If you’re planning to sell your car in Victoria, obtaining a Roadworthy Certificate Dandenong is a crucial step. This certificate proves that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for registration transfer. Whether you’re selling privately or trading in your vehicle, failing to obtain a roadworthy certificate can delay the process and lead to unnecessary complications. At Continental Dandenong, our expert mechanics Dandenong can help you prepare for a roadworthy inspection, ensuring a smooth sale.
What is a Roadworthy Certificate?
A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is an official document issued by a licensed vehicle tester, verifying that a car is safe for road use. It is required when:
- Selling a registered vehicle
- Transferring ownership
- Re-registering a vehicle
- Clearing a defect notice issued by VicRoads
The certificate ensures that critical safety components, such as brakes, tyres, steering, and lights, are in good working condition. It is not a guarantee of the car’s overall reliability or mechanical condition, which is why additional car service checks may be beneficial.
Do You Need a Roadworthy Certificate to Sell Your Car?
Yes, in most cases, you need a Roadworthy Certificate Dandenong to legally sell your car in Victoria. Without it, you cannot complete the registration transfer, making it difficult to sell your vehicle privately. However, exceptions include:
- Selling your car unregistered
- Selling to a licensed car dealer
- Transferring ownership between spouses or domestic partners
If you’re unsure about your specific situation, speaking to a professional mechanic Dandenong can help clarify the requirements.
What Does a Roadworthy Inspection Cover?
A roadworthy inspection focuses on key safety components of your vehicle, ensuring they meet legal standards. The inspection includes:
Tyres & Wheels
- Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm
- No bald spots, cracks, or uneven wear
- Correct tyre size and pressure
Brakes & Suspension
- Brakes must function effectively, with no excessive wear on pads and discs
- No fluid leaks or brake line damage
- Suspension components must be intact and secure
Steering & Lights
- Steering system must be responsive and free from excessive play
- Headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights must all be in working order
Windscreen & Wipers
- No major cracks or obstructions in the driver’s view
- Wipers must operate effectively and clear the screen properly
Other Safety Features
- Seatbelts must be fully functional
- No rust or structural damage affecting safety
- Exhaust system must meet emission standards
If any of these components fail the test, your car will not receive a Roadworthy Certificate until the necessary car repairs Dandenong are completed.
4. Common Reasons for Failing a Roadworthy Test
Many cars fail their first roadworthy inspection due to minor issues that could have been fixed beforehand. The most common reasons include:
- Worn-out tyres that don’t meet the legal tread depth
- Brake pads or discs that are too thin
- Leaking suspension components
- Cracked windscreens
- Faulty headlights or indicators
To avoid these issues, it’s a good idea to book a car service at Continental Dandenong before your roadworthy inspection. This allows our team to identify and fix potential problems, saving you time and money.
5. How to Prepare Your Car for a Roadworthy Inspection
Before bringing your car in for a Roadworthy Certificate, follow these steps to improve your chances of passing:
- Check Your Tyres: Ensure they have sufficient tread and are free from damage.
- Test Your Lights: Replace any blown bulbs and check that all lights function correctly.
- Inspect Your Brakes: Listen for squeaking or grinding noises that may indicate worn brake pads.
- Top Up Fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels.
- Clean Your Car: A clean vehicle allows mechanics to perform a thorough inspection without obstructions.
If you’re unsure whether your car will pass, our experienced mechanics Dandenong can conduct a pre-inspection check.
6. What Happens If Your Car Fails the Roadworthy Inspection?
If your vehicle fails the test, you’ll be given a report detailing the issues that need fixing. You then have seven days to complete the necessary car repairs Dandenong and return for a re-inspection. If you exceed this timeframe, a full inspection will be required again.
At Continental Dandenong, we can handle all required repairs, from brake replacements to tyre changes, ensuring your car meets roadworthy standards as quickly as possible.
7. How Long is a Roadworthy Certificate Valid?
In Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate is valid for:
- 30 days from the date of issue for registration transfers
- 60 days if used to clear a defect notice
If you don’t complete the sale or registration transfer within this period, you’ll need to obtain a new certificate.
8. Where to Get a Roadworthy Certificate in Dandenong
For a hassle-free roadworthy inspection, visit Continental Dandenong. Our team of professional mechanics Dandenong ensures your car meets all safety requirements, providing fast and reliable roadworthy certification.
Whether you’re selling your car or need car repairs Dandenong before an inspection, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us today on 03 9791 8841 to book your roadworthy inspection!