Will a car fail its NCT if it has been clocked?
If a car is clocked between NCT tests will it fail? As in, if it shows up this year with less mileage than it did at the last test, will it be noticed?
James Mulcahy (Cork)Jan 2012 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi James,
We put this to Cartell.ie, the vehicle records experts. Here's the response:
"Officially, there is no particular line on this question. Anecdotal evidence suggests a vehicle may still pass a subsequent NCT even with a lower odometer reading. The National Car Testing Service is not releasing its mileage data to anyone. Cartell has actively sought mileage records from the NCTS for some time now and continue to do so on the grounds of public safety."
Hope that helps
I have injector problems with my Skoda Octavia.
Hi,
My 2007 Skoda Octavia (a 1.4-litre with 90,000km on the clock) was misfiring badly for a good while before the engine warning light came on. The 'bank 1' oxygen sensor went so we replaced the sensor and the warning light went off. No faults were showing on the diagnostic tool (electrics diagnostics only), but the engine was still misfiring. Unburned fuel was found in cylinder 3, which we eventually got cleaned out.
The coil and spark plugs were testing and found to be firing so it looks like the fuel injector for this cylinder is the problem. I'm going to bring it to a main dealer to try resolve as I think best case is to re-program the injector or worst case, replace it. My question is, how much should this cost to do in best and worst case scenario?
Thanks! Linda
Linda Meehan (Laois)May 2011 Filed under: fault
Expert answer
Hi Linda,
It certainly does sound like an injector issue - assuming the coil and plugs are fine. We'd suggest that the injectors are tested before hastily replacing them. Any decent garage will do that for you - it doesn't have to be a main dealer. From the information you've given us about the car, we don't believe you can re-program the injectors. It may be possible to refurbish them, but in most cases it's probably better just to replace it.
If that's what is needed, the cost of the part itself is well over €100, but no garage should charge you more than an hour of labour for replacing it, as it's a relatively easy job.
Hope that helps and you get sorted.
How do I know if my car is due an NCT?
I have a 2007 Opel Corsa. I know I need to get the NCT done this year, but I don't know when it is due or anything. Friends of mine are saying that they write out to you and let you know; others are saying that you need to ring up. My question is, does the NCT company write to customers who are due an NCT?
David Phelan (Dublin 17)Feb 2011 Filed under: NCT
Expert answer
Hi David,
According to the NCT website:
"All cars should be tested on or before the anniversary date of first registration of the car in the country of origin. There is no link with motor tax or insurance expiry date.
PLEASE NOTE: NCTS can issue your certificate up to six months early for a first time NCT and three months early for subsequent NCT tests. For example, a car was first registered on the 5th June 2006. The car was due for its NCT on the 5th June 2010, the car is brought for its NCT on the 26th January 2010 and it passes. An NCT Certificate is received with an expiry date of 4th June 2012"
If your car is eligible for the NCT (please refer to the testing chart) then please phone us on 1890 412 413 or you can check our on-line service by simply typing in your car registration number and date of first registration of the vehicle (which can be found on your vehicle registration book, registration certificate or licensing certificate."
So, it would appear that you need to contact the NCT to check if your car is eligible for a test.
I hope this helps.
For more visit the National Car Test Website.