NCT Failure 2024: Top Five Failure Hotspots and Tips to Help Your Car Pass

According to the National Car Testing Service (NCT), nearly half of the 1.5 million vehicles that underwent full NCT tests last year failed. This statistic reveals the importance of ensuring that your vehicle is in good condition before the test. In this article, we will discuss the top five NCT failure hotspots and provide some tips to help your car pass the NCT with flying colors.

The top failure hotspot out of the 50 NCT centers nationwide was the Cavan NCT Centre, where 59% of vehicles failed. The Derrybeg NCT Centre in Donegal had the second-highest failure rate at 56%, followed by Navan and Ballina at 55% each. Clifden in Co Galway recorded the fifth-highest failure rate at 54%. These statistics highlight the importance of being aware of the specific requirements and standards set by your local NCT center.

The NCT aims to reduce the number of road deaths by identifying defects in vehicles such as faulty brakes, worn tires, and defective headlights. Steering and suspension problems were the main reasons for vehicle failures, accounting for 14.6% of all fails. Lighting and electrical issues ranked second, contributing to 14.3% of failures. Other common reasons for failure included the side slip test (11.7%), wheels and tires (10%), and the brake test (9.6%).

To increase your chances of passing the NCT, it is crucial to address these common failure areas. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and rectify any potential issues before the test. Checking your vehicle’s steering and suspension components, ensuring that all lights are functioning properly, and maintaining proper tire pressure are some steps you can take to prepare your car for the NCT.

It is important to note that a dangerous fail is classified as a defect that poses a direct or immediate risk to road safety. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a dangerous defect, as stated in the Road Traffic Act 1961. Last year, the top five “dangerous fail” areas by testing center were Fonthill, Northpoint 2, Deansgrange, and Greenhills, all in Dublin, followed by Cork-Little Island in Co Cork.

The data also revealed the car models with the highest NCT failure rates. Ford was the most tested vehicle make, with 171,129 Ford models undergoing the NCT. Of the Ford models tested, 50% failed, with lighting and electrical defects being the most common issue. Other car models with high failure rates included Chevrolet (69%), Chrysler (61%), Citroen (58%), Daihatsu (57%), and Saab (55%). On the other hand, Porsche ranked highest in terms of NCT passes (65%), followed by Lexus (62%), Seat (59%), Land Rover (58%), and Hyundai (57%).

To ensure a smooth NCT experience, it is recommended to schedule your test well in advance. Applus, the Spanish company that operates NCT tests in Ireland, has made efforts to reduce the waiting time for appointments. The average wait time for a test is currently 12 days, according to the National Car Testing Service website. However, it is advisable to book your test early, especially during the busiest period when vehicles are due on the anniversary of their registration.

In conclusion, the NCT failure rates emphasize the importance of conducting pre-NCT checks and addressing any potential issues before the test. Regular maintenance, including checking steering and suspension, lights, and tires, can significantly increase your chances of passing the NCT. By being proactive and taking the necessary steps to ensure your vehicle is in good condition, you can avoid the inconvenience and potential penalties associated with NCT failures.

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