Tyres among the main causes of NCT failures
Almost one in two cars failed the NCT in 2024.
More than 856,000 motorists failed the National Car Test (NCT) in 2024, according to data from the company that runs the service for the State.
There were 1.73 million tests during the year, which means the failure rate was almost one in two (49.4%).
The top reasons for failure of the test in 2024 have remained consistent with results from the last few years:
1. Steering and suspension (14.9%).
2. Lighting and electrical (14.1%).
3. The ‘side slip test’ which measures how a car can maintain a straight line when driven without steering wheel input (12.2%).
4. Tyres and wheels (9.9%).
In 2023, a whopping 75,000 cars failed the test because of issues with their tyres and wheels. For 2024, that figure has grown to more than 85,000 cars that were failed because of defective tyres.
Tom Dennigan, head of premium German tyre manufacturer, Continental Tyres Ireland, says: “It is always better to focus on the positive and clearly, we have to commend the NCT service in their efforts to keep dangerous or defective cars off Ireland’s roads. Also, we need to recognise the slightly more than 50% of drivers who maintained their vehicle in a roadworthy state and subsequently passed their NCT in 2024.
"However, it is hard not to be alarmed at that growth in test failures that are attributed to defective tyres, an increase of 10,000 from last year.
"We have highlighted before that tyres are the easiest element of the test to get right. Unlike the more mechanical elements of a car’s roadworthiness, which generally needs the input of a trained technician, a driver can easily check and see if a car’s tyres are fit for purpose. Any driver can carry out a visual examination that will show up any obvious problems.
"However, our advice to motorists is always to regularly have your tyres checked at a local tyre dealership where specially trained staff will identify any problems before it’s too late. Many tyre outlets will happily provide you with a free tyre check."
When checking tyres, it is important to check key elements such as tread depth and tyre pressure, but it is equally as important to check for bumps, or uneven wear of the tyre that, in extreme cases, could lead to a tyre blowout.
Mr Dennigan concluded: “Notwithstanding the good work of the NCT service, we are still seeing too many road traffic collisions where the roadworthiness of a vehicle is a major contributory factor. I have no doubt that because of the important part tyres play in keeping a car safe on the road and in particular, enabling it to stop safely in an emergency situation, defective tyres are a key causal factor in too many collisions. The only way for that situation to improve is for drivers to take proper responsibility for the roadworthiness of their vehicles and that includes making proper preparations when taking the NCT."
