Is your 'ride or die’ roadworthy, or is it time to upgrade? Knowing what makes a car unroadworthy is crucial, not only for your safety but also to comply with South African law. Below, we break down the top 8 red flags that could cause your vehicle to fail the test, and how you can fix them before it's too late. 

Tip: Protect yourself from unexpected repairs with a motor warranty from dotsure.co.za. It’s an easy way to keep your car safe and roadworthy. 

RELATED: 9 BAD DRIVING HABITS THAT DAMAGE YOUR CAR 

 

Mechanical Issues

Even seemingly minor faults can make a car unroadworthy if they compromise performance or safety. The most common mechanical culprits include: 

Wheels, Tyres & 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 of at least 1,6 mm deep. 
  • Wheel bearings must run smoothly. 
  • 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. 
  • Kingpins, control arms, and anti-roll bars must be secure. 
  • 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 specification. 

Engine & Transmission

  • The engine compartment must be free from damage and leaks. 
  • Engine and 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 may 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. 

 

Structural Integrity

A sound vehicle frame and properly fitted interior are non-negotiables for passing a roadworthy test. 

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 the outside. 
  • All doors must be firmly attached to their hinges. 
  • Interior door panels must be in place and in good condition. 

Interior

  • Seatbelts must retract and lock securely. 
  • Seats should be firmly secured and undamaged. 
  • The hooter must be functional. 
  • The speedometer and odometer must work accurately. 

 

Electrical and Safety Systems

Faulty lights or a cracked windscreen can instantly make your vehicle unroadworthy. 

Lights

  • All lights (indicators, headlights, brake lights) must be in good working order. 
  • Light casings must be intact with no water leaks or fogging. 
  • Both low and high beam functions and the beams' level must be working well. 

Windscreen & Windows

  • The windscreen should be crack-free and offer a clear view. 
  • All windows designed to open must be able to open and close. 
  • The windscreen wipers must be operational and in good condition. 

 

Other Factors That Influence Your Roadworthy Certificate

Even if your car seems mechanically sound, it could still fail its test due to legal or administrative oversights. 

Identification

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

 

Why You Need an Extended Motor Warranty

Now that you know what makes a car unroadworthy, it’s time to take proactive steps. Unexpected repairs or replacements can be costly. That’s why having an extended motor warranty from dotsure.co.za is a smart move. With cover for up to 60 mechanical and electrical car parts, you can: 

  • Keep your vehicle roadworthy for longer 
  • Avoid expensive surprise repairs 
  • Drive worry-free. 

Contact us today to learn more or get a quick quote online. 

 

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