The easy-to-overlook fault could end up making you pay for a re-test
NCT Centre
The National Car Testing (NCT) Service has warned that more than 180,000 motorists have failed their tests due to one easy-to-spot issue. The organisation has teamed up with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána to warn motorists of a common issue that could lead to a re-test or a fine at a Garda checkpoint.
The group has urged motorists to take more responsibility for the condition of their tyres, as a significant number of drivers only discover that their tyres are unsafe on the day of their NCT. To raise awareness, they have launched Tyre Safety Day, an initiative that highlights the risks of neglecting tyre maintenance, especially as we approach the winter months when having a good grip on the road is crucial.
There can be wet and slippery conditions on the road during these harsher months, making it more difficult for your tyres to grip and brake easily. The NCTS reported that over the last 12 months, figures show that 182,160 motorists failed their NCT due to tyre condition, which accounts for 10.5% of motorists.
They added that 43,184 vehicles were recorded as having dangerously low tread depths of less than 1.6mm. Mark Synnott, Managing Director of NCTS, noted that the service has detected over 200,000 tyres with defects so far this year. An Garda Síochána has also issued 1,755 fixed charge notices for tyre offences this year to date.
Sam Waide, CEO of the RSA, said: “Tyres are the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road, and they play a vital role in keeping you safe. Worn or defective tyres can mean the difference between stopping in time or being involved in a serious collision. Alarmingly, tyres remain the leading cause of NCT failures, which shows that too many motorists are not carrying out basic checks. Tyre Safety Day is a reminder that checking your tyres should be a year-round habit, not something left until test time.”
Inspector Ross O’Doherty, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, also added: “Too often, Gardaí encounter vehicles on the road fitted with tyres that fall below acceptable legal and safety standards, posing risks not only to the driver but to all road users. We encourage drivers to make tyre checks a regular habit, looking out for signs of wear, damage, or low tread depth, and to replace tyres when necessary. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring safer journeys.”
The NCTS stated that tyres must meet the correct standard and size for your vehicle, be free from defects, properly inflated, and have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm (1mm for motorcycles).
Here are some safety tips they shared for motorists:
- Carry out a visual check before every journey.
- Look for bulges, cracks, cuts, or uneven wear.
- Ensure tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Replace tyres when tread depth falls below 3mm-new tyres typically have 8mm.
- Remember: the legal minimum tread is 1.6mm (1mm for motorcycles).
