Why roadworthy tests matter
Buying or selling a used car in Australia always comes with one big step: the roadworthy test. It’s the inspection that decides if your car is legally fit to drive on public roads. For buyers, a current roadworthy certificate gives peace of mind. For sellers, it’s usually required before transferring registration.
But here’s the catch, many used cars don’t pass the roadworthy test the first time. Sometimes it’s because of obvious issues like bald tyres, other times it’s small things owners don’t notice until the inspection. That’s why it helps to know the early warning signs your used car might fail.
Spotting problems early
At Coastwide Service Centre, we’ve been carrying out inspections and repairs for years, and we’ve seen just about everything that can stop a used car from getting its roadworthy certificate. Below, we’ll go through the top ten problems to look out for, plus why each matters.
1. Uneven tyre wear
Tyres are one of the first things inspectors check during a roadworthy test. If the tread depth is below legal limits or worn unevenly, your car won’t pass.
Common causes of uneven tyre wear include:
- Poor wheel alignment
- Suspension problems
- Tyres not rotated regularly
- Under-inflation or over-inflation
If you spot bald edges or patches, get your tyres checked before the roadworthy test. It’s much cheaper to rotate or align tyres early than to replace them all at once.
2. Noisy or worn brakes
Brakes are crucial for safety, so they’re heavily scrutinised in every roadworthy test. Warning signs include:
- A grinding sound when braking
- Squealing or squeaking noises
- A brake pedal that feels spongy
- The car pulling to one side when braking
These often point to worn pads, damaged rotors, or even leaking brake fluid. Not only will these fail the roadworthy test, but they’re also dangerous to ignore.
3. Windscreen cracks or chips
A small chip might not bother you day-to-day, but during a roadworthy test, inspectors take windscreen damage seriously. Anything that blocks the driver’s clear view, even a crack on the passenger side, can lead to failure.
Cracks often spread quickly, so it’s smart to repair or replace the windscreen before booking your test.
4. Suspension problems
Suspension issues are common in older or heavily used cars. Signs include:
- Bouncing excessively after hitting a bump
- Clunking noises from underneath
- Uneven ride height
- The car feeling unstable around corners
Inspectors check shock absorbers, struts, and bushes. Any looseness or leaks will cause your used car to fail the roadworthy test.
5. Steering issues
If the steering feels loose, heavy, or noisy, it’s a red flag. During a roadworthy test, the inspector makes sure steering is responsive and stable. Problems often come from worn tie rods, leaking power steering fluid, or damaged steering racks.
Ignoring steering faults is risky, not just for your roadworthy test, but for your safety.
6. Faulty lights and indicators
It sounds simple, but broken lights are one of the most common reasons used cars fail a roadworthy test. Headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, and indicators must all work properly.
Check:
- Headlights are aligned and not too dim
- Brake lights respond immediately
- Indicators flash at the correct speed
- No cracked or missing covers
Replacing bulbs and cleaning lenses before the inspection is quick and saves you the cost of a retest.
7. Seatbelt problems
Seatbelts are non-negotiable during a roadworthy test. They must:
- Retract smoothly
- Lock correctly when pulled sharply
- Be free of frays, tears, or cuts
Even if just one seatbelt is faulty, the whole car can fail the roadworthy test. If you’re selling a family car, this is especially important as buyers expect every seat to be safe.
8. CVT transmission whine or slip
More and more used cars now come with CVT transmissions. While they can be smooth and efficient, they’re also sensitive. Signs of trouble include:
- A whining or humming noise while accelerating
- Shuddering at low speeds
- Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive
- Jerky acceleration instead of smooth power delivery
If the inspector notices your used car struggling to accelerate smoothly, it may not pass the roadworthy test. CVT repairs can be costly, but servicing early often prevents bigger problems.
9. Fluid leaks
Inspectors check underneath the car for leaks. Oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid must all be contained. Even a small drip can be flagged during the roadworthy test.
Look out for:
- Puddles under the used car after parking
- Burnt oil smell from the engine
- Warning lights on the dashboard
Fixing seals, gaskets, or hoses early can save time and stress before the inspection.
10. Check engine light
The dreaded dashboard warning light is a guaranteed problem during a roadworthy test. If the check engine light is on, the inspector knows something isn’t right.
It could be minor, like an oxygen sensor, or more serious, like a catalytic converter issue. Either way, the light needs to be diagnosed and cleared before your car will pass.
Why these issues matter
The roadworthy test isn’t designed to make life difficult, it’s about keeping unsafe cars off the road. Every failed item relates to either driver safety, passenger safety, or the safety of others on the road.
If your car shows any of the above warning signs, it’s worth getting them checked at a workshop like Coastwide Service Centre before booking the roadworthy test. It’s faster and cheaper to fix problems beforehand rather than failing, repairing, and paying for a second inspection.
Preparing for a roadworthy test
Here’s a quick checklist to boost your chances of passing first time:
- Check tyre tread depth and pressure
- Test all lights and replace any dim bulbs
- Inspect seatbelts for damage
- Listen for unusual noises from brakes, suspension, or CVT transmission
- Look underneath the used car for leaks
- Clear any dashboard warning lights
If you’re not confident checking these yourself, book a pre-inspection service. At Coastwide Service Centre, we offer this alongside our full roadworthy inspections.
How Coastwide Service Centre can help
We carry out roadworthy inspections for drivers across the Gold Coast and nearby areas. If your car fails the test, we can also carry out the repairs in-house, from tyres and brakes to windscreen replacement and CVT servicing.
By choosing Coastwide Service Centre, you save time and avoid the hassle of going to multiple places. We’re here to make sure your car is safe, compliant, and ready to hit the road.
Spotting the early warning signs of failure gives you the upper hand. Instead of worrying about whether your used car will pass its roadworthy test, you can take action now. Check tyres, brakes, seatbelts, suspension, and keep an ear out for CVT transmission noises.
If you’re unsure, let Coastwide Service Centre take a look. We’ll help you prepare, pass your inspection, and keep your car safe on the road.
Need a roadworthy certificate on the Gold Coast? Coastwide Service Centre offers mobile and workshop RWC inspections from $135. Book your roadworthy certificate today.