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Jul 05, 2022

What Makes a Car Roadworthy?


Does your vehicle need to pass a roadworthy test or obtain a safety certificate? If you’re living in Hervey Bay and own a vehicle, there are various circumstances where you will need to take your vehicle to a suitable test centre and have its roadworthiness assessed.


Read on to discover the elements testers look for when they test a Queensland vehicle for a roadworthy, enabling you to ensure your vehicle stands the best chance of passing for a roadworthy certificate.


In general, checking that a vehicle is roadworthy includes inspecting the parts of the vehicle that are essential for safe travel and ensuring that these are working well. The elements of the vehicle that are inspected during a roadworthiness test are detailed below.

Steering


A safe, dependable steering mechanism is essential to safe driving. A mechanic will be looking for stiffness, drag to one side, grinding noises, or other signs that your steering isn’t in top condition.

Brakes


Ensuring brakes are working correctly, whether there’s significant wear on the brake pads, brake fluids are not dirty and topped up, and if it’s been serviced are all factors for a roadworthy certificate.

Suspension


The suspension cushions the vehicle from bumps and dips on the road. It’s not only important for comfort reasons, it also protects the vehicle’s undercarriage and helps the driver to retain control of the vehicle, even in challenging road conditions.

Lights


Lights not only provide essential illumination, but brake lights and hazard lights are also vital so that other road users have advance notice that you’re slowing down or that there is some reason to take extra care. Indicators provide information to other users regarding your intentions. Indicators that work correctly are vital to keeping you, and other drivers, safe.

Tyres


Worn tyres don’t grip the road properly. Particularly in wet or hazardous conditions, worn tyres can significantly increase braking distances, putting vehicle occupants at risk. In addition, worn tyres increase the chances of an unexpected and unwanted puncture whilst you’re on the road.

Engine Issues & Other Problems


Anything which suggests potential engine failure would be a reason to withhold a roadworthy certificate. Other issues such as a faulty battery, leaking fluids or oil, a frayed radiator hose or an exhaust leak are all common reasons why a vehicle fails. We recommend inspecting your engine for leaks or signs of wear, as well as checking for noises that could indicate an exhaust problem.


Book In For A Roadworthy

To find out more about roadworthiness, book a roadworthy certificate or find out more, call the team at Hervey Bay Brake & Exhaust on (07) 4124 3166.

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