Pass the NCT for the first time
The National Car Test (NCT) was a European Union directive introduced in Ireland in January 2000. The NCT is mandatory and is carried out every two years on every vehicle in Ireland. The objective of the NCT is to guarantee higher levels of road safety for vehicles and as a measure to protect the environment. There are 43 custom NCT centers in Ireland and the service is fast and efficient.
The NCT can be booked online at http://www.nct.ie or by phone. Each car owner will be given a date and time to bring their vehicle to the local NCT testing center. Reservations can be canceled with prior notice without loss of reservation payment if the cancellation is made within a fixed time frame (be sure to check the NCT website mentioned above to verify the circumstances of the cancellation!).
Preparation for the NCT
Make sure your vehicle is clean, particularly the underside of the car, as the mechanic must inspect it carefully and must be able to see clearly.
Check your engine oil level making sure it is at the recommended level.
Remove all unnecessary belongings from the vehicle, including the trunk.
Make sure your tires are in good condition and at the correct pressure. Don’t forget the spare wheel as it will also be inspected. Items tested during NCT include:
* Brakes
* exhaust emissions
* Wheels and tires
* Lights
* Steering and suspension
* Chassis and underbody
* Electric systems
* Glass and mirrors
* Interiors
* Fuel system
* Miscellaneous
Service car before NCT?
Many vehicle owners have their car repaired before the NCT. Although this does not guarantee that the vehicle will pass the NCT, it can improve your chances.
Another train of thought is not to fix the car especially for the NCT; if it fails, you will have a specific list of faults with the vehicle that can then be presented to a mechanic to fix. When the vehicle is retested for the NCT, only faults on the original list will be inspected. If your mechanic has done his job properly, the vehicle will be awarded its two-year NCT pass.
*Important Note: If you believe your vehicle is unroadworthy or may cause a hazard on the road, you should have it checked immediately, do not wait for your NCT appointment before doing so.
Vehicles that are serviced regularly will be safer to drive, more environmentally friendly and have a better chance of passing the NCT the first time.