Roadworthy inspections
A proper look over the whole car, and a straight list of what it needs.
Service One Automotive carries out roadworthy inspections at Factory 9, 266 Osborne Avenue, Clayton South VIC 3169. The inspection covers brakes, steering and suspension, tyres and wheels, lights, the windscreen and wipers, seatbelts, the exhaust and the body, and you are told exactly what passed and what did not. Ring or text 0434 949 091 to book one in. Please call to confirm current weekday hours.
What gets looked at
The inspection is a set list, not a matter of opinion, and it covers the parts of the car that keep you and everyone else safe.
Brakes, measured rather than glanced at. Steering and suspension, loaded by hand on the hoist to find play. Tyres and wheels, including tread depth and the condition of the sidewalls. Every light. The windscreen and the wipers. Seatbelts. The exhaust. Then the structure of the car itself, which is where rust matters.
What usually holds a car up
Tyres are the most common one by a distance, and it is normally tread depth rather than damage. A tyre can look perfectly healthy and still be under the limit.
After that it is brake pads near minimum, a chip or crack in the driver's sweep of the windscreen, a blown bulb nobody noticed, perished suspension bushes, and oil leaks heavy enough to be dripping.
None of that is exotic. Most cars that get held up are held up by one or two small things.
If something does not pass
You get the list, itemised, with what each item needs. Then you decide.
We can quote the work and do it here, or you can take the list and the car somewhere else. There is no pressure either way, and you are not obliged to have us do the repairs because we did the inspection.
Worth sorting before you book an inspection
- Check every bulb, including the number plate lights and the reverse light
- Look at the tread across the whole width of each tyre, not just the middle
- Top up the windscreen washer bottle and check the wipers do not smear
- Make sure the horn works
- Clear the boot so the spare and the jack can be checked
Questions about roadworthy inspections
How long should I allow?
Allow a good part of the day rather than an hour. A thorough inspection takes time, and if something needs a closer look we would rather take it.
Do I need one to sell my car?
In Victoria a roadworthy is generally required when a registered vehicle changes hands, and there are a few situations where one is needed for re registration. VicRoads is the authority on what applies to your situation, and it is worth checking with them if you are unsure.
Can you fix what fails on the day?
Sometimes, if it is small and the part is on the shelf. Anything bigger needs a separate booking. Tell us when you book that you would like the repairs done too, and we will allow for it.
Will you inspect a car you have never serviced?
Yes. Plenty of inspections are on cars we have not seen before, often ones people are about to buy or sell.
Book roadworthy inspections
Six short steps, or ring the workshop.
Open weekends by booking only, at the same rates. The booking has to be confirmed before the day, so ring or text ahead.