Roadworthy Inspections Explained
Posted on: 14 June 2023
A roadworthy inspection is carried out if you are buying or selling a vehicle or transferring ownership of a vehicle. On completion of a roadworthy inspection, you will be issued with a certificate that confirms the vehicle is safe to dive and in good working order. The certificate is usually valid for a couple of months, and if it expired before the purchase or sale of your vehicle, you will need to have another inspection carried out. Cars, motorcycles, caravans and some trailers fall into the category of vehicles requiring a roadworthy inspection.
What Does The Inspection Entail?
Roadworthy inspections are thorough and aim to cover all the main components of the vehicle. You can expect your suspension, steering, brakes, lighting and battery to be checked. Your windscreen will be checked to ensure there are no significant chips or cracks, and your tyres will be inspected to ensure they meet the minimum legal tread depth and show no signs of damage, such as bulging or cracking. Your vehicle will also be checked for fluid leaks, which can be a sign of engine damage or can impact stopping distances.
Roadworthy inspections also take rust into consideration. Minor surface rust that can be sanded down will not cause your vehicle to fail an inspection, but if the vehicle has deep, penetrative rust, it can cause it to become structurally unsound, and this is a reason to fail the vehicle. Additionally, if your vehicle has any modifications, they will be checked to ensure they have been carried out legally and are in good working order.
What If The Vehicle Fails Inspection?
If your vehicle fails a roadworthy inspection, the mechanic will provide you with a list of what has prevented the vehicle from passing. You will have a couple of weeks to have the vehicle repaired and inspected again. For minor repairs, you can often have the vehicle inspected again without incurring an additional inspection fee. However, if you don't have the repairs carried out within the given timescale, a whole new inspection will be required, and this will mean you need to pay the full inspection fee again.
Roadworthy inspections ensure vehicles being bought and sold are safe to use, and new owners should not have to pay for major repairs shortly after acquiring a vehicle. If you're selling a vehicle and require a roadworthy inspection, contact a local auto repair shop.
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