How to Maintain Your Vehicle

5 Systems That Must Pass Your Roadworthy Inspection

A roadworthy safety inspection certificate is necessary each time ownership or registration of a vehicle is updated or changed. An approved inspection station will check various systems of the car, including obvious things like the safety belts and airbags as well as checking for things like oil and fluid leaks. There are also a few specific things that must pass inspection. 

1. Vehicular Lighting 

Every light on the vehicle must be in good working order. This includes headlamps, tail lights and turn signals for both left and right. There are also other lights that must be functioning that aren't as obvious, like the one that illuminates the license plate at night and the fog lights. Further, the housing of the light must be clear and undamaged. Cracks or fogging in the housing may cause a failed inspection.

2. Tyre Quality

Ensuring your tyres are able to pass the roadworthy inspection may require replacing them, which is, fortunately, an easy fix. During the inspection, the tyre tread will be checked, along with tyre pressure. Any cracks or extreme wear may mean the tyres won't pass. It's also important to make sure that tyre wheels don't show signs of corrosion or other damage. Don't forget to check the spare, as well, when preparing for the inspection.

3. Brake Systems

Brakes, including the hand brake, are one of the most important safety systems on a vehicle, so naturally they are part of the roadworthy inspection. The pads and rotors must be in good condition with plenty of life left in them. Tests will be performed to ensure that nothing is amiss and that the brake pedal is operating as it should and there are no leaks in the brake fluid lines.

4. Windscreen Safety

Cracks and chips in the windscreen may cause your car to fail the inspection, so have small damage repaired and replace the windscreen if there is severe damage. If the glass is tinted, then the inspector will verify that it doesn't exceed legal tint level limits. Part of the windscreen inspection will also include testing that the wipers are in good working order and that the windscreen wiper fluid reservoir is full and working properly.

5. Suspension and Steering

Any faults with the suspension system can pose a safety risk. During the inspection, all suspension components including the leaf springs and shocks will be checked for damage or potential failure. The ball joints and tie rods must also be in good working condition with no signs of rust or imminent failure concerns. 

Talk to your mechanic to learn more about passing a roadworthy inspection.

For more info about roadworthy inspections, contact a local company. 


Share