Work Van Roadworthy in Queensland - What Trade Vehicles Need to Know
I inspected this Renault Trafic in Coopers Plains today. Passed without any issues – the owner had clearly kept on top of maintenance despite it being a daily work van. But that’s not always the case with trade vehicles.
Work vans and utes get used harder than private cars. They carry heavy loads, they get driven by multiple people, and maintenance often takes a back seat to getting the job done. When it comes time for a roadworthy – whether you’re selling, transferring ownership, or re-registering – the condition of a hard-worked van can be a surprise.
Why work vehicles fail more often
Private cars are usually owned by one person who notices changes over time – a new noise, a warning light, a vibration. Work vehicles are different. They’re often driven by multiple employees with the attitude of “it’s not my car.” Nobody reports the warning light on the dash. Nobody mentions the tyres are getting thin. Nobody worries about the clunking noise from the suspension because “it’ll be fine for today.”
By the time the vehicle comes to me for an inspection, problems have been ignored for months or sometimes years. What would have been a cheap fix early on has become a list of failed items.
Common fail points on work vans
Worn tyres. Work vans carry heavy loads every day. That weight wears tyres faster, especially the rears. Tyres that look ok when the van is empty can be below the 1.5mm limit when you measure them properly. Check all four tyres and the spare.
Worn suspension and leaking shocks. Constant heavy loads stress the suspension beyond what it was designed for. Overloading is common with trade vehicles – the van is rated for a certain payload but gets loaded with tools, materials, and equipment well beyond that. Leaking shock absorbers and worn suspension bushes are common results.
Dashboard warning lights. This is the big one on work vans. When nobody reports the warning light, it stays on for months. Engine lights, ABS lights, airbag lights – I see work vans come in with multiple warning lights that have been ignored by everyone who drove it. Every safety-related warning light is a fail.
Worn brakes. Heavy loads mean harder braking. Brake pads and rotors wear faster on a van that carries 500kg of tools every day compared to a family car doing the school run.
Oil leaks. Vans that don’t get serviced regularly develop leaks that go unnoticed because nobody looks under the bonnet. Active oil drips onto the ground, exhaust, or brakes are a fail.
Damaged body panels and lights. Work vans get knocked around on job sites. Cracked tail lights, broken mirrors, damaged indicator lenses – all fail points that accumulate over time.
Check the van before you book
If you’re the business owner and you’re selling a work van, don’t assume it’s fine because it’s been driving every day. “It drives fine” doesn’t mean it will pass a roadworthy.
Start the van and check the dashboard for any warning lights that stay on.
Check all four tyres for tread depth and damage.
Walk around the van and test every light – headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light, reverse lights.
Look underneath for any oil drips.
Test the windscreen wipers and washer.
Check all doors – including the rear doors or tailgate. Every door must open and close properly. Sliding doors on vans must latch securely and not jam.
If you find problems, get them fixed before booking. It’s cheaper than a failed inspection and a re-inspection call-out fee.
Mobile inspection at your workplace
Work vans are usually at the business premises during the day. Taking it off the road for half a day to sit at a mechanic’s workshop costs you productivity. With a mobile inspection, the van stays at your workplace. I come to you, inspect it in the car park, and the van is back in service within half an hour.
Book the flexible option for $110 online and the inspection happens during the work day. If it passes, the certificate goes to your email on the spot. No lost work time, no disruption.
All vans, all sizes
I inspect all vans up to 4,500kg GVM. Renault Trafics, Toyota HiAces, Ford Transits, Mercedes Sprinters, Hyundai iLoads, VW Transporters, Fiat Ducatos – whatever your trade vehicle is, I can inspect it. If the GVM is over 4,500kg, it falls into the heavy vehicle category and requires a different type of inspection.
