NCT testers reveal little-known code on car tyres that could result in a fail

NCT testers have shared a tip on how to predict if your tyres could fail an NCT.

Over the last five years, tyres have been one of the top two visual reasons cars fail the NCT. With half of all cars now failing the full NCT test, drivers are looking at ways to prepare and pass first time.

Starting with your tyres is a good shout but there is a little-known code on the wall of your tyre itself that could tell you the car is going to fail the NCT even before you pull up to the test centre.

The code appears on most tyres and is the week and year in which the tyre was manufactured. If a tyre is older than six years, it is more likely to be failed by an NCT tester.

The NCT Ireland Facebook page explained: "Here’s how to tell how old a tyre is. The number on the left is the week it was made and the number on the right is the year it was made. This one was made in the 21st week of 2020."

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The RSA explains: "From 2018-2022, tyres were consistently one of the top two visual failure items at the NCT. At the NCT, tyres are inspected for tread depth, condition and the presence of European type approval (‘E’ or ‘e’) marks.

"At the NCT, you will be told if any of your tyres have a tread depth of less than 3mm or if the date of manufacture of a tyre
that is more than six years old. This is classed as a ‘pass advisory’ item. This will not cause your
vehicle to fail its NCT, but it is to advise you that your tyres may soon need to be changed."

A tyre that gets an advisory pass in an NCT today is likely to fail the next time it comes before a tester.