The Motoring Expert

This week JOE's Motors Expert, Mark Connolly from Premier Motor Group, advises one JOE reader on what to do with their car before it goes for the NCT.

Hi Mark,

I have my NCT coming up and I was wondering what’s the best way to make sure she’s running fit for the test? Is it just about bringing it to a garage for a pre-NCT or are there a few things I can do myself to really get it in order – cash is tight!

Keith, Belturbet

Hi Keith,

Generally people will go for a pre NCT test to check the car over first. This could cost €30-€50 - or free if you were getting the car serviced at that time. If cash is tight you could take the gamble and just put it through the test and see what happens. You'll have to pay for a re-test afterwards but you will get a full report on what's wrong with the car so you know exactly where you stand.

There’s not a whole lot you can do yourself as the bulk of the test is carried out with very expensive diagnostic machinery and emissions testers. Plus, you don't want to make things worse which can easily happen with a DIY job.

See how you get on and let us know if you need something fixed we will try and do our very best for you.

Cheers,

Mark.

Have you got a motoring-related question you'd like answered? Email us at asktheexpert@joe.ie and we'll try to help you out.

Premier Motor Group is Ireland's leading fleet management, car leasing and car sales company, founded in 2003 and based in Ballymount, Dublin 12. For more details, click on www.premiermotorgroup.ie or give the lads a call at 01 456 8000.