Roadworthy Certificate Checklist Before Selling Your Car and Why You Should Not Skip It

In Melbourne, a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is a legal requirement when selling a car. It confirms that the car meets Victoria’s minimum safety standards needed for a transfer of ownership. Selling a car without a valid RWC can result in fines, registration issues, and a loss of buyer confidence, potentially delaying or voiding the sale altogether.

However, before listing your car for sale, it is recommended to visit an experienced car mechanic in Melbourne to ensure your car meets all roadworthy requirements in Victoria. Whether it's a European model such as a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz, or a locally manufactured car, the process remains consistent. Failing to complete this step can result in delays, unforeseen expenses, and missed opportunities. 

In this blog, we've highlighted the essential roadworthy certificate checklist and steps every seller should follow to ensure a profitable and compliant sale.

What is a roadworthy certificate and why is it required?

Here is a brief overview of what a roadworthy certificate is and why it is necessary:

• A roadworthy certificate proves that your car meets the minimum safety requirements for use on public roads. In Victoria, you can’t legally sell or transfer a registered car without an RWC unless it’s being sold unregistered.
  
  
• A roadworthy certificate assures both the seller and the buyer. For the seller, it ensures full legal compliance during the transfer process. For the buyer, it verifies that the car is safe, reliable, and requires no repairs.
  
  
• Selling a car without RWC can lead to legal penalties and may cause the sale to be cancelled or delayed.

What are the Important parts inspected during a roadworthy certificate check?

Below is the complete checklist of parts assessed during a roadworthy certificate inspection:

1. Brakes and Brake Fluid

Your car’s brake system must be in optimal working order to pass a roadworthy inspection in Melbourne. Brake pads should have at least 3 mm of thickness, discs must be free from warping or uneven wear, and brake fluid should be replaced every 40,000 km or two years, whichever comes first.

2. Tyres and Wheels

Tread depth must be at least 1.5 mm across the surface. Tyres should show no signs of bulging, cracking, or uneven wear. It’s recommended to rotate tyres every 10,000 km and replace them around 50,000 km.

3. Suspension and Steering

The steering system must operate effectively and precisely to meet roadworthy standards in Melbourne. The car should maintain a stable, controlled ride without excessive play, vibration, or pulling to one side. Shocks and struts must be structurally sound and free from any fluid leaks. Suspension parts often need inspection around 80,000 to 100,000 km.

To learn more about the early warning signs, check out our blog on Signs Your Car’s Suspension Requires Inspection.

4. Lights and Electricals

Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights must be functional. Any faulty or dim bulbs should be replaced before inspection.

5. Windscreen, Windows, and Wipers

Cracks or chips larger than 10 mm within the driver’s line of sight can result in a failed roadworthy inspection. The windscreen must be structurally intact and free from any damage that obstructs the driver’s visibility. Wiper blades must function efficiently, and any worn or damaged blades should be replaced annually to maintain clear vision in all weather conditions.

6. Seatbelts and Airbags

Seatbelts must operate correctly, retracting completely and locking securely to ensure passenger safety. All airbags must be present and in working condition, with the airbag warning light deactivating shortly after ignition to indicate effective system performance.

7. Exhaust and Emission Systems

The exhaust system must be free from leaks, corrosion, or visible damage. Excessive noise often indicates a gap or loose connection, which can result in a failed roadworthy inspection. To avoid unexpected issues during the inspection, it is recommended to schedule a car service near you in advance.

You can also learn more about common issues by reading our blog on exhaust system warning signs you shouldn’t ignore in European cars.

8. Chassis and Bodywork

The car’s frame must be structurally intact and free from significant rust, sharp edges, cracks, or any form of damage that could compromise safety. While minor surface rust is generally acceptable, any corrosion or deterioration affecting the structural integrity of the frame can lead to a failed roadworthy inspection.

What happens if you sell a car without an RWC?

Selling a car without RWC in most cases makes the transaction invalid unless you’re selling it as unregistered. However, this approach often leads to legal and logistical complications, making it an unsuitable option in most cases.

Here’s why:

• Most buyers are unwilling to proceed with the purchase of a car that does not have a valid roadworthy certificate. In such cases, they may either negotiate a substantially lower price or walk away from the sale entirely.
  
  
• The seller may be held liable if a fault leads to an incident before the car is officially re-registered by the buyer.
  
  
• Without a valid RWC, the registration transfer cannot be completed, and the buyer may return with disputes or complaints regarding the car’s condition.

In short, avoiding the RWC may save a small upfront cost but can result in significantly higher expenses and complications in the future. 

When should you start the RWC process?

The following guidelines outline when to begin preparing your car for a roadworthy inspection:

• Prepare at least two weeks before the sale to allow enough time for any necessary repairs if the car does not pass the initial inspection.
  
  
• Booking an RWC after a major logbook or scheduled service is ideal, as the car is already in optimal condition for inspection.
  
  
• If your car hasn’t been driven regularly, prolonged inactivity can lead to battery failure, brake wear, or tyre deterioration.

What happens during an RWC inspection?

Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial visual and functional check: Your car mechanic inspects all the essential safety components.
   
   
2. Test drive or brake test: They may take it for a short test to check brakes, steering, and road feel.
   
   
3. Inspection report: You’ll get a list of passes/fails and recommendations for any repairs.
   
   
4. Certificate issued: Once everything is fixed, the certificate is valid for 30 days from the inspection date in Victoria.

How BCS Prestige make the process easier?

At BCS Prestige, we understand how important it is to get your car ready for sale. Whether you drive a European car or a family sedan, we offer thorough roadworthy inspections, servicing, and pre-sale preparation, all conveniently handled in one location.

Here’s how we help you:

• Comprehensive roadworthy certificate checklist coverage
• Thorough assessments with clear and transparent repair recommendations customised to your car’s condition.
• We have extensive experience in European car service, including brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Volkswagen.

Take away 

A roadworthy certificate verifies that a car meets essential safety standards before ownership is transferred. It ensures that critical systems such as brakes, tyres, suspension, and steering are in functional condition, offering confidence to both buyer and seller during the sale process.

At BCS Prestige, we repair all makes and models. Our experienced team delivers comprehensive solutions from brake inspections to tyre replacements with full transparency and reliable service.

Secure your roadworthy certificate before listing your car for sale. Book an inspection with our experienced car mechanic near you to ensure everything is in order. Comprehensive preparation streamlines the sales process, making it more efficient and free from unexpected setbacks.

Contact our workshop today.