
A roadworthy inspection is a vital part of keeping vehicles safe on Australian roads. Whether you’re planning to sell your car, re-register it, or just want to ensure it’s in good shape, the roadworthy test checks for safety and compliance. Yet, many vehicles fail due to issues that could have been easily avoided. Drivers looking for car repairs in Hawthorn are often surprised when their vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection—even when it seems to be running fine.
Understanding the most common reasons for failure can help you prepare your vehicle beforehand and avoid unnecessary delays or costs. From tyres to brake lights and everything in between, knowing what to expect can make a world of difference. Let’s take a look at the top causes that can stand between your car and a roadworthy certificate in Hawthorn.
Worn or Damaged Tyres
Tyres are one of the most common culprits behind a failed inspection. While they may appear acceptable at a glance, inspectors closely examine them for tread depth, wear patterns, sidewall damage, and cracks.
The legal minimum tread depth in Victoria is 1.5mm, but uneven wear can cause issues even above that level. Misaligned wheels, suspension problems, or over- or under-inflation can lead to abnormal wear that compromises tyre performance.
Bald spots, bulges, or sidewall splits are all considered unsafe. Even your spare tyre must meet basic roadworthy conditions. If you haven’t checked your tyres in a while, it’s worth doing so before heading to your inspection appointment.
Faulty Brakes or Brake Components
Brakes are a major safety concern and are thoroughly tested during an inspection. This includes brake pads, discs, calipers, brake lines, and the handbrake.
Squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy brake pedal, or pulling to one side under braking can all indicate problems. Brake fluid that’s old or contaminated can reduce braking effectiveness, and worn pads may not provide the stopping power required by safety standards.
If your handbrake doesn’t hold the car on a slope, it will be marked as a failure. Regular servicing and timely pad or fluid replacement can help avoid this problem. For many vehicles, neglected brake maintenance is a quick path to roadworthy failure.
Lighting and Electrical Issues
It’s surprising how often a vehicle fails due to something as simple as a blown bulb. Inspectors check all exterior lights, including headlights, brake lights, tail lights, indicators, and number plate illumination.
Cracked or foggy light lenses, uneven brightness, or lights not functioning properly will result in a fail. It’s also essential that the dashboard warning lights are working as intended and that there are no unexplained warning signals illuminated when the car is started.
Simple pre-inspection checks like testing all lights and indicators can save you time and money. Replacing a faulty globe takes only minutes, but failing for one can be frustrating if you’re otherwise in the clear.
Suspension and Steering Problems
Your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems affect handling, comfort, and safety. Excessive play in the steering wheel, clunking noises over bumps, or uneven ride height are all red flags.
Inspectors will look for worn ball joints, leaking shock absorbers, damaged bushings, and loose steering components. If your car doesn’t feel stable while turning or has noticeable body roll, these issues may show up during the test.
A poorly maintained suspension system doesn’t just fail inspections—it affects how your tyres wear and how well your brakes work. Getting these systems checked before an inspection is well worth the effort.
Windscreen and Wipers
Visibility is a key safety factor, and your windscreen must be in good condition to pass inspection. Cracks in the driver’s line of sight, chipped glass, or poor wiper performance can all lead to a fail.
Windscreen washers must spray correctly, and wipers should clean the screen effectively without streaks. Blades that are cracked or split can be replaced easily and affordably.
Defrosters and demisters are also checked. A fogged-up windscreen can become a hazard, so it’s important that these systems are functional. If you can’t see clearly, you can’t drive safely.
Leaks and Underbody Damage
Oil leaks, coolant drips, or transmission fluid leaks are serious concerns and are checked closely during inspections. Inspectors will look under the car for any signs of seepage that could lead to fire risks or environmental hazards.
In addition, underbody components like exhaust pipes, fuel lines, and the chassis itself must be intact. Loose exhaust systems or rusted-out parts are common causes of failure.
In some modern vehicles, issues with the exhaust can also relate to fuel efficiency and emission performance. If you’ve recently been in for car exhaust repairs in Hawthorn, it’s worth checking that all clamps and seals are secure and leak-free before presenting the car for inspection.
Gearbox Issues – Especially in DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) Vehicles
A direct shift gearbox (DSG) offers smooth shifting and fuel efficiency by combining manual and automatic transmission features. However, these systems are more complex and can be costly to repair if issues arise.
If your car hesitates when shifting, jolts during gear changes, or displays gearbox warning lights, it could be a sign of DSG problems. Faults in the transmission can trigger safety concerns, especially in automated clutch or dual-clutch systems.
Inspectors may fail a vehicle if the transmission response is inconsistent or the car surges unexpectedly. If you’re driving a DSG-equipped vehicle, consider having the gearbox checked and serviced by a professional before the roadworthy test.
Failing a roadworthy inspection can be frustrating, especially when many of the issues are preventable. From worn tyres to faulty lights or brake concerns, understanding what gets checked can save you time, stress, and money. Staying on top of regular maintenance and addressing small issues early is key to passing the inspection the first time.
If your vehicle needs a pre-inspection check or has failed and needs repairs, the team at Bob Watson Service Centre is ready to help. With expert diagnostics and trusted service, we can take care of all your car service and guide you toward securing your roadworthy certificatewith ease.
Call 03 9882 2451 today to book an appointment or speak with our experienced team. Keeping your vehicle roadworthy starts with the right support.