So how can you prepare your car ahead of time to avoid walking away with a ‘fail’ certificate and a re-test date? Read on for the top NCT failure points, plus advice on how to prevent against them.

1. Tyre tread depth and damage

If your tyre tread depth is below the legal 1.6mm limit, if there is damage like cuts or bulges to your tyres, or if your four tyres are of mis-matched sizes or types, you can be almost certain of failing the NCT.

Luckily, these issues are easy to fix. Just make sure the tyres are correctly inflated to the manufacturer’s guidelines, that they don’t have any visible damage, and that your tyres are the same type/size on each axle (front and back). Tyres also need to have a visible E-mark, denoting EU approval.

2. Front suspension damage or imbalance

Your car will fail the NCT if there is more than 30 per cent imbalance between left-hand and right-hand suspension. It’s not just imbalance though: loose, worn, corroded, cracked, damaged, worn or deformed parts will also catch testers’ attention. If you suspect a front suspension issue, it’s best to consult a professional.

3. Brake line or hose problems

The brake hose transmits brake fluid under hydraulic pressure to the brake callipers or wheel cylinder. It’s essential that your brake hose is in good working order, not just for the NCT but for brake function in general. Perished, kinked, damaged or rusted break hoses will fail the NCT. These can be checked and repaired by a mechanic if necessary.

4. Headlamp aim

Depending on the car’s make and model, your headlamps will either be checked for main beam or dip beam. You can have the headlamps aligned by our qualified technicians. Yes, there’s a fee, but it’ll cost you more if you need to have the NCT re-done.

5. Faulty or missing stop lamps

If your car’s stop lamps are faulty, missing or not clearly visible, you could have an NCT failure on your hands. Luckily, this is a pretty easy problem to check yourself. Ensure your stop lights are brighter than your tail lights, that they shine red, that the dimensions match, that they are securely mounted, and that there are no lens cracks.

To book your Pre-NCT check or to find out more information, fill in the Contact Form.

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*Please note that the Pre-NCT Check is a Vehicle Safety Check carry out by qualified BMW Technicians that provides a reasonable indication of items for an NCT pass, it does not guarantee a pass.