If you live in Avondale Heights, ensuring your vehicle meets Victorian road safety standards isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it’s a must for anyone looking to drive with confidence or legally transfer ownership. Whether you’re planning to sell your car, re-register a vehicle that’s been off the road, or simply want peace of mind, securing a valid roadworthy certificate (RWC) is an essential step. At Balfour Auto Service, we specialise in delivering thorough, reliable vehicle inspections that meet VicRoads’ regulations, helping locals in Avondale Heights get back on the road with full compliance and assurance.
Importance Of A Roadworthy Certificate
A car is more than just transport; it’s a necessity for commuting to work, running errands, school drop-offs, and exploring Melbourne’s west. With roads like Military Road and access to major arterial routes such as the Calder Freeway, your vehicle takes on everyday demands that can impact its safety features over time.
A roadworthy certificate is designed to ensure that your car is safe for everyday driving. It’s a legal requirement in Victoria if you’re planning to sell or transfer a registered vehicle, or if you’re re-registering a car after it has lapsed. Without it, your vehicle cannot be legally transferred, registered, or driven in certain circumstances.
More importantly, our roadworthy inspection provides peace of mind. It confirms that critical safety features like brakes, steering, lights, tyres, and the structure of the vehicle are in sound working order. With an RWC from Balfour Auto Service, you’re not just meeting regulations you’re taking an active step to protect yourself and others on the road.
What Is Included In Our Roadworthy Certificate Inspection?
At Balfour Auto Service, we don’t cut corners. Our RWC inspections follow strict guidelines laid out by VicRoads. While the RWC inspection isn’t a full mechanical check-up, it does cover all the key areas that influence the safety and legality of your vehicle.
Here’s what’s checked during your roadworthy certificate inspection:
• Tyres and Wheels
We ensure tyres have the required 1.5mm tread depth, no punctures, bulges, or cracking. Wheels are inspected for structural integrity and fitment to avoid issues with alignment or handling.
• Steering and Suspension
Your vehicle’s control and comfort heavily depend on its suspension and steering components. We test for any excessive play in the steering wheel, inspect shock absorbers, springs, and joints to ensure your car handles predictably on the road.
• Brakes
The braking system is one of the most crucial safety components. We test brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and hydraulic systems for leaks or loss of pressure. If your vehicle can’t stop efficiently, it won’t pass.
• Seatbelts and Seating
Each seatbelt must lock securely, retract smoothly, and show no signs of fraying. All seats are inspected for secure anchorage to the floor—especially the driver’s seat.
• Lights and Electricals
We check that headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse lights, and number plate lights are working correctly. We also test hazard lights and reflectors for visibility and compliance.
• Windscreen, Wipers, and Washers
Clear visibility is essential in Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. We check your windscreen for cracks or damage in the driver’s view, and confirm that washers and wipers work as intended.
• Vehicle Structure
Our testers look for signs of rust, corrosion, or accident-related structural damage. The chassis and underbody must be free from defects that could compromise safety in the event of a collision.
These checks are non-negotiable when it comes to issuing a roadworthy certificate. Any component that fails must be repaired before a certificate can be granted.
Our Roadworthy Proces
We know the process of getting a roadworthy certificate can feel a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re unsure what to expect. That’s why we’ve made it as simple and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Book an Appointment
Call us or use our online booking system to choose a convenient time. We recommend booking ahead, particularly if you’re working to a deadline for selling or re-registering your car.
Step 2: Initial Inspection
Our Licensed Vehicle Testers (LVTs) will perform a full roadworthy inspection. This takes around 2 to 3 hours, during which your vehicle is thoroughly checked against VicRoads’ safety checklist.
Step 3: Pass or Report
If your vehicle passes all the required criteria, you’ll receive a digital RWC, valid for 30 days. If not, we’ll provide a detailed rejection report outlining the reasons it didn’t pass, along with guidance on the necessary repairs.
Step 4: Repairs and Re-inspection
You have 14 days to complete the listed repairs. You can either choose to have the work done elsewhere or let our qualified mechanics in Sunshine to carry out the repairs. Once completed, we’ll perform a re-check to finalise your certificate.
Authority of a Licensed Vehicle Tester
When you bring your car to Balfour Auto Service, your inspection isn’t handled by just any mechanic. All roadworthy inspections are conducted by VicRoads-approved Licensed Vehicle Testers, professionally trained and certified to assess your vehicle against current safety regulations.
Our LVTs undergo continuous training and are regularly audited by VicRoads to maintain their accreditation. This means you’re getting your vehicle inspected by someone who not only knows the law but knows what to look for in terms of safety, longevity, and compliance.
Having a certified tester means the certificate you receive is fully legitimate and accepted by all Victorian road authorities, giving you peace of mind that your car is ready for whatever the road throws your way.
Why Choose Us for Your Avondale Heights RWC?
There are plenty of service centres across Melbourne offering roadworthy inspections, but Balfour Auto Service stands out for several important reasons:
• Trusted VicRoads Accreditation
We’re an officially recognised Licensed Vehicle Testing facility. You can trust that every inspection is carried out to the highest standards, with full compliance.
• Clear and Honest Communication
If your vehicle doesn’t pass, we’ll explain the reasons clearly—no jargon, no pressure. You’ll receive a rejection report that outlines each issue and what’s needed to fix it.
• Fast Turnaround
We know your time matters. That’s why we aim to complete inspections and provide feedback on the same day. And if repairs are needed, we work quickly to get your vehicle roadworthy again within the 14-day window.
• Convenient to Avondale Heights
We’re just a short drive away, offering a clean, professional workshop with flexible appointment options for drivers in Avondale Heights and nearby areas.
• Skilled in All Vehicle Types
From small hatches to family SUVs and even European makes like BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen our team is trained and equipped to inspect them all.
Whether you’re preparing for a sale, re-registering a vehicle, or clearing a defect notice, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish with professionalism and care. Call us today on (03) 9366 0769 to book your inspection or ask about our roadworthy services. Let us help you get back on the road safely, legally, and with total peace of mind.