reason for failure


Mind you can still fail on the front fog light, if it is the wrong colour, wrongly mounted, etc.

I'm sure they mean the likes of spotlights etc rather than factory fit fogs

CiniO

RoverJames wrote: »

I'm sure they mean the likes of spotlights etc rather than factory fit fogs

From NCT manual:

ITEM : Front Fog Lamp
REASONS FOR FAILURE
1 Incorrectly positioned (see page 53).
2 Insecurely mounted.
3 Switch defective or does not operate lamp independently of
side light.
4 Not white or yellow.

There isn't anything mentioned that if they are inoperative it's a reason for fail.
However I can't imagine how should a tester check other things (fog lights aim, switch, colour, etc) if they are not working.

mickdw

CiniO wrote: »

I've got my pre-NCT check done for €5 and it included all checks like suspension test, brakes test on the rollers, emissions test, etc.
It profited for me, as it found out rear brakes were faulty, and I got it fixed.
.

Are you sure they were faulty?
The free/too cheap pre test usually means they have to find a fault in order to make it worth thier while

CiniO

mickdw wrote: »

Are you sure they were faulty?
The free/too cheap pre test usually means they have to find a fault in order to make it worth thier while

Yes.
Braking force on right one was 100% bigger than on left one.
The same for service brake as well as handbrake.

Fiona

I have to do both my cars at the end of the month. What are fuel additives? Do certain ones suit older or newer cars? Do i REALLY need them if so can you recommend one for me?

CiniO

mrs crilly wrote: »

I have to do both my cars at the end of the month. What are fuel additives? Do certain ones suit older or newer cars? Do i REALLY need them if so can you recommend one for me?

I wouldn't really put any unless I'd know there is something wrong with the engine.

CiniO

CiniO wrote: »

From NCT manual:



There isn't anything mentioned that if they are inoperative it's a reason for fail.
However I can't imagine how should a tester check other things (fog lights aim, switch, colour, etc) if they are not working.

If they aren't working the switch won't do the bit in bold :pac: ............ Switch defective or does not operate lamp independently of
side light.

dgt

mrs crilly wrote: »

I have to do both my cars at the end of the month. What are fuel additives? Do certain ones suit older or newer cars? Do i REALLY need them if so can you recommend one for me?

When I went for my last NCT I used this stuff

Worked beautifully too

Fiona

Hum. Im scared. Think ill just chance it and see what the test says! It passed first time last year i always give it a good drive before i bring it down so its nice and hot.

CiniO

CiniO wrote: »

I wouldn't really put any unless I'd know there is something wrong with the engine.

Indeed, I'd say Mrs Crilly's cars get a good reddening so unless there is something wrong the emissions will be fine

CiniO

RoverJames wrote: »

If they aren't working the switch won't do the bit in bold :pac: ............ Switch defective or does not operate lamp independently of
side light.

It won't, that's true.
But how are they supposed to check if switch is defective or not, if lights are not working?
Or even more how are they supposed to check fog lights aim, if they are not working?

Fiona

RoverJames wrote: »

Indeed, I'd say Mrs Crilly's cars get a good reddening so unless there is something wrong the emissions will be fine

You know me so well!

CiniO

CiniO wrote: »

It won't, that's true.
But how are they supposed to check if switch is defective or not, if lights are not working?
Or even more how are they supposed to check fog lights aim, if they are not working?

.... if the fogs (factory fit or ones that look like they are) aren't working you fail

L-M

Cars do fail on foglights that do not work.

Simples.

CiniO

RoverJames wrote: »

.... if the fogs (factory fit or ones that look like they are) aren't working you fail

And if the fog lights are after-market and doesn't work, you don't fail?

Galwayguy35

Limerick man wrote: »

Cars do fail on foglights that do not work.

Simples.

Yes you are right because i know some people who were failed recently in the Galway Test Centre for that. Im in tomorrow for the test, it should be ok i think but no point stressing about it.

CiniO

CiniO wrote: »

And if the fog lights are after-market and doesn't work, you don't fail?

... they'd be auxiliary lights than you see :pac:
So indeed, no fail.

But if you went to the trouble of installing OE ones in your bumper they'd be classed as fogs.

CiniO

RoverJames wrote: »

... they'd be auxiliary lights than you see :pac:
So indeed, no fail.

But if you went to the trouble of installing OE ones in your bumper they'd be classed as fogs.

I acutally always thought that fog lights are always fog lights, no matter if they are manufacturer-installed or after-market installed at home.

eringobragh

RoverJames wrote: »

.... if the fogs (factory fit or ones that look like they are) aren't working you fail

Not sure about that - said on my NCT sheet they weren't tested..my front fog bulb was gone drivers side aswell.

........they must have thought they were auxiliary lights :pac:

eringobragh

RoverJames wrote: »

........they must have thought they were auxiliary lights :pac:

I wasn't going to point out his mistake

Brabus

I'd go along with what Limerick Man says about the NCT, just put your car through it first and then get the repairs done after if necessary.
We just had a C180 put through its NCT on wednesday, it failed on 2 points.
Both rear tyres were below the limit and rear bushings need to be done.

So our local mechanic is getting us sorted out before we go for retest.

pippip

I had a problem with my front fogs flickering (when off ) two years ago and my mechanic said to remove the fuse. at the time the rule was if they work, they must be perfect. if they don't then it doesn't matter, as long as they aren't cracked. if they are caracked you can remove them and pass with two holes in the bumper :rolleyes:

I ended up getting a new switch anyway.

unkel

Lads, front fog lights are not tested if they work....

It doesn't matter what you call them or whether they came originally with the car or not.

