Auto Plus Motor Factors

Why you will fail the NCT (Part 1)

The same 4 items keep coming top of the list for failing cars at the NCT each year. These are; the front Suspension, tyres, headlights and brake lines/hoses. So let’s see if we can improve your chance of passing the test first time by making sure you have them in tip-top shape. Not alone will they make your car much safer on the road – which is what the NCT is designed to do – they will save you both time and money in having to do re-tests.

Front Suspension:

As you are aware, this helps maintain a reasonably comfortable balance on the road so your car is not bounced all over the place.
If you drive 20.000km a year, it has been calculated, that a shock absorber will do 15 million to 20 million ‘cycles of movement’ – that’s a lot of wear and tear.
How will you know if something is wrong?
There are several indications that your shock absorbers, for example, are in trouble. Here’s just a few you can check out yourself:
1 - You might notice one side of the car is a little higher/lower than the other
2 - The car may feel it is straying a bit to one side (other factors can cause this too)
3 - You notice the car jars more over rougher surfaces
4 - Your tyres are wearing unevenly (again, other factors can contribute to that too but it is an indication of trouble)

TIP! Push down on the front corners of the car. If the car rises and steadies, the shock absorber are likely to be okay. If it rises and dips a second or third time you need to get help. Please remember that suspensions are complicated with many parts and links so if you notice a problem you need to get a properly trained mechanic to take a look.

We won’t insult your intelligence by pointing out how vital your car’s brakes are. But faults in brake lines and hoses constitute the other big reason for cars failing the NCT
How will you know if something is wrong?
The harsh fact is it might be too late to find out – unless you have your braking system checked regularly. This is vital.
You may notice a softness in the pedal when you brake – they call it ‘fade’. That suggests there is something wrong.
Check your brake fluid levels every week without fail. If there is any sign of them getting lower you need to have it checked by a garage.
Get your mechanic to check for wear and tear on brake pads. Leave nothing to chance.
Make sure your handbrake is 100 per cent effective.
TIP! Always check the ground where your car is parked for tell-tale signs of leakages (brakes, cooling system etc) under the engine compartments especially.

Why you will fail the NCT (Part 1)

The same 4 items keep coming top of the list for failing cars at the NCT each year. These are; the front Suspension, tyres, headlights and brake lines/hoses. So let’s see if we can improve your chance of passing the test first time by making sure you have them in tip-top shape. Not alone will they make your car much safer on the road – which is what the NCT is designed to do – they will save you both time and money in having to do re-tests.

Front Suspension:

As you are aware, this helps maintain a reasonably comfortable balance on the road so your car is not bounced all over the place.
If you drive 20.000km a year, it has been calculated, that a shock absorber will do 15 million to 20 million ‘cycles of movement’ – that’s a lot of wear and tear.
How will you know if something is wrong?
There are several indications that your shock absorbers, for example, are in trouble. Here’s just a few you can check out yourself:
1 - You might notice one side of the car is a little higher/lower than the other
2 - The car may feel it is straying a bit to one side (other factors can cause this too)
3 - You notice the car jars more over rougher surfaces
4 - Your tyres are wearing unevenly (again, other factors can contribute to that too but it is an indication of trouble)

TIP! Push down on the front corners of the car. If the car rises and steadies, the shock absorber are likely to be okay. If it rises and dips a second or third time you need to get help. Please remember that suspensions are complicated with many parts and links so if you notice a problem you need to get a properly trained mechanic to take a look.