NCT fail on lights

The_Kitty

My 05 polo failed the NCT on lights. The tester said to get the lenses cleaned and lights refocused. Passed on everything else. What would it cost to get this done with the lights? Will I go to my regular garage or do the tyrestop type places do this?

User1998

Headlight alignment is around €20, the headlamps will also need to be sanded and polished, a professional headlight restoration job would be around €50 but you can do it yourself if you check Youtube

Rock Steady Edy

I once had a pre NCT check done and was told the lights needed cleaning and sanding and was quoted €30. I ended up washing them myself with a sponge in warm soapy water for about 5 mins and they passed.

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058336644/nct-fail-on-lights

Your own garage will realign the headlamps.

Usually a carwash/valet place will do the sanding, polishing.

Spook_ie

It's surprising what a difference using a toothpaste and microfiber cloth will make before spending out on the more expensive kits.

greasepalm

Yes toothpaste with grit makes all the difference.

Buffman

The trouble with using the DIY toothpaste/oven cleaner/CIF cream etc V the kits is the lights will go dull again very quickly, whereas the kits normally have a bit of oxidation/UV protection built in which helps keep the lights restored for longer.

Saying that, in the past I've used the DIY items to get me through tests successfully when I've been stuck.

kirving

I'd really recommend doing the headlights - I did the below last week for just over a tenner.

I bought the below, and also some extra 2000 Grit wet/dry paper as a review of the kit said that the included pad could wear out quickly. I could have just used any polish or even toothpaste, but the sanding is much faster, and the key thing is you need to re-seal the headlights so that they don't yellow prematurely again.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turtle-Wax-Headlight-Restorer-Headlamp/dp/B08TQBB38G