Passing an RWC inspection can be one of the most challenging obstacles when selling a car. Failing your roadworthy can cost you time and money and depreciate your vehicle’s value if you plan to sell it.
Booking in your roadworthy is a reasonably straightforward process. Find a local car inspection service provider in Campbellfield, bring your driver’s licence, and drop off your car for a two-hour evaluation by a professional roadworthy certificate inspector. However, while the process is effortless, passing might be challenging.
What does a roadworthy certificate look for?
Here are six self-inspection checks you can perform before scheduling your inspection. Check with your local mechanic if you detect anything that requires repair or servicing.
Lights
If it lights up, it must be functional! This includes brakes, turn signals, headlights, licence plates, and fog lights. Keep an eye out for cracks and make sure the lenses are not discoloured. Car inspection service providers will notice minor details and fail your vehicle’s roadworthy certificate.
Suspension
As your suspension is the system of parts that connects your car to the wheels and propels it forward, it must be in good working order. Inspectors will generally evaluate the following major components:
- suspension bushes
- shock absorbers
- springs, ball joints, and tie rod end.
No need to worry if you don’t know anything about car parts. Some warning signals of a poor suspension include:
- pulling to the side while driving
- experiencing every bump in the path
- a problem with the steering
- Your car has one corner that is lower than the other.
- When you accelerate, your car will nosedive, tilt back, or roll.
Tyres
Check that your tyres are not worn, your hub caps are not fractured, and your car’s valve caps are appropriately attached. Check your tread depth (the vertical measurement from the top of the tyre’s rubber to the bottom of its deepest groves). To pass the RWC inspection, it must be at least 1.5mm thick.
Even minor details, like monitoring your tyre pressure and keeping an additional spare tyre, count toward the inspection.
Power steering
Open the hood and use your dipstick to ensure that the colour and level of your power steering fluid are in good condition. Power steering fluid should be transparent, amber, or pinkish in colour; if it’s black, the car inspection service provider will flag it as a fail! Look for spots on the pavement where you regularly park your car at night to check for oil leaks.
Brakes
In general, RWC inspectors will inspect your brake pads and rotors. If you need help checking them, see if you notice any pulsation in your brake pedal or if your steering wheel rattles when you brake. These are usually warning signals that your brakes need to be serviced.
Windscreen
Regarding tinted windows, Victoria’s roads have extremely stringent requirements. Ensure your tint is less than 35%, or it will be deemed too dark to be safe and will not pass. Reproducing any minor cracks, scratches, or chips is also necessary. If your windscreen is damaged, don’t worry; it can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement.
When you are ready to sell, schedule your inspection
After you have decided to sell and completed your car inspections, schedule your inspection before listing your vehicle on a private seller site. If you have any interested buyers and have begun negotiating before your RWC inspection, failing the test could reduce the ultimate sale price of your car. Also, roadworthy certificates are only valid for 30 days, so ensure you are ready to sell once you have passed the RWC inspection!
Your roadworthy certificate from a certified car inspection service provider will add credibility to the bargaining table. Potential buyers will receive a stamp from a Licensed Vehicle Tester certifying that their vehicle is safe to drive.