Headlights, Tyres, Brakes: The Three NCT Pain Points in Winter
NCT failures increase in winter because visibility is reduced, roads are wet and minor defects worsen in cold weather. Focusing on headlights, tyres and brakes will remove the most common stumbling blocks and save you the cost and inconvenience of a retest.
Headlights and lighting
Blown bulbs, cloudy lenses and incorrect aim are frequent causes of failure. Replace bulbs in pairs to keep colour and brightness consistent. Clean lenses thoroughly and ask for an aim check, especially if the car has carried heavy loads. Do not forget sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the rear number plate lamps. Functional wipers and washers support night‑time visibility, so install fresh blades and use winter‑grade screenwash.
Tyres and legality
The legal minimum tread depth in Ireland is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread. In winter, 3 mm is the safer target. Inspect for cracks, bulges and exposed cords and set tyre pressures to the handbook figure. Uneven wear at the edges may indicate poor alignment, which also affects braking stability. Poor tyres are a common reason for a fail dangerous outcome at the test lane.
Brakes and stopping power
Brakes must perform consistently and evenly. Excessive wear on pads or discs, seized calipers or corroded brake lines can all lead to a fail. A garage can visually assess components and check performance on a road test or roller equipment. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which reduces boiling point, so follow the recommended change interval.
Use a pre‑NCT check
A structured pre‑NCT inspection is the most efficient way to resolve issues before the test. Typical checks include lighting and aim, wipers and washers, tyre depth and condition, battery health, visible brake and suspension components, leaks and fluid levels. Arriving with these points addressed makes the test quicker and less stressful.
Plan ahead and arrive prepared
Book early, especially in winter when demand rises. Bring identification, the registration certificate and any previous NCT report. Set tyre pressures to specification, empty the boot of heavy items and ensure the car is clean inside and out. These small steps help the examiner and reflect the car’s true condition.
The winter advantage
Fixing lighting faults, fitting safe tyres and ensuring strong brakes will improve everyday safety in the dark, wet months and raise your chance of passing first time. A little preparation now avoids the inconvenience of a retest and keeps you confident on Dublin roads.
