Top 10 common reasons vehicles fail roadworthy inspections

Ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Being roadworthy in Wantirna or any other place in Australia is a legal requirement when selling a car, re-registering a vehicle, or transferring ownership. However, many vehicles fail roadworthy inspections due to common issues that could have been easily prevented with regular maintenance. This guide will explore the top 10 reasons vehicles fail roadworthy inspections and provide maintenance tips to help you avoid these pitfalls.

1. Faulty brakes

Common issue: Worn-out brake pads, discs, or drums, as well as low brake fluid levels, can significantly impair your vehicle's braking performance, leading to inspection failure.

Maintenance tips: Regularly check and replace brake pads and discs as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Ensure brake fluid levels are maintained, and inspect the braking system for any signs of wear or leaks.

Expert advice: Have a professional mechanic perform a brake inspection every six months to ensure all components are functioning correctly and replace any worn parts promptly.

2. Worn tires

Common issue: Tires with insufficient tread depth or visible damage such as cuts, bulges, or punctures will not pass the inspection.

Maintenance tips: Regularly check tire tread depth using a tread depth gauge. Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure and inspect them for any visible damage.

Expert advice: Rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometres to ensure even wear. Replace tires that have less than 1.6mm of tread depth or show signs of significant damage.

3. Defective lights and indicators

Common issue: Non-functional headlights, tail lights, brake lights, or indicators can result in a failed inspection.

Maintenance tips: Regularly check all lights and indicators to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs immediately.

Expert advice: Clean your vehicle’s light covers regularly to remove any dirt or grime that can diminish their effectiveness. Consider upgrading to LED bulbs for longer-lasting performance.

4. Worn suspension and steering components

Common issue: Excessive play or wear in suspension and steering components can affect the vehicle’s handling and stability, leading to inspection failure.

Maintenance tips: Regularly inspect suspension and steering components for wear or damage. Listen for unusual noises when driving, as these can indicate problems.

Expert advice: Have a professional mechanic check your suspension and steering systems annually. Replace any worn or damaged components promptly to maintain vehicle safety.

5. Leaking fluids

Common issue: Leaks from the engine, transmission, or other systems can cause an inspection failure due to the potential for fire hazards or environmental damage.

Maintenance tips: Regularly check for fluid leaks under your vehicle. Inspect hoses and seals for wear and replace them if necessary.

Expert advice: Use high-quality fluids and replace them as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Address any leaks immediately to prevent further damage.

6. Faulty exhaust system

Common issue: Excessive noise, leaks, or emissions from the exhaust system can lead to a failed inspection.

Maintenance tips: Regularly inspect the exhaust system for signs of rust, damage, or leaks. Ensure the exhaust is securely mounted and that all connections are tight.

Expert advice: Have a professional mechanic perform an emissions test and inspect the exhaust system annually. Replace any damaged or rusted components promptly.

7. Damaged windscreen

Common issue: Cracks or chips in the windscreen can obstruct the driver’s view and lead to inspection failure.

Maintenance tips: Regularly inspect your windscreen for damage and repair any chips or cracks immediately to prevent them from spreading.

Expert advice: Use a high-quality windscreen repair kit for small chips or cracks. For larger damage, have the windscreen professionally repaired or replaced.

8. Faulty seat belts

Common issue: Seat belts that do not function correctly, are frayed, or show signs of damage will not pass the inspection.

Maintenance tips: Regularly inspect seatbelts for signs of wear or damage. Ensure they retract and lock correctly.

Expert advice: Replace any damaged or non-functioning seatbelts immediately. Consider having a professional mechanic inspect the seatbelt mechanism if you notice any issues.

9. Inefficient windscreen wipers

Common issue: Worn or damaged wiper blades that do not clear the windscreen effectively can lead to a failed inspection.

Maintenance tips: Regularly check and replace wiper blades, especially before the rainy season. Ensure the washer fluid reservoir is filled with the appropriate fluid.

Expert advice: Clean wiper blades regularly to remove dirt and grime. Consider using a windscreen treatment to repel water and improve visibility during rain.

10. Faulty horn

Common issue: A non-functioning horn can lead to inspection failure as it is a critical safety feature for alerting other drivers.

Maintenance tips: Regularly test the horn to ensure it is working correctly. Check the horn’s fuse and wiring for any issues.

Expert advice: If the horn is not functioning, have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the issue. Ensure the horn is loud enough to be heard clearly in traffic.

Maintaining your vehicle in good condition is essential for passing roadworthy inspections in Australia. Further, it also ensures the safety and reliability of your vehicle. For those residing in the eastern suburbs, understanding the specific requirements for a roadworthy in Ferntree Gully can further streamline the process. Regular check-ups and prompt repairs are the best practices to keep your vehicle roadworthy and safe for all your journeys.