The Motoring Expert
MicksGarage.com answers your motoring questions
This week the lads at MicksGarage.com answer your questions from finding the right floor mats to finding the correct sized handbrake cables.
Over the past couple of weeks the lads at MicksGarage.com have been answering your motoring questions. We threw another shout out on Facebook during the week, so here are the answers to some of your queries. Plus, we finally find out a little bit about Mick himself.
The NCT is up on my car, however, my test date isn’t until September. Can I still drive my car?
In a word, yes. It’s not your fault if the NCT centre doesn’t have any appointments sooner. Be sure to print off your booking confirmation however and carry it with you in the car, just in-case you do get pulled over by the long arm of the law. Of course before you take the test you can make your own small checks on your car, check them all our here.
Where would I find proper mats for a VW Passat?
On the MicksGarage.com website! We stock tailored, exact fit mats for almost all cars and the VW Passat car mats are all €28.50 with free, next day delivery. You can find what you’re looking for here.
The power steering has gone belly up in my ‘00 Laguna. How much of a job will it take to get it back in operation (money wise).
Changing the power steering pump is not a massive job and should only take a few hours. Re-conditioned pumps are available from specialist re-conditioners for around €150 exchange. Alternatively you might find one in a scrap yard for less. You can try our free car part finder service here.
How much do handbrake cables cost for an ‘01 Skoda Octavia cost?
They start at €15 depending on engine size of the Octavia, the brand of cable you wish to purchase and also whether it has brake discs or drums on the back. All the options are listed here.
Who is Mick?
Good question… Well, some say he’s a hybrid creation of MacGyver and Chuck Norris and that both his arms and legs are hydraulic with detachable hand parts for fixing cars!
Rumour also has it that it’s impossible for him to wear socks, for reasons unknown, and that his hobby is pillow fighting with Swedish underwear models.
...However, that’s just what we’ve heard. All we know, is that he’s called Mick!
For all your car part queries, visit www.micksgarage.com. We’ll find the solution to more of your motoring issues next week!
Your advice is way off here.
"In a word, yes. It’s not your fault if the NCT centre doesn’t have any appointments sooner"
This is really bad advice.
Tahen from the Road Traffic Act here - http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0018.html#sec18
"A person shall not use in a public place a mechanically propelled vehicle to which this section applies unless at that time there is in force in respect of the vehicle a test certificate"
No NCT = No Drive
The fact that a Garda might let you off if you have a test booked is a matter of luck, not a given legal right.
A you are now informed and can book for a test up to 3 months before the expiry of your current NCT, I would expect prosecutions and fines for not having a valid cert to increase.
Good advice is to book early and give yourself time to fix any mechanical issues before your current cert runs out, not the " Ah sure the Garda will let you off if you have booked a test " line.