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Will Your Car Pass Its REGO With Your Current Wheels and Tyres?

As you probably know, every vehicle owner in Australia must have a certificate of roadworthiness which a licensed vehicle tester will issue following an inspection. It's not a test of the vehicle's mechanical condition per se but is intended to be a full check of its overall condition from a safety and suitability point of view. You may have made some modifications to your vehicle's wheels recently or suffered a puncture in recent times. Did you know that these events could affect the outcome of any REGO check? What should you know before you present to an inspector?

Wheel Condition

Inspectors pay particular attention to wheels and tyres as they go around your vehicle and do their work. Fundamentally, all wheels must be in good condition and free of any cracks or other damage that could cause them to fail. The inspector will look carefully in the area where the wheel meets the tyre, and there should be no evidence of buckling. In addition, the wheel should be in balance, so if it's been some time since you had this checked, you may want to check it before going for the test.

Spare Wheel Requirements

Did you know that you do not have to carry a spare wheel with the vehicle when you present for a REGO test? In this case, the inspector will only look at the wheels in use, but if you have a spare wheel, it has to be securely retained in the boot to get a pass.

Space Saver Wheels

However, you cannot pass a test if you have one of those temporary space saver wheels and tyres fitted on one of the hubs. Therefore, you should repair that punctured tyre before you go for the test and ensure that the original wheel is fitted instead.

Rules Regarding Damage

Sometimes, wheels can pick up damage during the course of everyday operation. If this has happened to you and you have repaired the wheel, make sure that the welds are of the highest quality and have no defects. The inspector may look at each wheel with a critical eye. They'll want to see that the modified wheel is equally capable as the original and is not likely to fail when driving down the road at speed.

Other Things to Remember

Other specific rules apply to wheels and tyres. For example, they may not project outside of the mudguard when pointing straight ahead. You must also ensure that they do not contact any part of the vehicle in terms of the surrounding bodywork. This can sometimes happen when people lower the vehicle for aesthetic purposes but do not get the job right.

Preparing Carefully

If you are unsure whether your vehicle will comply and pass the test, get in touch with a qualified mechanic first. They'll help you carry out any necessary modifications so you can be more confident.

Contact a provider to learn more about REGO car inspections


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