When it comes to vehicle safety and compliance in Victoria, understanding the ins and outs of Roadworthy Certificates (RWC) is crucial. The Certificate of Roadworthiness is a key document needed for specific vehicle-related activities, and knowing what it covers—and what it doesn't—can save you time, money, and potential legal issues down the road.

In Victoria, a Roadworthy Certificate is a document that confirms a vehicle has passed a basic safety inspection. The inspection is aimed at ensuring that key components of the vehicle, such as brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and tires, are in a condition that makes the vehicle safe to operate on public roads. However, it is important to highlight that a roadworthy inspection is not a comprehensive full vehicle inspection. It primarily focuses on safety standards necessary for the vehicle's operation on the road, rather than assessing the overall condition or mechanical reliability of the vehicle.

An RWC is required in several scenarios, most notably when you are planning to sell your vehicle or when it needs to be re-registered. According to Victoria's regulations, a vehicle must have a valid RWC issued by a Licensed Vehicle Tester before these transactions can be completed. This is to ensure that vehicles being transferred or re-registered meet the safety standards set out under Regulation 220 by the Roads Corporation, commonly known as VicRoads.

The roadworthy inspection checks whether a vehicle complies with safety standards, but it's crucial to remember that it doesn't provide a detailed overview of the vehicle's condition. The inspection includes checks on:

Steering, suspension, and braking systems

Windscreen and windows, including front wipers and washers

Other safety-related items on the body, chassis, or engine

These components are inspected to ensure they are in satisfactory condition for safe operation. However, it's important to note that a Certificate of Roadworthiness doesn't constitute a complete assessment of a vehicle's compliance with the Standards for Registration, governed by the Australian Design Rules (ADRs). These rules often go beyond the scope of a roadworthy inspection and cover aspects like vehicle emissions and noise levels.

One common misconception is that a roadworthy inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a vehicle’s condition. In reality, a roadworthy inspection focuses solely on ensuring that the vehicle meets minimum safety standards. It does not evaluate the overall mechanical reliability or cosmetic condition of the vehicle. For those looking to assess a vehicle’s general condition or value, an independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended. This type of inspection provides a detailed assessment of the vehicle's mechanical health, which can be particularly beneficial for buyers.

Pre-Purchase Inspections: An Additional Step

To obtain an RWC, you need to visit a licensed inspection station, such as Wallan Garage in Wallan, which is authorized to conduct Roadworthy Certificate Examinations for light vehicles. With 25 years of experience, Wallan Garage ensures that your vehicle meets all necessary safety standards. Remember, while having an RWC is crucial for certain transactions, it doesn’t guarantee the vehicle’s overall condition, making pre-purchase inspections a wise decision for prospective buyers.

Once you have obtained your RWC, maintaining your vehicle's roadworthiness is an ongoing responsibility. Regular servicing is essential to keep your vehicle safe and efficient. For diesel engine owners, it’s especially important to adhere to the specific service requirements that ensure smooth and efficient performance. By staying on top of regular maintenance and repairs, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Roadworthiness

In Victoria, a Certificate of Roadworthiness is an essential document for anyone looking to sell or re-register a vehicle. While it certifies that the vehicle meets basic safety standards, it doesn't cover all aspects of the vehicle's mechanical condition. For those purchasing a vehicle, an independent pre-purchase inspection can provide peace of mind by offering a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle's condition.

Licensed providers like Wallan Garage in Wallan are well-equipped to handle roadworthy inspections, ensuring that your vehicle is safe and compliant with Victoria's regulations. Always remember, staying informed and proactive about your vehicle's roadworthiness can lead to a safer driving experience for you and others on the road...

The Certificate of Roadworthiness is a key document needed for specific vehicle-related activities, and knowing what it covers—and what it doesn't—can save you time, money, and potential legal issues down the road....

Understanding RWC Roadworthy Certificates and Roadworthiness in Victoria

Understanding RWC Roadworthy Certificates

When winter approaches in Wallan, Victoria, it’s essential to ensure your car is up to the task of handling colder temperatures and potentially wetter conditions. Regular servicing plays a critical role in maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. Let's explore why consistent maintenance is crucial and how it prepares your car for winter driving.

