Do you know if your car is roadworthy by South African standards?

Every new or used vehicle sold in South Africa needs to pass a roadworthy test before it can be registered and licensed in the new owner's name. It’s on the motorist to ensure that their vehicle is in a roadworthy state, and is actually a crime to operate an unroadworthy vehicle in South Africa.

Use the below guidelines to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy by South African standards.

The body

The body must be rust-free and without any damage that could pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists. Doors should open and close with ease from both inside and outside the vehicle, and they must be firmly attached at the hinges. The windscreen should have no cracks, and all windows must be operable. All vehicles must be fitted with at least one correctly functioning windscreen wiper. All lights and indicators must be in working order, and the high and low beams of the headlights must function correctly. Additionally, all lights must be securely fitted to prevent moisture from entering.

The tyres

The tread on all tyres, including the spare, must be at least 1.6 mm deep. Tyres and wheels must be the correct size and adhere to vehicle manufacturer specifications. Brakes must be in good working order, and brake discs should not be grooved or concave. The chassis should show no signs of weakness or damage, and the undercarriage must be free of rust with no visible fluid leaks. Shock absorbers should not be worn out. Exhaust mountings must be secure, and the exhaust should be undamaged with no visible smoke emissions.

The interior

The engine compartment must be clean, without any signs of damage or leaks, and there should be no loose or visible wiring. The battery must be clean, properly secured, and have the required number of clamps. Inside the vehicle, the hooter, odometer, and speedometer must be in working order. The seats should be securely in place without damage, and all seatbelts must be operational.

At Key Pinetown, we devote ourselves to delivering outstanding customer service across all facets of our operations. Should you have queries about your vehicle’s roadworthiness, our friendly team is here to assist. Contact us here.