Is your car showing unusual problems you've never encountered before? If you're considering an upgrade to your wheels, determining if your car is roadworthy is crucial. Not only does this impact your safety as a driver but also the well-being of other road users. Shockingly, more than half a million cars in South Africa might fail a roadworthy test.

To help you assess your car's roadworthiness, we've compiled a short list of essential inspection requirements necessary for passing the roadworthy test in South Africa. Ensuring your car meets these standards is vital for safe driving and peace of mind. Don't overlook this critical aspect of car care!

Identification:

• The engine and VIN number must match those on the registration document.
• There should be no signs of tampering with any of the car identifiers.
• If the engine has been changed, all associated requirements (i.e., police clearance) must be in place.

Bodywork:

• The car body and chassis must be free of rust or damage.
• The body must be free of damage that could cause injury to pedestrians or cyclists.
• All doors must be easy to open from the inside and outside.
• All doors must be firmly attached to their hinges.

Interior:

• The odometer and speedometer must be in working order.
• All seatbelts must be in working order.
• The hooter must be in working order.
• Interior door panels must be in place and in good condition.
• Seatbelts must be secure and free of damage.

Lights:

• All lights and indicators must be in good working order.
• All lights must be securely fitted, with no signs of water damage.
• Both low and high beam functions must be tested, as well as the level of the beams.

Windscreen and Windows:

• The windscreen must be free of cracks.
• All windows designed to open must be able to open and close.
• Windscreen wipers must be operational and in good condition.

Wheels, Tyres, and Brakes:

• Tyres and wheels must be the correct size.
• Tyres and wheels must fall within manufacturer specifications.
• All tyres (including the spare tyre) must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm.
• Wheel bearings must run smoothly.
• The brakes on all wheels must be in good working order.
• The parking brake must be in good working order.
• Brake discs must be in good working order and should not be grooved or concave.
• There should be no leaks from the hydraulic system.

Suspension:

• Shock absorbers must be in good working order with no leaks.
• The chassis must not show any signs of weakness or damage.
• The undercarriage must be free of rust and leaks.
• The steering system must be in good working order.
• The wheel alignment must be within specifications.

Engine & Transmission:

• The engine compartment should be free from damage and leaks.
• Engine transmission mountings must be intact.
• The battery should be secured with the required number of clamps.
• The battery should be clean and free of cracks or leaks.
• There must be no loose or damaged wiring.
• Exhaust mountings must be secure.
• No excessive smoke may be emitted from the exhaust.
• The transmission must be in good working order.

In South Africa, it is mandatory for both new and used cars to have a roadworthy certificate. This is not only necessary when selling your car but also essential for safe driving purposes. In addition to this, many testing centres provide car inspections that allow you to assess the condition of your car and have peace of mind before embarking on a long journey. Go the extra mile with an Extended Car warranty by taking the stress out of unexpected repairs and ensuring that your car is worthy of driving on the road.

Keeping your car running long-term can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but with the right insurance cover, you don’t have to stress about keeping your car running or pinch your wallet. Chat with one of our expert consultants, who can help you get the coverage your car deserves.

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