Irish motorists are being reminded that they have a responsibility to make sure their car is in safe running order, even if there are long delays in getting appointments for statutory NCT tests, writes Brian Byrne.
Tom Dennigan of Continental Tyres Ireland says there are a number of simple checks that motorists should regularly carry out on their vehicle. "For example, with your car’s tyres, the vehicle’s only contact with the road, a tyre check can be done very simply and quickly by checking the tread depth and tyre pressures as well as keeping an eye out for any bumps or bulges in the tyre," he says. "As tyres are consistently in the top five reasons for a failure in the NCT, motorists should get into the habit of performing these simple checks at least every two weeks and certainly before a long journey."
Since the introduction of the National Car Test in 2000, Tom Dennigan says the initiative has 'done a great job' in ensuring the vast majority of cars on Irish roads are roadworthy and safe. "However, we know from surveys and feedback from tyre dealers across the country that many Irish motorists don’t give a second thought to the roadworthiness of their cars once they pass the NCT. In light of the recent long delays in NCT testing, some motorists might be dicing with danger in neglecting the upkeep of their car, in particular, if they received an advisory notice in relation to the functioning of their car when they last presented it for a test."
In addition to staying aware of the condition of their tyres, including watching for bulges and splits, motorists should also be doing other regular checks on brakes and brake fluid levels, lights, windscreen wipers, coolant and antifreeze, and oil levels — that last in particular for older vehicles that may use up oil quicker than more efficient newer models.
