How To Keep Your Car Roadworthy
Published May 1st, 2019
Keeping your car roadworthy is one of the most important parts of being a car owner. It’s also important to help your car pass a road-worthiness test when you’re due for a renewal of a registration or if you want to sell it. Prevent typical problems that might cause you to fail a roadworthy test by following these simple tips.
Here are the most common problems that roadworthy tests pick up during a test:
- Oil leaks
- Faulty lights
- Non-secure seats and broken seat belts
- Brake defects
- Excessive smoke and noise
- Condition of tyres
- Vehicle body flaws
- Windscreen chips and cracks
It is important to take your vehicle to a mechanic to rectify these maintenance problems, but you can also take care of your car on your own to pass those common problems found in the roadworthiness test. Doing these regular checks will help you discover which parts require proper maintenance and work:
Check your vehicle’s fluids
You need to check your car regularly for fluid leaks. Leaks from your coolant, engine oil, transmission or brake fluid systems could cause serious problems, like damage to your engine, amongst others. It could even cause a breakdown, and render your car unsafe to drive. Keep in mind that noticeable drops in your fluid levels indicate larger problems. Best to get it checked out.
Check your tyres
Damaged tyres or worn-out tyres can cause serious problems for your car on the road because its grip on the road will not be as effective as it should be. Your tyres need to be in excellent condition and have satisfactory tread and air pressure. This will ensure your car is safe to drive on our Australian roads and will, therefore, be permitted to pass the roadworthiness test.
Check your lights and horn
It will take you five minutes to check the headlights, full beams, indicators and brake lights. Ensure also that your front and back parking lights are working properly, including your reverse lights. If all this is in order then you’ll have no worries passing your roadworthiness. Also, give your horn a hoot and make sure it sounds in a single, continuous tone.
Windscreen wipers and washers
You may think this is a silly check, but it may, in fact, be one of the most important of all the checks because in rainy weather, without proper wipers, an accident can happen in the blink of an eye. Ensure your windscreen doesn’t have chips, cracks or scratches. The part of the windscreen in front of the driver’s side is particularly important.
Also, be sure that the wipers are not damaged or torn. They must be able to work properly and wash away water effectively.
Check the interior
The interior of your car is also important. There should be no significant damage to any parts within your car. Your gear stick should be working properly without any issues, for example.
However, one of the most important checks you should make is ensuring that your seatbelts work. If these are not in good order, it is an immediate fail.
Roadworthy tests
Roadworthy test regulations differ between states and territories. You may require a roadworthy test or safety check for the following, so ensure it is all in order:
- Registration renewal
- Initial registration
- Vehicle modifications
- Selling a vehicle
- Lapsed registration
- A defect notice
- Vehicles previously registered in another state or territory
For more information about roadworthy testing and inspections, you are more than welcome to contact ABS Automotive Service Centres.