Every year, thousands of road users become a statistic on South Africa’s record of road death fatalities. Approximately 10% of road traffic accidents are a result of unroadworthy vehicles.
When buying a new or second-hand car, it is important to ensure that the car is in driving condition. It’s as simple as checking that the vehicle’s engine and chassis number is correct, the doors are attached to its hinges, the electrical system has zero safety risks, the car seats are secured properly, the windows are using safety glass and the brakes are in working condition, safety belts are not damaged, wheel tread and spare are present, fuel tank has a cap and is working effectively, and the vehicle has no sharp corroded edges to injure. If you are able to check these automotive requirements off your second-hand vehicle’s roadworthy list, your car should be worthy to be out on open roads.
Roadworthy certificates are legally required when you sell your car or when you buy a car.
The South African legislation states that all vehicles have to be roadworthy, therefore meet all the legal requirement during the roadworthy test, in order to qualify for a Roadworthy Certificate. However, it is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to ensure this. Keep in mind that there is a difference between owning a vehicle and driving a vehicle not owned by you. A roadworthy test is therefore only necessary when a vehicle changes owner.
Let’s use the Ford Kuga as an example. Before recalling more than 4,500 Kuga models, the Kuga car placed itself on South Africa’s fire brigade watchlist as a result of consistent reports of the SUV’s 1.6-litre variant bursting into flames. The Ford brand claimed that the fire was caused by “overheating” – causing cracks in the engine cylinder head and oil leaks. This is the perfect example as to why vehicle roadworthy tests are important in ensuring road safety.
But, a vehicle’s roadworthiness should be considered throughout its lifespan. Maintaining your vehicle’s servicing is, therefore, an important factor in prolonging road safety and reducing fatal road crashes. Retaining a good vehicle service record will preserve the value of your car and ensure that your vehicle stays in roadworthy condition, as it ages.
If you ignore your vehicle’s roadworthiness, your license registration application will not only be rejected, but insurance companies will view driving an ‘unroadworthy’ car as reckless. Legally, doing so is simply a violation of the law.
If a roadworthy certificate is missing from your file of vehicle documents, you are obliged to obtain one. Take your vehicle for a full check before embarking on a road trip this festive season and have your car roadworthy tested.
CarZar stresses the importance of road safety this festive season. Have your car roadworthy-tested, and reduce you and your family’s road safety risks. Roadworthiness reduces road safety risks.
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