How Regular Service Helps Get Your Car Ready for Winter Driving

Regular servicing isn't just about fixing problems; it's about preventing them. By sticking to a consistent service schedule, you ensure that every part of your vehicle is functioning optimally, which is especially important when winter arrives. Colder temperatures and increased rainfall in Wallan can exacerbate minor issues, turning them into significant problems. Here's how regular servicing helps keep your car ready for winter:

Tyres are your car's primary point of contact with the road, making them vital for safe driving. During a regular service, mechanics will check the tyre tread depth and ensure it meets the legal requirements. Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining traction on wet and slippery roads, common in Wallan during winter.

Additionally, tyre pressure is checked and adjusted. Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop, leading to uneven wear and decreased fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tyres provide better control and handling, which is crucial in adverse weather conditions.

Your brakes are crucial for safe driving, especially in wet conditions. Regular servicing includes a thorough brake inspection to check for wear and tear. Brake pads, discs, and fluid levels are examined to ensure they are in good condition. In winter, roads can be more slippery, making it harder to stop quickly. Well-maintained brakes provide the necessary stopping power, reducing the risk of accidents. If any issues are found, such as worn pads or low brake fluid, they are addressed promptly to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter driving.

Cold weather can be tough on your car's battery. Low temperatures can reduce a battery’s capacity and slow down the chemical reactions required to generate power. During regular service, mechanics test the battery's charge and inspect it for any signs of corrosion or wear. A well-maintained battery ensures your car starts reliably, even on chilly winter mornings. If the battery is weak or shows signs of failing, it can be replaced before it leaves you stranded in the cold.

With shorter days and longer nights, winter driving often means driving in the dark. Ensuring all your car’s lights are working properly is crucial for visibility. During a regular service, mechanics will check the headlights, brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. Properly functioning lights help you see the road better and ensure other drivers can see you. If any bulbs are out or if the light covers are dirty or fogged up, these issues are addressed to ensure optimal visibility and safety.

Your car's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a vital role in keeping you comfortable and safe during winter. The heater keeps you warm, while the defroster clears foggy and icy windows. During regular service, the HVAC system is thoroughly checked to ensure it's working correctly. A well-functioning HVAC system not only provides comfort but also improves visibility by keeping your windows clear of condensation and frost. If any part of the system is faulty, it can be repaired or replaced before winter sets in.

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car. Regular servicing includes checking and topping up all essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. These fluids are crucial for the smooth operation of your vehicle, especially in winter. For instance, having the right amount of coolant is vital to prevent the engine from freezing on cold mornings. Similarly, windshield washer fluid helps keep your windscreen clear of grime and salt, ensuring good visibility.

Good visibility is crucial for safe winter driving. Your windshield wipers play a significant role in this by clearing away rain, snow, and ice. During a regular service, mechanics inspect the wipers for signs of wear and tear and replace them if necessary. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks or miss patches of the windshield, impairing your vision. New wipers ensure your windscreen stays clear, providing you with an unobstructed view of the road.

Regular servicing with a reputable mechanic like Wallan Garage is a proactive approach to vehicle maintenance that ensures your car is always in peak condition, ready to face the challenges of winter driving in Wallan. By checking and maintaining crucial components like tyres, brakes, the battery, lights, the HVAC system, fluid levels, and windshield wipers, you can drive with confidence, knowing your car is prepared for the colder months.

Remember, the key to safe and reliable winter driving lies in regular servicing. Don’t wait for problems to arise – book your service today and enjoy peace of mind on the road this winter...

Ensure your car is winter-ready in Wallan Victoria. Discover how regular servicing, including tyre checks, brake maintenance, and battery tests, keeps your vehicle safe and reliable for the colder months...

Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving in Wallan with Regular Service

Embracing Regular Car Servicing for Safer and Stress-Less Holiday Trips 

To ensure that your vehicle is holiday-ready, routine service checks are imperative if you want to make sure that your vehicle is as safe, efficient and ready for a road trip as is reasonably possible. In this article, we'll delve into the various mechanical tasks carried out during regular car servicing, the importance of maintenance, and the safety and comfort benefits they provide in relation to getting a vehicle ready for a road trip.


Ensuring your trusty automobile is up to snuff in terms of reliability and efficiency is of paramount importance when embarking on a leisurely road trip. With regular maintenance and care, you'll have the opportunity to detect any possible hiccups before they spiral out of control, putting a damper on your road trip plans and potentially straining your wallet.

