Nooo… 8 all-too real emotions watching your car endure its NCT

Lifestyle

Jan 16, 2017

The NCT: one of the most stressful aspects of car ownership. And kind of like walking into your Leaving Cert., it is GUARANTEED to leave you a sweating, hyperventilating mess.

From feeling guilty that you didn't take better care of it to feeling embarrassed that you actually OWN it, the NCT can leave you battling through tears, fears and eight all-too real emotions.

1. Sadness

Watching Betsy being driven away… it's there – in the rain – that you decide to take better care of her. Reminiscing over the fun you've had, you promise yourself that this time you will take her for regular services, AND vacuum her at least once a month. This year will be different.

2. Anxiety

"Did you remember to take out the rotten banana under the passenger seat?" "Will the mechanic find out just how how disgusting you really are? "Will they know that you spent three hours cleaning the car the night before?" Oh. Dear. God.

3. Shame

Looking at you through the viewing area… you can FEEL the mechanic's eyes burning into your soul – judging you for not taking proper care of the car. Judging you for the banana skin under the seat.

4. Panic

WHY are they shaking the car? What if something falls off? What if the bakes don't work? What if the steering goes arseways? Ahhh…

5. The Fear

You have already convinced yourself that it WILL fail… and your stomach feels like you've just stepped off a rollercoaster. WHAT will you do if it does? Can you afford to fix it? Is it even worth it? Can you survive without a car? Will this be a defining moment in your life? Will you have to get the… bus… from now on?

6. Relief

It's finished. Done. Finito. As you watch the car drive out of the centre you are overcome with this settling feeling, you don't care if it passes once it comes back in one piece.

7. Confusion

Well that's until they hand you back the failed NCT report… and then start explaining what is wrong with the car. Who even knows where the near side wheel valve is?!