Articles by David Hurley

World

'Shocking twist' - NCT in warning to motorists 'not to leave it to chance' to stay safe

The company which operates the NCT service in Ireland has issued a warning to motorists across the country after a serious defect was discovered during one recent test. Taking to social media, inspectors highlighted the incident which, they say, compromised the "stability and safety" of the vehicle in question. "Surprise at the NCT! This vehicle came in with a shocking twist—its coil springs were completely detached, compromising stability and safety!," they wrote. READ NEXT: 'Shocking and devastating' - Five young people killed in horror road crash in County Louth Motorists are being advised that regular checks can save them from unexpected shocks. "If your vehicle is due for a service, don’t leave it to chance! Regular maintenance keeps you safe on the road," reads the post. Meanwhile, drivers are also being advised of other little known visual reasons as to why their cars could fail the NCT. The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money." One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night. Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test. You can see the full NCT visual checklist below: Windscreen Wipers and Washers Reasons for failure: Missing Not cleaning windscreen effectively Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed Seat Belts Reasons for failure: Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired Belts not operating properly Tyre Condition Reasons for failure: tread worn, distorted or damaged tread depth of less than 1.6mm Incorrectly seated on wheel rim Valve Damaged Registration Plate Lamps Reasons for failure: Not working, faulty or not fitted Not white in colour. Lens missing or broken. Stop Lamps Reasons for failure: Missing or not clearly visible. Not working or faulty. Not brighter than tail lights. Not red in colour Insecurely mounted Contains water/moisture Lens missing or broken Switch does not operate correctly Indicator/Tell Tales Reasons for failure: Missing, not working or faulty Insecurely mounted Lens broken or missing Contains water/moisture Not amber in colour Horn Reasons for failure: Control insecure Horn insecurely mounted Not working correctly Not working or not fitted Registration Plates Front and Rear Reasons for failure: One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible. Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour Side Lamps Reasons for failure: Missing or not clearly visible. Not working or faulty. Not white in colour Insecurely mounted Contains water/moisture Lens missing or broken