10 ways Regular Car Servicing helps you prepare for road trips

The braking system of your vehicle plays a pivotal role in ensuring safety on the roads. As such, it is important to conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure that every component, from the brake fluid to the brake pads and rotors, is in pristine condition, providing optimal functionality. The efficiency of your car's braking system during your holiday journey is essential to guarantee safe travels and enabling you to navigate the roadways safely.

Brake Maintenance: A Necessity for Safety 

When it comes to embarking on a much-needed getaway, nothing is more bothersome than driving on a scorching hot day without the aid of an air conditioning system that is in optimal working condition. Holiday driving in many parts of Australia can be sweltering without an operational air conditioning system. Besides, a functional AC system serves an important role in window demisting for added safety. Servicing helps detect leaks and fix issues early, providing a comfortable driving environment

Optimising your Car’s Air Conditioning System 

A comprehensive vehicle maintenance and servicing package will inevitably encompass a meticulous examination of the intricate and interconnected systems that are responsible for providing your car with a smooth, effortless driving experience. This includes but is not limited to, a comprehensive assessment of the suspension and steering mechanisms of your car, which are crucial to its performance, handling, and overall comfort, especially during a long road trip that demands nothing less than a reliable, efficient, and safe driving experience.

Suspension and Steering: The Backbone of a Smooth Ride 

Maintaining a consistent oil change routine is absolutely crucial in order to maintain the cleanliness of your vehicle's engine and ensure an optimally efficient and smooth ride. Taking the time to regularly have your engine oil checked and replaced as needed can quite literally be a lifesaver, particularly when it comes to embarking on a long and leisurely road trip journey with your loved ones.

Checking and Changing Engine Oil: Enhancing Engine Health 

There’s nothing more stressful than a dead car battery when on a road trip. One of the most stressful situations that any driver can encounter while on a long journey is a dead car battery. This unexpected setback can lead to hours of frustration and lost time, potentially ruining an otherwise enjoyable trip. Regular car servicing involves inspecting the car battery, keeping you free of those unwelcome surprises on your travels.

Battery Inspection: The Ignition Assurance 

A well-maintained set of tyres not only provides an optimal level of road grip, but it also enhances the efficiency of a vehicle. The regular checking of one's tyres via regularly having your car serviced helps ensure a safe and smooth road trip or holiday travel experience. Through a comprehensive tyre check, individuals can identify any damages, inappropriate levels of inflation, or other wear-and-tear issues that may compromise the performance of the vehicle.

When it comes to keeping your car running at peak performance, nothing is more crucial than regular servicing. One aspect of this maintenance that often gets overlooked is a thorough inspection of your auto electrical system. By taking the time to diagnose and address any potential issues during a comprehensive vehicle inspection, you can ensure that your car is always operating at maximum efficacy.

Over the course of your car's lifespan, its various filters and fluids may experience deterioration, resulting in a loss of efficiency and potential for mechanical failure. However, by prioritising regular servicing that incorporates comprehensive filter and fluid replacement procedures, you can safeguard your vehicle's longevity and maximise its performance on the open road, thereby helping guarantee uninterrupted road trips.

Fluid and Filter Replacement: Enhancing Your Vehicle's Lifespan

Frequently conducting servicing for your cherished vehicle can greatly benefit your driving experience by ensuring that it operates in optimal condition. By keeping up with regular maintenance and guaranteeing that your engine is performing at its best, you will notice significant improvements in fuel efficiency and engine power, resulting in fewer stops at the petrol station and cost savings in the long term.

Vehicle Efficiency: Saving Costs in the Long Run 

When it comes to planning a road trip, ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition is paramount to enjoying a stress-free journey. One of the most effective ways to guarantee this is by scheduling regular vehicle servicing. This is an invaluable gift that not only helps keep your car running smoothly, but also offers the priceless benefit of peace of mind. As you prepare for your road trip, you can trust that your vehicle won't let you down, leaving you free to plan and enjoy the rest of a hassle-free and memorable experience.

Regular vehicle servicing affords you the invaluable gift of peace of mind. 

As you plan your road trip, the advantages of maintaining your car's performance are shown to be extensive. Car servicing goes beyond mere regular checks; it is a vital undertaking to ensure your vehicle's efficiency and your safety on the road, particularly during the holiday travels.

