What should I check before the RTA vehicle inspection?
Most inspection failures are simple: an old tyre, a dead bulb, a warning light, a cracked windscreen. Twenty minutes with this checklist the week before saves a second visit. The exact list and pass criteria are set by the testing centre — check the current RTA requirements for your vehicle.
Tyres
Age: read the last four digits of the DOT code (week and year of manufacture). Tyres older than five years from manufacture are not accepted in the UAE. Check the spare too if it is mounted on the car.
Tread depth and wear: even across the tread, no exposed cords, no bulges or cuts on the sidewalls. Uneven wear also points to alignment or suspension faults the inspectors may notice.
Lights and bulbs
With someone outside the car: dipped and main beam, front and rear position lights, brake lights including the third (high) brake light, indicators front, side and rear, hazard lights, reverse lights, rear fog light, number plate lights. Cracked or fogged lenses and misaimed headlights can also be noted.
Leaks and stains
Park on clean ground overnight and look for drips: engine oil, gearbox or differential oil, coolant, power-steering fluid, brake fluid. Look at the underside of the engine and around the oil filter and sump. Fresh oil stains are a common observation.
Brakes, steering and suspension
Pedal firm, car stops straight, no grinding; handbrake holds. No knocks over bumps, no play in the steering. Worn pads and discs are among the items checked.
Glass, wipers, horn, belts
Windscreen free of cracks in the driver’s field of view; wipers that clear the screen; washer fluid; horn working; seat belts latching and retracting.
Dashboard and emissions
No warning lights on with the engine running — engine, ABS, airbag, brake. An engine warning light usually means an emissions-related fault and a likely failure. Visible smoke at the exhaust is also checked.
Body and plates
No sharp protruding edges from damage, number plates clean, legible and secure.