{"id":307,"date":"2020-08-27T16:49:19","date_gmt":"2020-08-27T16:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmtech.com.au\/the-roadworthy-certificate-process-has-changed-what-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2022-10-28T14:35:05","modified_gmt":"2022-10-28T03:35:05","slug":"the-roadworthy-certificate-process-has-changed-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bmtech.com.au\/the-roadworthy-certificate-process-has-changed-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"The Roadworthy Certificate Process Has Changed – What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We won\u2019t quickly shrug off the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even once it finally gets consigned to history, there\u2019ll still be plenty of us hesitating when someone extends a hand in greeting. And sanitiser won\u2019t be missing from many household cupboards for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another effect is the increase in car sales. With social distancing now a constant nag in the back of our minds, it seems many have grown wary of public transport and are instead turning to what some deem the ultimate PPE: your own car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An increase in car sales means an increase in people looking to get a roadworthy certificate. Basically, a roadworthy certificate is usually required when selling a car, or when re-registering a used vehicle. The point of the certificate is to minimise the number of shabby cars on our roads in the name of safety, and give confidence to buyers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to be a licensed vehicle tester to provide a roadworthy certificate, which is what we at BM Tech are<\/a>. Before you book your vehicle in with us, though, there are some changes Vicroads has made to the Roadworthy Certificate process that you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes to the Roadworthy Certificate Process<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The changes to the process have mostly been aimed at protecting the person buying the car. In the past, less-than-reputable workshops have provided certificates for cars that weren\u2019t fit for the road. To combat this, the new process involves extensive body structure tests as well as photographs to provide proof and authenticity in the preparation of the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this means the process takes longer and therefore costs more than it used to. Previously, it would take us around two hours to provide a RWC, but with the new regulations the vehicle in question will have to be booked in for the whole day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It costs more and takes longer, but it\u2019s better for the consumer and ensures that unsafe cars don\u2019t make it to the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do we check for during a roadworthy certificate process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the things we look at during roadworthy inspections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When we say lights, we mean all lights. Headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, even those little lights that shine on the number plate. We don\u2019t want cracks or cloudy lenses; small details like this can lead to an automatic failure. It may seem harsh, but lights are one of the most important safety features of cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspension<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Suspension matters. It\u2019s basically the system connecting the body of your vehicle to its wheels, so it needs to be in good working order when it comes to a RWC. The main components we inspect are suspension bushes, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints and tie rod ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signs that your suspension is in poor shape are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n