Uncover 10 ways Regular Car Servicing helps you prepare for road trips and the importance of regular car maintenance in preparing your vehicle for holiday travels. Explore how varied mechanical tasks help keep your vehicle in top-notch condition and ready toi go at the drop of a hat...

Take some stress out of road trips with regular car service

Take some stress out of road trips with regular service

Brake fluid transfers the pressure you put on the brake pedal through to the actual brakes.
Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work. As everyone knows - not having brakes is a huge problem! In fact even slightly affected brakes are very dangerous.


Brake fluid absorbs moisture very easily. Brake fluids are also subject to very high temperatures and so they are designed to have a high boiling point to stop them from boiling and evaporating- when brake fluid has accumulated too much moisture- this lowers its boiling point and it can boil off more easily causing low levels. Low levels of brake fluid affect your braking performance and could mean your car will fail to stop.
Brake Fluid that has absorbed too much moisture will also shorten the life of your braking system including damaging the callipers, wheel cylinders and anti-lock braking systems.

Why is brake fluid replacement necessary?

Your manufacturer's log book will advise how regularly your brake fluid should be changed or flushed, we recommend a drain and replacement every two years however it is wise to have it regularly checked by an expert at every service to make sure the levels are not reducing too fast (a sign of a leak) or that the moisture levels have not reached a point that could be damaging your system.

How often should I replace my brake fluid?

At Wallan Garage we offer a full 65 Point Vehicle Inspection report, upon request, with every full car service which includes a written review of your brake fluid, master cylinder, front and back discs and pads, callipers and cylinders and more. This inspection helps to identify any issues in your vehicle which should be addressed and our mechanics will certainly advise you if they feel your vehicle might need a brake fluid replacement, or an out of schedule brake system service or repairs.

Do you check the brake fluids during a car service?

Without the brake fluid your brakes quite simply would not work.

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it? 

Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in any vehicle, and ignoring the warning signs of a failing brake system can lead to disaster on the road. Regularly checking and servicing your brakes is vital to ensure your vehicle remains safe, comfortable and reliable.

At Wallan Garage in Wallan, our professional brake specialists offer a complete range of brake-related services to all vehicle types. From brake pad supply and fitting, to repairs and maintenance, we can keep your vehicle's braking system working at its maximum performance.

If you notice any of the following warning signs while braking, it may be time to book an appointment with one of our experienced brake technicians:

Brake Light Remains On - If your vehicle's brake warning light stays on even after releasing the parking brake, it's an indication of a problem in the braking system that requires attention.

Swerving While Braking - A failing braking system can cause your vehicle to swerve or pull to one side while braking, which is particularly dangerous on wet or icy roads.

Vibration When Brakes Are Applied - If you feel a vibration through the brake pedal while applying the brakes, this could indicate a warped rotor or an out of balance brake drum.

Brake Pedal Feels Sticky - A sticky or slow-to-return brake pedal could mean there is a problem with the hydraulic system or the brake booster.

Brakes Produce Excessive Noise - Squeaking, grinding or other unusual noises while braking could be a sign that your brake pads are worn and need replacing.

Spongy Feel To Brake Pedal - A soft, spongy brake pedal that travels to the floor before stopping the vehicle could indicate air in the hydraulic system or a leaking brake line.

Impaired Stopping Ability - If your vehicle takes longer to stop or requires more pressure on the brake pedal than usual, there could be a problem with the brake system that needs urgent attention.

Hard "Feel" To Brake Pedal - A hard brake pedal that requires excessive force to activate the brakes could mean there is a problem with the hydraulic system, brake booster, or master cylinder.

At Wallan Garage, we offer a comprehensive 65 Point Vehicle Inspection as part of every full car service, which includes a checking your vehicle's brake system. Don't wait until a minor problem turns into a major issue – contact us today to book your vehicle in for a brake inspection, and ensure your vehicle's brakes are functioning well and safely.

Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in any vehicle, and ignoring the warning signs of a failing brake system can lead to disaster on the road. Regularly checking and servicing your brakes is vital to ensure your vehicle remains safe, comfortable and reliable...

Brake warning signs to be on the look out for

As your local Mechanic in Wallan, Wallan Garage take great pride in offering our clients the very best in car servicing and automotive repairs

Wallan Garage is a family-owned business of 25 years. We provide excellent automotive repairs and servicing for drivers in Wallan and surroundings.

