Are You Ready to Face the Roadworthy Inspector?

If you have to deal with a roadworthy inspection for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect. You'd rather pass on the first attempt than have to scramble to make repairs and take even more time out of your busy schedule. So, what are the main areas to focus on here as you prepare?

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Firstly, understand that the inspector is primarily concerned with safety.

Start by looking at all your tyres and ensuring they have enough tread. As you know, the manufacturers include wear indicators, and you need to have enough rubber above those indicators before you present the vehicle. You should also ensure that the tyres are structurally sound and inspect them closely for any cracks, chips, bulges or bubbles. If any of those are present, your vehicle will fail so fix them first. Just in case, ensure that the spare tyre is in good condition too.

Peering Out Of the Screen

Can you see clearly out of your windscreen? If there are any cracks or chips immediately in front of the driver's field of vision, you may get a fail. Also, change your wiper blades if it's been some time since you did so. This may seem like a simple task, but these blades do wear out and could represent a safety hazard. While you are there, top up the washer fluid in the bottle under the bonnet.

Lighting up the Road

If you can't see and be seen, you could represent a hazard on the road, so ensure that your lamps are in good working. Obviously, you will need to change any blown bulbs, and you may also have to fix the outer cover of your headlamps if they have deteriorated in the sunlight. If they have a yellow appearance, you will need to get that removed.

Interior Issues

Moving inside the cabin, ensure that the seats are still securely attached to the floor and that the safety belts are in good and workable condition.

Being on the Safe Side

Remember, a roadworthy check does not indicate whether the vehicle is mechanically sound, per se. However, checking the suspension and brakes is always a good idea, as these can obviously contribute to road safety. If you have any questions, take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic first so that they can look for issues and repair them as necessary.