NCT & winter help

Lights

Every bulb must work: headlights, sidelights, indicators, brake lights, fog and number plate lights. Headlight aim is checked too.

Wipers & washers

Split or smearing blades and empty or blocked washers are common fails.

Brakes

The roller test checks braking efficiency and side-to-side imbalance. Worn or contaminated pads, scored discs and sticking calipers are the usual causes.

Suspension & steering

Worn drop links, ball joints, track rod ends and bushes are among the most common NCT fails.

Tyres

Minimum 1.6mm tread, no cuts or bulges, and matching size and type on each axle.

Emissions & warning lights

Fresh oil, a clean air filter and a good run before the test help. An engine management light on will fail.

Battery

Slow starts on cold mornings are a warning sign – batteries over 4–5 years old are most at risk.

Antifreeze

Check the coolant level and strength – aim for protection to at least -25°C.

Screenwash

Use a winter-strength mix so it doesn't freeze.

Wipers & bulbs

Fresh blades and working lights for the dark evenings.

De-icer & scraper

Keep both in the car from November.

Size & terminals

The case size and terminal layout must match your battery tray and leads.

Stop-start?

Stop-start cars need an EFB or AGM battery. Replace like for like: never fit a standard battery to a stop-start car.

Coding

Some cars need a new battery registered to the battery management system. We'll tell you if yours does.

Cold cranking amps (CCA)

Match or beat the original rating, especially for diesels.

Ah capacity

Higher capacity helps cars with lots of electrics.

Easiest option

Give us your reg and we'll match the exact battery for you.