Got your NCT coming up?
A little preparation before test day can help you spot potential issues early and avoid unnecessary surprises when you arrive at the test centre.
A good place to start is making sure your car is properly maintained. From getting your car serviced to checking your tyres, lights and a few easy-to-forget details, here are some things to keep in mind before your NCT.
Start with a service
If your car is due a service, getting it serviced ahead of your NCT is a sensible place to start.
A service gives you an opportunity to identify maintenance issues that may need attention and make sure your car is being properly looked after before test day.
However, a service and an NCT are not the same thing. Having your car serviced does not guarantee it will pass the NCT, just as passing the NCT does not replace the need for regular servicing and maintenance.
Once the main maintenance is taken care of, there are some simple checks you can do yourself.
Check your lights
Check that your headlights, brake lights, indicators and other exterior lights are all working correctly.
A bulb can stop working without you noticing, so it is worth doing another quick check shortly before your appointment.
Take a closer look at your tyres
Do not just look at the tread depth. Check the overall condition of each tyre for signs of damage, excessive wear or uneven wear.
It is also worth taking a look at your wheels. Missing, loose or defective wheel nuts or studs can cause problems at the NCT.
Check your windscreen, wipers and washers
Make sure your windscreen provides a clear view and that your wipers and washers are working correctly.
If you have damage to your windscreen, do not assume it is fine because the chip or crack looks small. Its size and location matter, particularly if it affects the driver’s field of vision.
Check your number plates
Make sure your registration plates are secure, clean and clearly visible.
It is not just about whether the registration can be read. Plates also need to meet the relevant requirements around their condition, format and visibility.
Look at your dashboard
Check your dashboard for warning lights that remain illuminated.
If a warning light has recently appeared, give yourself enough time to have the issue investigated rather than waiting until test day.
Check your seat belts
Make sure each seat belt is accessible and that it fastens and releases correctly.
It is also worth checking for any obvious signs of damage or fraying.
Give your horn a quick check
Your horn might be easy to overlook when preparing for an NCT, but it is tested.
Make sure it is working correctly before your appointment.
Make sure the driver’s window opens
A driver’s window that will not open can cause an issue during an NCT.
The driver needs to be able to give emergency hand signals when required, so make sure the window can be opened properly.
Make sure your boot opens
Check that your boot can be opened before your appointment. The tester may need access to areas of the vehicle required for inspection.
Don’t forget the small things on test day
You have had the car serviced. You have checked the tyres, lights and other essentials. Before you leave, there are still a few small things that are easy to forget.
Switch off your dashcam
If you have a dashcam fitted, make sure it is switched off before the test.
Clear unnecessary clutter
Remove unnecessary belongings or clutter that could prevent parts of the vehicle from being properly inspected.
Clean your number plates
Even if you have already checked them, give your plates a quick clean before you leave and make sure they are clearly visible.
Make sure the seat belts are accessible
Check that bags, coats or other belongings are not covering or obstructing any of the seat belts.
Double-check your lights
It only takes a minute to check your headlights, brake lights and indicators one last time.
Bring your vehicle registration document
Make sure you have your vehicle registration document, commonly referred to as your logbook, with you.
These may seem like small details, but overlooking test requirements or arriving with a vehicle that cannot be properly inspected could cause problems on the day.
Give yourself time to prepare
Try not to leave everything until the morning of your appointment.
If your car is due a service, get it sorted in advance. Then check your tyres, lights, windscreen, wipers, seat belts, warning lights and other essentials.
On test day, do one final check for the smaller things, such as your dashcam, clutter, number plates and vehicle registration document.
What happens if your car fails?
A failed NCT does not necessarily mean paying for a completely new test.
The type of retest required and the cost will depend on what your vehicle failed on and how it needs to be retested.
It is worth checking the current NCT guidance so you know what applies to your particular result.
What if getting NCT-ready costs more than expected?
Sometimes preparing for an NCT can uncover repairs or maintenance you were not expecting.
If your current vehicle needs more attention than planned, you may decide to repair it. Alternatively, you might start considering whether it is time to change your vehicle.
If changing your car is the right option for you, Vendor Finance can help you explore your vehicle finance options. Get in touch with Vendor Finance to explore your options.
