When you’re going to hit the road, you need to ensure that the vehicle that you’re driving is safe and capable of getting you from Point A to Point B. Unfortunately, truck troubles are an unavoidable part of the transportation industry, and the longer your truck is out of commission due to that issue, the more money you lose. It’s critical to ensure your vehicle is performing to its best ability for the safety of other motorists.
A regular roadworthiness inspection should be done for more than just compliance. They’re a quick and easy approach to spot potentially dangerous flaws and hazards in automobiles before they hit the road.
Common Roadworthy Issues
If you run a fleet, you already know the importance of vehicle inspections to accomplish your company’s goals. Here are some common vehicle issues that operators face today:
- Brake Defects
Brakes are one of the most critical aspects of vehicle safety. If yours are worn out, it’s time to repair them. Regardless of whether your vehicle is a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive, you must inspect all four brakes. You may perform this at home or a car service center.
While driving, keep an eye out for pulsation in the brake pedal. When braking, make sure your steering wheel doesn’t wobble. When driving uphill, be sure your handbrake keeps the vehicle in place. Examine the brake pads and rotors. If the pads are worn thin and are down to the metal plate, they should be replaced right away.
- Worn Tires
In 2021, the police in Caledon, Ontario reprimanded a driver for operating a car with bald tires, which accompanies a fine of up to $1,000. One of the most common reasons for a failed roadworthy inspection is worn-out tread on your wheels. Especially when driving in damp conditions, gaining traction on the road while braking may become increasingly difficult. If your tires are bald or you’re having trouble gaining traction when driving around, it’s time to replace them. This prevents you from endangering yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road.
- Chipped and Cracked Windscreens
Windscreens are critical components of your vehicle because they allow you to view approaching traffic, pedestrians, and other cues while driving. If your windscreen is cracked or has a few chips, you’re in danger of having your view obstructed, which could lead to an accident. If for some unfortunate reason that you were involved in an accident, the compromised structural integrity of the windscreen may cause the rest of the glass to shatter into thousands of small shards, which is extremely dangerous. Have it repaired immediately, even if the crack is small.
- Defective Lights
Nothing is more terrifying than driving at night with defective lights. This can impair your driving skills, make you a liability to other road users, and result in a completely avoidable accident. Blurred or hazy lights, dead bulbs, water or calcium build-up, damaged or missing headlights or taillights, and even a broken light are all signs of poor lighting. As a result, please double-check that all bulbs and other lights are in functioning order. During an inspection, roadworthy inspectors will always check your lights, especially your danger lights.
- Oil Leaks
Any leaking from your car, such as oil, gas, steering/brake fluid, chemical, or even battery leaks, is one of the most noticeable. Looking in your rearview mirror to observe the trail from behind or looking below your vehicle are the two ways to determine if you have a leak. If you don’t take care of these leaks, it may lead to a more serious problem and a defect notice — and you don’t want to be one of those. Failing to comply with a defect notice could get pretty expensive.
- Steering Difficulties
To properly navigate the road, you must be able to direct your car first. If completing a simple three-point turn is becoming increasingly difficult, or if you can’t turn a corner properly, it’s time to replace the steering fluid. This may be done by looking under the hood and checking the steering fluid, which can either be topped up with more fluid or completely changed.
- Exterior Flaws
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re concerned about how your car handles on the road, have it inspected or call your local dealership right away to address any issues. Tail lights or indicators that are not working or missing, panels on the car that are broken or missing, a rusted chassis, a missing spoiler or wing of the vehicle, and not fitted properly are all examples of flaws. Defect notices may be issued as a result of these types of losses. If you have a defect notice that needs to be cleared, make sure that all of the vehicle’s components are repaired and match industry standards.
- Faulty Seats, Belts, or Safety Features
These safety features have the potential to save you from major injuries or even death. Seatbelts, seats, airbags, sensors, and safety locks are just a few of the features that keep us safe in the case of an accident. Sensors that are faulty or not working while parking or driving, safety locks that do not activate when the vehicle is moving, and airbags that have been deployed or removed are all examples of faults.
- Overheating Engine
An overheating engine can result in a slew of negative effects for both drivers and operators. A blown gasket or an issue with the gasoline tank could be the source of the problem. Regardless, if the problem is not addressed, it might lead to engine failure over time. To analyze and handle indicators of overheating on your car, you’ll need to work with a maintenance professional. Make sure as well that the engine components — cylinder block, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, and turbocharger — are all in good working condition. This can avert failure at a critical point in the long run.
How to Determine Roadworthiness
The roadworthy inspection is a procedure that involves inspecting the vehicle and ensuring that all key components are in working order for safe road use. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety released a truck roadworthy checklist you can use.
Benefits of Roadworthy Inspection
- Extends Vehicle Life
Vehicles that are regularly maintained and verified to be in good functioning order endure longer. Inspections save money on repairs and replacements, increasing the value of your vehicle and extending its life.
- Preventative Maintenance
It allows the detection of small problems before they turn into bigger ones. Preventative maintenance ensures that you get to maximize your truck’s service.
- Avoiding Liability
Regular inspections help you meet national and local safety laws and regulations. It will minimize your company’s liability and protect it from fines and penalties for non-compliance.
- Improved Customer Satisfaction
There will be fewer road breakdowns, and your tasks will be done on time. This will improve the customer’s experience and satisfaction and establish a positive reputation.
Ensuring your truck’s roadworthiness is important for ensuring safety, protection, and profitability. For truck diagnostics and truck repair in Sarnia, Detroit, London, Oakville, and Milton, turn to Turbo Express. Schedule an appointment at (289) 981-7002.
