The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is marking 25 years of the National Car Test (NCT) by urging motorists to get winter ready. With colder, wetter weather on the way, the RSA is reminding drivers that keeping vehicles roadworthy is vital for safety.

Since 2000, approximately 26 million full NCT tests have been carried out. Last year, the NCT completed 1.7million full NCT tests which is the highest in the services history.

With close to 2.5 million vehicles in the national fleet, the NCT is a critical preventative road safety measure, designed to ensure vehicles meet basic safety standards at the time of testing. While it not a substitute for regular service and car maintenance, it plays a vital role in identifying safety-critical issues, with visible and accessible components like brakes, suspension, tyres, lights and steering among the areas assessed.

Brendan Walsh, Chief Operations Officer at RSA said: “Winter poses additional risks on Irish roads, and poorly maintained vehicles can be more susceptible to breakdowns or collisions in challenging conditions. We are urging all motorists across Ireland to prepare their vehicles and carry out regular car maintenance checks. This includes checking tyres and lights regularly, keeping fluids topped up and windows clean for optimum visibility and ensuring you book in your yearly vehicle service.

“Test volumes remain strong and consistent this year for the NCT and pass rates vary subject to a vehicles age, mileage, and road conditions in locality. For instance, cars near coastal areas may have higher corrosion-related failure rates, and older or high-mileage vehicles typically have lower pass rates. Over 80% of four-year-old cars pass on first inspection, while vehicles 10 years or older see pass rates fall below 40%.

“Ireland’s ageing vehicle fleet, now averaging around 9.9 years, is driving up NCT demand and failure rates, as cars over 10 years require annual testing and are more prone to defects. With high demand continuing, early booking is strongly advised to ensure peace of mind heading into winter.”

The most common reasons cars fail the NCT include worn tyres, faulty brake lines, seatbelt and exhaust system conditions as well as defective suspension. Many of these issues can be prevented with regular servicing.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to allow plenty of time to book their NCT. Cars may be tested up to 90 days in advance of the test due date without affecting the expiry date of the certificate issued. This system is in place to ensure all owners have sufficient time to have their vehicles successfully tested before the current certificate expires.

For more information or to book your NCT, visit: www.ncts.ie