Getting a Queensland roadworthy certificate (or safety certificate) can feel daunting if you’re not a car buff or bike enthusiast. The good news? You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot some common issues that might trip you up at the Approved Inspection Station (AIS). Before you roll up for your official inspection, here’s a straightforward checklist of basic checks you can do yourself. These focus on what TMR inspectors look at—safety stuff like lights, tires, and brakes—without needing tools or a workshop manual. Let’s dive in!
Why Bother with Pre-Checks?
- Save time and money by catching obvious problems early.
- Avoid the hassle of a failed inspection and rebooking.
- Feel more confident handing your vehicle over to the pros.
Basic Checks for Your Car or Motorcycle
- Lights: Do They All Work?
- Turn on your headlights (low and high beams), indicators, brake lights, and reverse lights (if applicable). For a motorcycle, check the front and rear lights too.
- Walk around the vehicle or ask a friend to watch while you flick switches. Look for flickering, dimness, or lights that don’t come on at all.
- Tip: Cracked or foggy lenses might fail you, so give them a quick look.
- Tires: Are They Road-Ready?
- Check for obvious wear—look at the tread. If it’s smooth or you can see the wear bars (little bumps in the grooves), they’re too worn.
- Use a 20-cent coin: stick it in the tread with the platypus facing down. If you see the top of its head, the tread’s too shallow (below 1.5mm, which is a fail).
- Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. On a bike, wobbly or cracked tires are a red flag.
- Brakes: Do They Feel Right?
- Press the brake pedal (or lever on a bike) firmly. It shouldn’t feel spongy or sink to the floor.
- Take the vehicle for a slow roll in a safe spot (like a driveway). Listen for squealing or grinding noises—they’re bad news.
- Check the handbrake too—does it hold the car on a slight slope?
- Wipers and Washers: Can You See Clearly?
- Turn on the windshield wipers (front and rear if your car has them). Do they move smoothly and clear the glass?
- Spray the washers—make sure fluid comes out and hits the windshield, not the roof.
- Look at the wiper blades: if they’re cracked or leave streaks, they’ll need replacing.
- Horn: Does It Honk?
- Give the horn a quick press. It should be loud and clear, not weak or silent.
- No fancy tools needed—just your ears!
- Mirrors and Glass: Any Cracks?
- Check all mirrors (side and rearview) for cracks or looseness. They should stay put when you adjust them.
- Look at the windshield and windows. Small chips might be okay, but big cracks (especially in the driver’s view) are a fail.
- Seatbelts: Do They Click and Hold?
- Pull each seatbelt out fully and let it retract. It should move smoothly without fraying or cuts.
- Click it into the buckle—does it lock securely? Give it a tug to make sure.
- Leaks: Anything Dripping?
- Park on a clean surface, then check underneath after a few minutes. Puddles of oil, coolant (green/orange liquid), or brake fluid (usually clear) mean trouble.
- On a bike, look under the engine after idling—same deal.
- Body and Rust: Any Big Damage?
- Walk around and look for major dents with sharp edge’s, loose parts, or rust holes. A little surface rust is fine, but if you can poke through it, that’s a problem.
- For bikes, check the frame—big scratches or bends could fail you.
- Exhaust: Too Loud or Smoky?
- Start the engine and listen. If it roars like a racecar or rattles loose, it might not pass.
- Look at the exhaust smoke: blue, black, or thick white clouds are signs something’s off.
What to Do If You Spot Issues
- Don’t panic! Small fixes like replacing a bulb or wiper blade can be done at home or cheaply at an auto shop.
- For bigger stuff (leaks, brakes, tires), head to a mechanic before the inspection. It’s cheaper than failing and retesting.
Final Tips
- Give your vehicle a quick wash—inspectors appreciate a clean slate, and it makes spotting issues easier.
- Test everything in daylight first; it’s simpler to see what’s what.
- If you’re unsure, ask a mate who knows cars or bikes to double-check your work.
Ready to Roll!
These checks won’t make you a mechanic, but they’ll help you avoid obvious headaches and frustration before the AIS visit. Queensland’s roadworthy rules are all about safety, so think like an inspector: if it looks dodgy, it probably is. Fix the basics, then let the pros handle the rest. Good luck out there on the road and see you when you need your next vehicle inspection!
Mick
Bearded Grease Monkey
My Roady Guy
