Every year in Ireland, over a million used vehicles go to the local NCT station, to be checked for safety. These tests were introduced in January 2000 and for that last 18 years, have virtually stood unchanged. The most frightening statistic that I found whilst conducting my investigation into the new regulations, is that last year, out of 1.3 million vehicles checked a massive 51.5% failed the test.
With effect from 18th August this year, those tests have been brought up to a much higher standard, so I would expect the pass rate to drop even further unless you prepare properly.
What are those major changes, well, the tests will be more involved and pay greater attention to brakes and tyres, which the Gardai state, are a major contributor in road traffic fatalities.
When you go for your next NCT, your report will come in one of four categories, pass, minor fault result, Major fault or dangerous defects. Let’s look at each, individually.
- Pass: Hooray. Treat yourself to a Subway or a McDonalds.
- Minor Fault result: This is a pass, with minor faults listed which you then have 30 days to get them rectified and then get the vehicle back to the NCT station for verification. The NCT cert will only be issued as and when the re-inspection has been carried out.
- Major fault: You will be informed that the vehicle has failed the NCT at this point and again, you will have 30 days to have the remedial work carried out and return to the NCT centre for a full re-test.
- Dangerous fault: The inspector will inform you of this and highlight what the faults are. He will then place a “Failed Dangerous” sticker on your vehicle. You again must have the work rectified as soon as possible and return for a full re-test.
More emphasis will be placed on tyres and brakes and for example, if your vehicle has below the legal tread on your tyres, that will be a “Dangerous defect”. It is also going to be illegal to drive a vehicle with a dangerous defect and means you could incur points, fine or even a court appearance.
The new rules are there to protect us, not to upset us. They are trying to rid us of thousands of vehicles that simply should not be on our roads. Vehicles that risk not just our lives but the lives of others.
My sincere recommendation is to get your vehicle regularly serviced, this way, any issues are spotted before they become a major issue. Tyres, in truth are a big thing for me. I once attended a course at Pirelli and when it was pointed out to me that all that connected me to the road was inches of rubber, I immediately had a greater respect for tyres and just how they can save my life. Brakes, have a look at the size of a brake pad, about 3” x 2” and it’s only 4 of these little guys that you want to stop a tonne of metal going 100KM per hour, in the wet.
We take these things for granted that they will work when we need them, but we need to make sure, really make sure that they are always in the best condition.
Don’t risk it!
Thank you again for reading the ramblings of Thurles Sales Manager, James McVicker. On this occasion, I hope it was helpful.
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