Will Brake Modifications Require an Extended REGO Inspection?
Posted on: 14 March 2022
Vehicle owners across Australia have a certain amount of leeway when it comes to modifying their cars or trucks. Nevertheless, these vehicles must always comply with basic regulations and, in some circumstances, must pass a separate inspection to ensure that they are safe and eligible to be driven on the public road. So if you have carried out some modifications to your car's braking system and are about to present the vehicle for a REGO inspection, what types of tests will the inspector conduct?
Types of Modification
Enthusiasts can carry out many different types of modifications to a braking system. Not all of these will require an assessment by the inspector, but others will. For example, if you were to fit larger diameter brakes so that you could, in turn, fit a larger engine or additional turbocharger, this could trigger the mandatory test. On the flip side, if you wanted to assume a more individual control of your vehicle by removing an existing power assist mechanism, this would also require an inspection.
Static Testing
Fundamentally, a certifier will want to know that the vehicle does not present a safety risk in its modified form and that it still complies with any applicable vehicle standards. Often, the inspector will use a static brake test machine, which can be found at a range of authorised inspection stations.
Road Testing
If the test machine does not provide the necessary information, then an inspector can require additional tests. These may include road tests which can be performed either on a public road, if conditions allow, or on a private track test facility. Even if the vehicle is unregistered, the rules allow testing on public roads for the purpose of checking that the vehicle complies with appropriate standards.
Testing Mechanisms
Sometimes an inspector will use a fifth wheel device or a gauge attached to the foot pedal to record the required downforce. Alternatively, they may use GPS technology to record the distance travelled and the time taken to generate a deceleration reading.
Checking Your Work
If you have carried out some modifications to your vehicle's braking system, you may expect extra attention during a REGO inspection. You can also ask a licensed and experienced mechanic to look at your vehicle first and make sure that everything has been set up properly to comply with the law. This should allow you to pass the subsequent inspection with flying colours. Contact local REGO inspections to learn more.
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