Driver ‘shocked’ as NCT testers show them potentially fatal issue found on car
The NCT service posted a video of the tyre on social media as a warning to others.
A driver was said to be shocked when shown a potentially fatal flaw with their car after an NCT recently.
NCT testers themselves were “stunned” to discover visible cords around the entire circumference of a tyre during the recent inspection.
The NCT service posted a video of the tyre on social media as a warning to others. They said: “Don't risk your safety on the road—check your tyres today and ensure they're roadworthy! Regular inspections can save lives and prevent accidents.”
With regard to the specific car and driver in this case, they said: “The tyre on this vehicle was very close to causing a blowout on the road. The cord was visible and the wheel alignment was off.
“Needless to say the customer was shocked when they were shown how bad the tyre was,” they added.
They concluded: “Check your tyres; not just when they are due for their NCT.”
Meanwhile, drivers are also being told of other little known visual reasons your car could fail the NCT.
The NCT says: "Taking a few minutes to check some of the visual items below and ensuring they are all working in advance of your NCT could potentially save you valuable time and money."
One of the more obscure items that you could easily forget to check is the little bulbs on your registration plates. It is a legal requirement that your registration is visible at all times and if these bulbs aren't working, it cannot be seen at night.
Your car could fail its NCT if its registration plate lamps are "not working, faulty or not fitted; not white in colour; or if the lens is missing or broken." You can check these bulbs by turning your car on and checking the bulbs are on front and rear before the test.
You can see the full NCT visual checklist below:
Windscreen Wipers and Washers
Reasons for failure:
Missing
Not cleaning windscreen effectively
Wiped areas less than sufficient to give the driver an adequate view
Washer, not working, no water or incorrectly aimed
Seat Belts
Belts cut, badly frayed or repaired
Belts not operating properly
Tyre Condition
tread worn, distorted or damaged
tread depth of less than 1.6mm
Incorrectly seated on wheel rim
Valve Damaged
Registration Plate Lamps
Not working, faulty or not fitted
Not white in colour.
Lens missing or broken.
Stop Lamps
Missing or not clearly visible.
Not working or faulty.
Not brighter than tail lights.
Not red in colour
Insecurely mounted
Contains water/moisture
Lens missing or broken
Switch does not operate correctly
Indicator/Tell Tales
Missing, not working or faulty
Lens broken or missing
Not amber in colour
Horn
Control insecure
Horn insecurely mounted
Not working correctly
Not working or not fitted
Registration Plates Front and Rear
One or both plates missing, insecure or not clearly visible.
Numbers or letters missing or illegible or incorrect size
Numbers, letter or background of incorrect colour
Side Lamps
Not white in colour