What Fails a Roadworthy Test?
Understanding what causes roadworthy test failures helps you prepare your vehicle and avoid common issues. Knowing what inspectors check and common failure points enables you to fix problems before inspection. This comprehensive guide covers everything that can cause a roadworthy test failure in South Africa.
Common Failure Reasons
Most Common Failures
Top Failure Reasons:
- Brake Issues (Most Common)
- Tire Problems
- Light Failures
- Windscreen Damage
- Exhaust Problems
- Safety Equipment Missing
- Structural Issues
Brake Failures
Brake-Related Failures
Common Brake Issues:
- Brakes not functioning properly
- Brake pads/shoes worn
- Brake fluid leaks
- Handbrake not working
- Brake imbalance
- Brake system defects
What Inspectors Check:
- Brake functionality
- Brake pad/shoe condition
- Brake fluid level
- Handbrake operation
- Brake balance
- No leaks
How to Prevent:
- Regular brake maintenance
- Check brake pads before inspection
- Test brakes before inspection
- Fix brake issues immediately
- Ensure handbrake works
Tire Failures
Tire-Related Failures
Common Tire Issues:
- Tread depth below minimum (1.6mm)
- Tire damage (cuts, bulges)
- Uneven tire wear
- Tire pressure incorrect
- Tire size mismatch
- Spare tire missing or damaged
What Inspectors Check:
- Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm)
- Tire condition
- Tire pressure
- Tire matching
- Spare tire (if applicable)
- No damage
How to Prevent:
- Check tread depth before inspection
- Replace tires if below minimum
- Check tire condition
- Ensure correct tire pressure
- Match tire sizes
- Check spare tire
Light Failures
Light-Related Failures
Common Light Issues:
- Headlights not working
- Taillights not working
- Brake lights not working
- Indicators not working
- Hazard lights not working
- Reverse lights not working
- Number plate lights not working
What Inspectors Check:
- All lights functioning
- High and low beam
- All indicators
- Brake lights
- Reverse lights
- Number plate lights
How to Prevent:
- Test all lights before inspection
- Replace bulbs if needed
- Check all light functions
- Fix any non-working lights
- Ensure all lights work
Windscreen Failures
Windscreen-Related Failures
Common Windscreen Issues:
- Cracks in windscreen
- Chips in windscreen
- Windscreen damage
- Wipers not working
- Washer fluid empty
- Windscreen visibility issues
What Inspectors Check:
- Windscreen condition
- No cracks or major chips
- Wipers functioning
- Washer fluid available
- Clear visibility
- No obstruction
How to Prevent:
- Check windscreen for damage
- Fix cracks before inspection
- Ensure wipers work
- Fill washer fluid
- Clean windscreen
- Remove obstructions
Exhaust Failures
Exhaust-Related Failures
Common Exhaust Issues:
- Excessive noise
- Exhaust leaks
- Exhaust damage
- Emissions issues
- Exhaust components missing
- Rust or corrosion
What Inspectors Check:
- Exhaust condition
- Noise levels
- No leaks
- Proper installation
- Emissions (if tested)
- No damage
How to Prevent:
- Check exhaust condition
- Fix leaks
- Repair damage
- Ensure proper installation
- Check noise levels
- Maintain exhaust system
Safety Equipment Failures
Safety Equipment Issues
Common Safety Equipment Issues:
- Seatbelts not working
- Mirrors missing or damaged
- Horn not working
- Speedometer not working
- Safety equipment missing
- Equipment not functioning
What Inspectors Check:
- All seatbelts functioning
- Mirrors (rearview and side)
- Horn working
- Speedometer working
- All safety equipment present
- Equipment functionality
How to Prevent:
- Test all seatbelts
- Check mirrors
- Test horn
- Verify speedometer
- Ensure all equipment works
- Replace missing equipment
Structural Failures
Structural Issues
Common Structural Issues:
- Body damage
- Chassis problems
- Rust and corrosion
- Structural integrity issues
- Frame damage
- Body condition
What Inspectors Check:
- Body condition
- Chassis integrity
- No excessive rust
- Structural soundness
- No major damage
- Overall condition
How to Prevent:
- Maintain vehicle body
- Address rust issues
- Repair structural damage
- Ensure structural integrity
- Regular maintenance
- Fix body issues
Steering and Suspension Failures
Steering/Suspension Issues
Common Issues:
- Steering problems
- Suspension issues
- Wheel alignment problems
- Shock absorber problems
- Steering wheel play
- Suspension components worn
What Inspectors Check:
- Steering functionality
- Suspension condition
- Wheel alignment
- Shock absorbers
- Steering components
- Suspension integrity
How to Prevent:
- Check steering before inspection
- Test suspension
- Fix alignment issues
- Replace worn components
- Maintain steering system
- Maintain suspension
Pre-Inspection Checklist
Before Roadworthy Test
Checklist:
How to Prevent Failures
Prevention Strategies
To Prevent Failures:
- Regular Maintenance: Maintain vehicle regularly
- Pre-Inspection Check: Check vehicle before inspection
- Fix Issues First: Fix obvious problems before test
- Test Systems: Test all systems before inspection
- Professional Check: Get professional pre-inspection
- Prepare Vehicle: Ensure vehicle is ready
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons vehicles fail roadworthy?
Most common failures are: brake issues, tire problems (tread below 1.6mm), light failures, windscreen damage, exhaust problems, missing safety equipment, and structural issues.
How can I prevent my vehicle from failing roadworthy?
Maintain vehicle regularly, check all systems before inspection (lights, brakes, tires, windscreen), fix obvious issues first, test all equipment, and ensure vehicle is in good condition.
What happens if my vehicle fails roadworthy?
If vehicle fails, you'll receive failure report listing issues. Fix identified problems, return for re-inspection (pay re-inspection fee R150-R250), and get certificate after passing.
Can I check my vehicle before roadworthy test?
Yes, check all lights, tire tread, brakes, windscreen, seatbelts, mirrors, horn, exhaust, and safety equipment before inspection to identify and fix issues.
What is the minimum tire tread depth for roadworthy?
Minimum tire tread depth is 1.6mm for roadworthy test. Tires below this depth will fail inspection and must be replaced.
Conclusion
Common roadworthy test failures include brake issues, tire problems (tread below 1.6mm), light failures, windscreen damage, exhaust problems, missing safety equipment, and structural issues. Prevent failures by maintaining your vehicle, checking all systems before inspection, fixing obvious issues first, testing equipment, and ensuring vehicle is in good condition. Use pre-inspection checklist, address common failure points, and prepare vehicle properly. Understanding failure reasons helps you pass roadworthy test on first attempt.