Wallan Garage specialise in car servicing for all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. We only use quality parts and fluids in every car service and our mechanics are fully qualified, meaning the job is done right and your warranty remains intact.

Our fully qualified log book servicing ensures your car is in safe hands, and we provide quality car service and repairs on all models, including four wheel drive and Diesel vehicles. We can service new cars and Wallan Garage mechanics are more than happy to validate your log book when we service your car protecting you further.

Here at Wallan Garage we are proud to be an Australian owned and operated workshop servicing our local community of Wallan. We believe that motorists in Wallan deserve the very best in customer service and technical expertise, that's why we choose to be a part of Australia's largest independent network of mechanical workshops, proudly backed by the biggest name in the business - Repco.

As a Repco Authorised Service centre, we have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care. Our Business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring each mechanic is kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods.

We have access to the best parts and training in the country and offer a Nationwide Warranty honoured at over 500 workshops across Australia.

So, wherever you go, you can rely on the experience and knowledge of Wallan Garage and Repco authorised service.

The team at Wallan Garage are committed to excellence.

As a Repco Authorised Service Centre we provide high quality customer service and superior workmanship, ensuring our customers receive the very best in automotive care.

Attached to the Shell Service Station in Wallan our facilities include Toilets, Tea, Coffee & Cold Drinks available, Fuel Refill Station (part of business), Free Parking at or near the workshop, Vehicle Pick-up & Delivery, Customer Delivery and Pick Up, Early Drop Service ( key drop off box), Flexible hours ie service by appointment

Our workshop is widely acknowledged as one of the best equipped and most professional independent operations in Australia. 

150 Point Check
4WD service
Air Conditioning
Air Filtration Services
Auto Electrical
Battery Check & Replacement
Belts & Hoses
Brake & Clutch
Caravan & Trailers
Car Heating
Child Restraint Centre
Clutch Service
Cooling System Service
Custom & Restorations
CV Joints & Boots
Diesel Repairs
Green Slips
Drivetrain Services
Diagnostic & Tune
EFI
Engine Reconditioning
Engine Rebuilding
European Car Service
Exhaust Fitting & Service
Fleet Servicing Solutions
LPG Repairs
Mobile Repairs
Power Steering
Pre-Purchase Inspections
RMS Pink Slips
Roadside Assistance
Roadworthy Inspections
Safe-T-Stop
Safety Inspections
Shock Absorber service
Steering
Suspension
Towing Service
Truck repairs
Tyre Fitting & Repairs
Wheel Alignment
Wheel Balancing
Windscreens & Glass

You wont find a better level of customer service than from the friendly team at Wallan Garage.

You can rely on us to do the little things that really make a difference.

For friendly car service from a trusted independent mechanic you can rely on the team at Wallan Garage in Wallan...

Automotive Servicing and Repairs in Wallan

When it comes to brakes, you should never wait until brake repairs are necessary.  

Proper testing and routine checkups, such as our 65 Point Vehicle Inspection which we provide with all full car services, are important to ensure your vehicle's brake system is in top condition. Our expert team of technicians will be happy to advise you when they suspect that service or repair of your brake system is indicated to stop it becoming a bigger issue.

Brake services we perform at Wallan Garage include:

Brake Disc/Rotor and Drum Resurfacing or Machining

If you recognise any symptoms that your car's braking system could possibly need service or repairs simply book online with us and have the brakes of your vehicle assessed through our Wallan workshop today.

When it comes to brakes, you should'nt wait until brake repairs are necessary, get tested regularly.  

Brake and Clutch Service in Wallan

Brake and Clutch

For your convenience, our workshop will be open for business right through the Christmas period, except for public holidays

Wallan Garage take great pride in offering their clients personalised, and friendly service at all times. 
Conveniently located in Wallan, VIC, the business is a member of the Repco Auto Tech training program, ensuring their technicians are kept fully up to date with modern vehicle repair methods. 
Wallan Garage have a wealth of experience in servicing all makes and models, including commercial fleet vehicles. As a Repco Authorised Service centre, they have a commitment to high quality workmanship, ensuring the very best in automotive care.


Wallan Garage

Brake and clutch

Related articles

Understanding RWC Roadworthy Certificates

Winter Driving in Wallan

Take some stress out of road trips with regular service

Brake fluid - what is it and why do I need it?

Brake warning signs to be on the look out for

Car service in Wallan