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Keeping your car running smoothly on the road requires regular maintenance. The more you let things slide, the more the damage to your vehicle, and eventually, it might not be good enough to use or sell to anyone.
One way to check the condition of your car is through a roadworthiness test, and we have compiled a checklist that will help you pass the test.
This blog will discuss everything you need to know about roadworthiness and how Cartrack solutions help you stay compliant on the road.
In this article, you will:
Learn what a roadworthy test is
Find out what should be in your roadworthy checklist
Discover how Cartrack can help keep your vehicle roadworthy
What is a roadworthy test?
A roadworthy test, also known as a roadworthy inspection, determines whether the vehicle is safe to drive or not. Every new or used vehicle in South Africa needs to pass a roadworthy test before it can be licensed in the new owner’s name. The inspection is administered by a trained and registered technician, whose job is to ensure the vehicle is safe to use on the road. A roadworthy test can be done at a public or private testing station. Once completed, the vehicle owner will get a certificate that is generally valid for 60 days.
A vehicle that is roadworthy is less likely to have breakdowns, which reduces the risk of accidents. For this reason, the roadworthiness test is a legal requirement to ensure that a vehicle meets the safety standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Every vehicle owner must take responsibility for maintaining his or her vehicle regularly. Failing to keep a car roadworthy can also result in fines or penalties if caught by traffic enforcement.
A roadworthy test must be done every time a vehicle changes ownership. If your vehicle is used for public transport or is a heavy-load vehicle (excluding buses), you must take it to be tested for roadworthiness every year before you renew your licence.
The roadworthy checklist every driver needs to know
So how do you know if your car is roadworthy? Well, here are the basic criteria for roadworthiness in South Africa:
Identification: The engine number and the vehicle identification number (VIN) must match those on the registration document. There should be no signs of tampering on any of the vehicle identifiers. If the engine has been changed, all associated requirements must be in place and logged on to the National Traffic Information System.
Braking system: This is one of the most critical safety components in any vehicle because reduced braking efficiency can cause fatal accidents. The owner's manual for your car should give you an idea of how often you need to replace your vehicle’s brake pads. When preparing for a roadworthy test, you not only need to check the brake pads but the disc and brake fluid levels as well.
Suspension and steering: The suspension system is there to maximise the friction between the tyres and the road surface. This helps stabilise the vehicle and makes it possible for the car to handle bumps and dips on the road. It consists of various parts, such as shock absorbers and coil springs, that all play a part in maintaining stability on the road. A car’s steering wheel is also closely tied to the health of its suspension system. Inspectors check the steering wheel and the linkage between the wheel and the rest of your car. Your wheels must be aligned to specifications, and the undercarriage must be free of rust and leaks.
Tyres and wheels: Tyres must be the correct size and in good condition; this includes the spare wheel. They should be inflated to the proper pressure and must have a tread at least 1.6mm deep. There should not be any cuts, bumps, or any other form of damage. If your tyres fail the inspection, you will need to have them repaired or replaced before your vehicle can be deemed roadworthy.
Lights and basic electrics: All lights must work independently and correctly; this includes headlights, fog lights, brake lights, and indicators. They must be securely fitted, with no signs of water leaking into any of them. Also, check for loose or exposed wiring and that all battery clamps are there.
Exhaust and emissions: Check if emission levels meet regulations. There should be no leaks, excessive smoke, or noise coming from the exhaust.
Engine and transmission: Your car’s engine should not have any leaks or damage. The engine and transmission mountings must be intact. Additionally, there should be no loose or damaged wirings, and the transmission must be in good working order.
Bodywork: Inspectors will also conduct an interior and exterior check on your vehicle. The chassis should not show any sign of weakness and the undercarriage must be free of rust. There should be no structural damage that can cause injury to pedestrians or cyclists. Ensure that all doors, mirrors, and bumpers are secure and correctly positioned and that all of your reflectors are intact.
Windscreen and windows: There should be no cracks on the windscreen or any sort of damage obstructing the view. At least one correctly functioning windscreen wiper must be fitted; all windows must open and close properly.
Seatbelts and interior safety features: All seatbelts must be fastened and released with ease, with no cuts or damage. Seats must be securely in place. The odometer, hooter, and speedometer must also be in working order.
What happens if your vehicle fails the roadworthy test?
If you fail the roadworthy test, you will be given 14 days to fix any defects identified. Once done with the repairs, you must return for a retest to ensure the issues have been addressed. If you fail to complete the repairs within 14 days, you will have to undergo a full inspection from scratch.
How Cartrack solutions help you stay on the road
To ensure that your car remains roadworthy, you need to take care of it on a daily basis. This means improving your driving habits in order to reduce the chances of accidents and vehicle damage. Cartrack not only specialises in location-based tracking; our advanced device also keeps a record of your driving habits. You can log on to the Cartrack mobile app or website to get a full view of driving that could increase vehicle wear and tear, such as speeding, harsh braking, and harsh cornering.
Cartrack also has value-added services that are there to assist you in maintaining or replacing certain car parts, such as:
Tyre replacement If you need to replace your tyres, you can log on to the Cartrack app and click on the tyres icon to make a request. Our service agents will contact you shortly to find out the size you need and make the necessary arrangements. The replacement can be done in the comfort of your home or at one of our fitment centres. You can also get your wheels aligned while at it.
Battery replacement If you need a new battery for your vehicle, you can contact your service agents to get a quote and make arrangements. Just like the tyre service, battery replacements are done either at your home or at one of our fitment centres.
Keep your vehicle in top shape with Cartrack
Secure your car and keep it roadworthy with Cartrack’s value-added services. Choose a plan that works best for you and enjoy the benefits. Cartrack specialises in stolen vehicle recovery but also caters to almost all your vehicle needs. Join us today and have one less thing to worry about.
How sure are you that your car is roadworthy? It might look good on the outside, but the inside might tell a different story. Let’s look at what to include in your roadworthy checklist.