The rear fog light is a necessary safety feature and is tested

pippip

unkel wrote: »

Lads, front fog lights are not tested if they work....
It doesn't matter what you call them or whether they came originally with the car or not.

The rear fog light is a necessary safety feature and is tested

i think that contradicts itself

unkel

unkel wrote: »

Lads, front fog lights are not tested if they work....

It doesn't matter what you call them or whether they came originally with the car or not.

The rear fog light is a necessary safety feature and is tested

Page 52.........
ITEM
Front Fog Lamp


... REASONS FOR FAILURE
1 Incorrectly positioned (see page 53).
2 Insecurely mounted.
3 Switch defective or does not operate lamp independently of
side light.
4 Not white or yellow.

unkel

Sorry, that was a bit clumsy of me

What I mean is that should the NCT tester switch on the fog lights (I'm not sure if they actually try) and nothing happens, the car will pass

Try for yourself. Take out the bulbs and I'm telling ya the car will pass

CiniO

unkel wrote: »

Try for yourself. Take out the bulbs and I'm telling ya the car will pass

I actually believe it, as I just checked, that in 2008 I bought Opel Astra which was only one week after NCT was done.

Fog lights didn't work in it. In one bulb was broken, and in other seal was gone and it was half full of water.
I can't believe it just happened during one week after NCT before previous owner sold me that car.
So this car must have gone through NCT with not working front fog lights.

mad muffin

SSSSSHHHHHHHOOOOOOSSSHHHH!!!!:eek:

Stop talking about fog lights!!!:p

Seweryn

RoverJames wrote: »

Page 52.........
ITEM
Front Fog Lamp


... REASONS FOR FAILURE
1 Incorrectly positioned (see page 53).
2 Insecurely mounted.
3 Switch defective or does not operate lamp independently of
side light.
4 Not white or yellow.

It is all fine and that's the theory, but when I looked at my NCT report, under fog lights result it says N/A (I assume does not need to be tested / not in place, etc.). The car is equipped with (factory installed) front fog lights, but the guy who tested the car didn't test front fog lights.

dr.fuzzenstein

mad muffin wrote: »

SSSSSHHHHHHHOOOOOOSSSHHHH!!!!:eek:

Stop talking about fog lights!!!:p

raher1

what age does car have to be for an nct?:)

Seweryn

Sonye wrote: »

what age does car have to be for an nct?:)

4 years old.

L-M

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

i want that t shirt very much!

greendom

2 reasons that I have always taken my car for pre nct tests.

1 - to get the underbody washed - this is a requirement isn't it ? How do people do this without taking it to a garage

2 - Wheel alignment - would you not have to pay nct again if the car fails on this - if your car is pulling to 1 side is this something that you can correct yourself ?

CiniO

greendom wrote: »

2 reasons that I have always taken my car for pre nct tests.

1 - to get the underbody washed - this is a requirement isn't it ? How do people do this without taking it to a garage

No, it's not a requirement.
For test car has to be reasonable clean, which means that if you haven'tr driven it on muddy off-road recently, you don't have to do anything.

2 - Wheel alignment - would you not have to pay nct again if the car fails on this - if your car is pulling to 1 side is this something that you can correct yourself ?

On NCT it's just slip-test, and the borders are huge.
If your car failed NCT on this, that would most likely mean you need a proper force on steering wheel to keep it going straight, or otherwise your tyres would be worn to zero in couple months.
If you don't have any of those effects, you are very unlikely to faili NCT on slip-test.

raher1

are cars over ten years worth NCT,the cost of parts and all

dr.fuzzenstein

Sonye wrote: »

are cars over ten years worth NCT,the cost of parts and all

Once a car is properly maintained, it should pass the NCT no problem.
IMO it won't cost a penny more, other than the cost of the test.
And the things that would fail it are safety critical items anyway, so I'm still all for it, though I do believe an annual test is too much.
This was only brought in because the car industry was sending flowers and chocolates to the government.
It's meant to scare people off owning older cars and to keep the Koreans, Japanese, French, Germans, Italians, etc... in business.
To own a car over 10 years old it helps to be mechanically minded, because garages like to quote astronomical repair bills, so you'll get rid of that "banger" and buy a nice, new shiny(hhhmmmh, shiny!) car from them.

CiniO

Sonye wrote: »

are cars over ten years worth NCT,the cost of parts and all

They are worth NCT the same as they were worth it before annual testing was presented.

Fiona

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

I do believe an annual test is too much.

To own a car over 10 years old it helps to be mechanically minded, because garages like to quote astronomical repair bills,

The annual test is good and bad for the older cars i think. Good for people like me who are not mechanically minded and find this as a way to spot things they wouldnt know were on the way out. Bad for the people who are mechanically minded and who can spot a mile away if something is wrong. Having said that the e30 passed first time last year and my e46 failed! Hopefully they will both pass but i will be equally happy if something is spotted so it can be fixed and i go on my merry way in safety.

puppetmaster

Speaking of NCT, There are 3 motors in my yard set for them in the next 2 months.

Quick one if anyone has come across it, Ive Replaced Two tyre sensors on My laguna, replaced them with standard valves that is. And have the Orange Puncture light up on my dash.

Anyone know if this is failable or is it an issue considering the tyres are all new and inflated properly?

Atomic Pineapple

puppetmaster wrote: »

Speaking of NCT, There are 3 motors in my yard set for them in the next 2 months.

Quick one if anyone has come across it, Ive Replaced Two tyre sensors on My laguna, replaced them with standard valves that is. And have the Orange Puncture light up on my dash.

Anyone know if this is failable or is it an issue considering the tyres are all new and inflated properly?

I think any warning light is a failure but you can just remove the bulb.