You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is roadworthy. It is the reason roadworthy inspections are critical and typically conducted by a government agency. Typically, Australian motorists should take their vehicle for roadworthy inspection at five years old, ten years old and then annually. The assessment is necessary to ensure critical components of a car are in optimal condition to ensure the safety of all road users. Notably, a licenced inspector will examine your car's tyres against a checklist to ascertain their condition and safety level. This article highlights focus areas during a roadworthy inspection of car tyres.
Tread Depth
The tyres on your vehicle are critical safety features since they are always in contact with the road. Thus, a licenced inspector must ensure car tyres are in good condition for the safety of Australian roads. The first thing an inspector looks at is the tread depth. Notably, tyre treads offer traction and prevent a car from skidding when braking or cornering. Tyre treads should meet depth standards to pass a roadworthy inspection. Thus, a licenced inspector will walk a colour-coded tread depth gauge to inspect the depth of each tyre. In some cases, an inspector can determine whether the tread depth is above or below the recommended standards by looking at the tread level against a wear indicator. Remember, tread depth inspection is conducted on all tyres, not just one.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical to preventing uneven tyre wear, problematic steering, premature suspension system and brakes deterioration. Notably, the components are crucial to maintaining safety on the road and must meet recommended standards. Thus, a licenced inspector examines tyre wear patterns during a roadworthy evaluation. For instance, an inspector will conclude that your car's wheels are misaligned if they notice uneven tyre wear on each axle. However, it could also mean deeper problems such as worn-out steering or suspension components. Whichever case, uneven tyre wear leads to a failed roadworthy inspection. Therefore, take your vehicle for wheel alignment before a roadworthy inspection.
Shock Absorbers Condition
Most motorists wonder whether shock absorbers are part of the tyres' roadworthy inspection process. The simple answer is yes because shock absorbers are critical to keeping the tyres in contact with the ground. Therefore, faulty shock absorbers lead to a failed roadworthy inspection and put road users at risk. A licenced inspector will examine the shocks during a roadworthy inspection and test their performance while braking or cornering.
Talk to an auto service if you have questions about roadworthy inspections.
Share11 April 2022
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