Thousands of drivers could be turned away from test centre over little known NCT rule

Motorists across Ireland are being urged to check their engine oil levels before attending an NCT appointment after the National Car Testing Service warned that vehicles can be refused a test if oil levels are too low.

In a recent social media post, NCT Ireland reminded drivers that neglecting basic vehicle maintenance could lead to unexpected issues on test day.

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"Don't let your oil levels slide or you may be in for a surprise," the organisation said.

According to NCT Ireland, inspectors can refuse to test a vehicle where oil levels are too low, as it may affect exhaust emissions testing and potentially cause damage to the engine during the inspection process.

Drivers are being encouraged to regularly check all fluid levels in their vehicles, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid, and ensure they are topped up to the correct levels before attending a test centre.

NCT Ireland has also shared guidance on how to check engine oil levels correctly. Motorists should ensure the engine is switched off and allowed to cool for several minutes before removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it and then checking whether the oil level sits between the minimum and maximum markers.

The reminder serves as a timely warning that even small maintenance issues could cause problems on the day of an NCT, potentially resulting in additional inconvenience and expense for motorists.

Drivers can find further vehicle preparation advice on the NCT website ahead of their scheduled test.