Car to mechanic before or after NCT
- Thread starter jim
- Start date
Look at the scope of the test, you can do pretty much all of it yourself at home without having to hear the hard sell on needing new tyres, brakes....
National Car Test
The National Car Test is a compulsory test that ensures your vehicle meets the highest standards of road safety and environmental protection. Find out how the test is conducted, how and where to apply and how to prepare for the test.
It was two 'major' fails but no 'dangerous' fails. So my car is going to the mechanic on the 17th, my current cert expires on the 20th and my re-test is on the 22nd. So I'm thinking I'll be fine to drive it up until the 20th and then won't drive it again until I'm taking it for the re-test on the 22nd.
You will be okay up to your retest. It's highly unlikely that you will be stoped by a Garda. Even if you are, no Garda is going to hassle you for being a few days beyond your NCT limit. Keep the NCT retest letter in the car to show just in case.
That's just dumb luck. Garages and mechanics can't actually check/test all the things that are tested in the NCT they simply don't have the same equipment.
You play the odds in my opinion.
If the car unlikely to fail you do the NCT and you might not need to fix anything.
If it's likely to fail still do the test and find out what is needed so you don't go to the mechanic twice.
The NCT doesn't replace the need to do the normal servicing though.
If the car unlikely to fail you do the NCT and you might not need to fix anything.
If it's likely to fail still do the test and find out what is needed so you don't go to the mechanic twice.
The NCT doesn't replace the need to do the normal servicing though.
Threw this into AI for fun..
"A mechanic doesn't typically have access to the specialized equipment used at an NCT test center, such as the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) testing system or the specific NCT test equipment used to measure emissions and other parameters.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
NCT-Specific Equipment:
NCT centers utilize specialized equipment that is not standard in a typical mechanic's workshop.
OBD Testing:
Mechanics may have OBD scanners, but the NCT uses a system that goes beyond basic error code reading, including scanning for vehicle identification number, odometer reading, and electronic braking system data.
Emissions Testing:
NCT centers have equipment to measure exhaust emissions, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Brake Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test brake performance, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Suspension Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test suspension, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Tyre Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test tyre condition, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics. "
In my opinion it's wrong on 3 of those items but correct on 2 of them. Never seen a mechanic or garage with the equipment to test brakes or suspension like the NCT. So if you've an imbalance in those without the equipment it's unlikely the best mechanic in the world could catch that. Regardless of any management practise.
"A mechanic doesn't typically have access to the specialized equipment used at an NCT test center, such as the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) testing system or the specific NCT test equipment used to measure emissions and other parameters.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
NCT-Specific Equipment:
NCT centers utilize specialized equipment that is not standard in a typical mechanic's workshop.
OBD Testing:
Mechanics may have OBD scanners, but the NCT uses a system that goes beyond basic error code reading, including scanning for vehicle identification number, odometer reading, and electronic braking system data.
Emissions Testing:
NCT centers have equipment to measure exhaust emissions, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Brake Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test brake performance, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Suspension Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test suspension, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics.
Tyre Testing:
NCT centers use equipment to test tyre condition, which is not a standard piece of equipment for most mechanics. "
In my opinion it's wrong on 3 of those items but correct on 2 of them. Never seen a mechanic or garage with the equipment to test brakes or suspension like the NCT. So if you've an imbalance in those without the equipment it's unlikely the best mechanic in the world could catch that. Regardless of any management practise.
Does your mechanic have rolling test equipment to check for side slip and braking effort.
Does he have vibrating equipment to check suspension performance.
Does he have exhaust emissions test equipment.
If he has all this equipment, how much does he charge for a service using this equipment compared to a service not including these tests.
Does he have vibrating equipment to check suspension performance.
Does he have exhaust emissions test equipment.
If he has all this equipment, how much does he charge for a service using this equipment compared to a service not including these tests.
I know my mechanic does have emissions testing and OBD (have that myself). If it's as comprehensive equipment as the NCT I've no idea.
Have failed on rear brake balance before and it was unnoticeable driving the car.
I don't think they have special tyre equipment the AI made that one up.
I could be wrong..
Have failed on rear brake balance before and it was unnoticeable driving the car.
I don't think they have special tyre equipment the AI made that one up.
I could be wrong..
All mechanics have OBD test equipment.
The NCT test did include an OBD check, but the two most recent NCT tests on my cars did not include an OBD test.
The NCT test centres have lifting equipment which enable the vehicle to be futher lifted to enable the wheels to be freely spun. This is for tyre, wheel bearing and brake binding testing.
It also includes equipment for steering gear testing.
The NCT test did include an OBD check, but the two most recent NCT tests on my cars did not include an OBD test.
The NCT test centres have lifting equipment which enable the vehicle to be futher lifted to enable the wheels to be freely spun. This is for tyre, wheel bearing and brake binding testing.
It also includes equipment for steering gear testing.
Last edited:
There's an awful lot that a mechanic could get wrong that would not be detected in the NCT test.