'It's what's underneath that matters' - NCT warns Irish drivers about major fail risk

NCT Ireland has issued a stark warning to Irish motorists after uncovering "significant structural corrosion" during recent inspections, reminding drivers that it's what's underneath the car that often matters most.

In a post shared on the NCT Ireland Facebook page, testers said the rust damage wasn't visible from the outside but could have led to dangerous component failure while driving.

"Your vehicle might look fine from the outside, but it's what's underneath that often matters most," they warned. "Left undetected, it would have led to dangerous component failure while on the road."

Photos shared by the NCT show extensive rust and cracking on vehicle components, some with holes large enough to compromise the structural integrity of the car.

They added that for older vehicles, inspections tend to be more thorough, and hidden faults like this are exactly why the NCT exists.

Drivers are being reminded not to ignore their NCT due date and to take any underbody warnings seriously.

The warning comes as the NCT continues to tackle a backlog in test appointments, with many motorists struggling to secure a slot. Despite improvements in capacity, delays remain in some centres, prompting renewed calls for clearer guidance on enforcement grace periods.

Vehicle maintenance experts also note that corrosion is a growing issue in Ireland, largely due to wet winters, salted roads, and poor drainage, all of which can accelerate rust on a vehicle's chassis and suspension. Regular checks and proper underbody washes, especially after winter, can help reduce long-term risk.

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