Failing a care safety inspection can be frustrating to say the least. Why? Because you took the time out of your hectic schedule to take the test only to find out that you need to visit your Sydney car mechanic and return to the inspection centre. A good practice is to perform a thorough inspection before inspecting a new vehicle or even purchasing a second-hand vehicle.
We enumerate tips on what you need to do if you fail a car safety inspection.
No need to stress
You still have your driver’s license after failing a vehicle inspection. The inspection does not measure your skill or competency in driving, but instead points to potential problems of your vehicle. To ensure that you drive safely and protect your passengers and the general public, you may need to enforce some maintenance or repair to your car. Bear in mind that used cars are more likely to fail an inspection. There are even cases wherein brand-new cars fail safety inspections, too. If this is the case, all you need to do is head to a reputable auto shop in Sydney to obtain a comprehensive check on your car. A safety inspection from a skilled mechanic will identify issues that may reduce the safety of your car on the road. It is therefore imperative to follow their advice as to which parts of your vehicle need cleaning, adjustment, or maintenance as soon as possible.
Immediate Repairs Usually Solves Safety-Related Problems
There are safety inspection centres that offer repairs on-site. This brings convenience for vehicle owners who do not have the time to head to a body shop at another location. However, if you have a trusted Sydney mechanic, it may be best to pay them a visit instead. Show documentation from your safety inspection to streamline and speed up the repair process so you can drive away with an efficient and safe car.
What are the Causes of Safety Inspection Failure?
- Brake Failure
The most common reason why older cars fail safety inspection is due to brake failure. During inspection, your car mechanic will check the brake system and other associated components, including the hydraulic system, disc, drum, linting, and break signs for any sign of wear and tear. A skilled Sydney mechanic can easily post if the linkage, vacuum, or hydraulic booster system of your vehicle needs to be repaired or replaced right away. To confirm that your brake system is functioning normally, it is crucial to step the stopping distance and parking brake function as well.
- Suspension System
The natural wear and tear to the ball joint and damage to shock absorbers are yet top causes for failing your safety inspection test. To ensure safety, your mechanic will also check for other related components such as wheel bearings, spindle bolts, and kingpins to ensure that you pass safety inspection for a second time.
- Seatbelts
A broken or malfunctioning seat belt will be a cause of concern during a safety inspection and a potential reason for failing an inspection. Before a safety inspection, it may be best to have your local auto mechanic in Sydney to fix your seatbelt system.
- Tyre and Wheels
All four tyres will be inspected for the presence of studs, nuts, and debris that can result in failure while on the road. Tread depth of your tyres will be checked to ensure they are still thick enough and safe to use for short and long-haul driving.
- Steering System
The steering wheel, steering column, and power steering system will all be checked during inspection. To avoid failing the inspection, it may be best to perform a diagnosis of your steering wheel or have a seasoned Sydney auto mechanic check its condition for you.
- Lighting
All your vehicle’s lights must be fully functional during your safety inspection. You must check that all lights, including headlights, taillights, fog lights, internal lighting, and high beams are all working properly to pass a safety inspection.
- Fuel System
Your car’s fuel tank will be checked for leaks. Additionally, the choke, handle throttle, and accelerator operation will be evaluated whether they are functioning properly or not.
- Emissions and Exhaust System
When you bring your car to a Sydney auto shop prior to a safety inspection, your mechanic will perform a comprehensive maintenance check on your emissions and exhaust system which includes the exhaust gas recirculation system, air injection system, and evaporative emissions system. The components that make up your exhaust system will be thoroughly checked, including the muffler, piping, resonator, and tail piping for leaks and proper installation.
To save time and money, it is imperative to have your car checked by a reputable auto mechanic in Sydney. While failing a safety test can be easily resolved, it is better to be proactive and bring your vehicle to routine maintenance and repairs. At HP Automotive, we bring years of experience in the maintenance and repair of commercial and private vehicles in Sydney. If you wish to schedule an appointment or ask for an estimate, call our direct line on 08 9979 8372 today.