Should you get your car DEKRA tested?

Your vehicle's roadworthiness is vital for your safety and the safety of fellow road users. We take a look at whether having your vehicle tested by a roadworthy centre like DEKRA is a good idea.

Stuart Johnston

30 Jan 2024 · 08:47Selling a Car5 min read

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Peace of mind

When it comes to selling your car, it is up to you to convince a prospective buyer that he or she is getting a good, honest deal. One of the most useful selling tools you can use is a DEKRA test, carried out by one of over 40 DEKRA testing stations country-wide. DEKRA, in association with the Automobile Association (AA) in South Africa, offers three basic testing services, at their fully-equipped automotive centres around South Africa.

Related: Private car sale: can you sell without a valid roadworthy certificate?

But remember if you are considering selling your car, remember that you can do so quickly and easily with our Instant Offer tool here before you start your search for new or used models on AutoTrader here.

Type of test

1. The roadworthy test

A roadworthy certificate is needed when a new owner is licensing a car. It is possible to register a car in your name after you have bought it without a roadworthy certificate but to obtain the licence disc for actually driving it on public roads; you have to present the NATIS traffic authority with a valid roadworthy certificate. Remember, it is illegal to drive a car on South African roads without a valid roadworthy certificate.

DEKRA offers a roadworthy test that is recognised by NATIS, which takes less than an hour. If your car fails the test, you have to rectify the faults and re-submit your car for a test.

2. The multi-point check

This DEKRA check is a one-page checklist covering the basics of the car and takes one hour to complete. DEKRA offers this check as a bundle that includes a roadworthy test. The check covers 35 points and results in a one-page document issued by DEKRA, apart from the roadworthy test certificate. This is usually the test that used car dealers use when they submit cars they have for sale as roadworthy.

3. The technical inspection

This takes three to four hours and results in a comprehensive six or seven-page document being prepared on the vehicle. This test covers all mechanical components, as well as bodywork and chassis checks. It covers the car's condition inside and out, including electronic components. This test is recommended for sellers as well as buyers as it offers peace of mind to both buyer and seller.

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Although DEKRA does not do any dismantling of tested vehicles, this check gives a very good indication of mechanical life, as it also includes a short road test. Experienced technicians will diagnose engine noises without, in fact, stripping the car. This technical inspection also covers safety-critical items like brakes, steering components, shock absorbers, and seat belts.

“As a good example,” said an experienced DEKRA technician, ”if the engine has a rattle near the top part of the engine, we will diagnose a cam chain or other valve gear trouble. A knock near the tip of the engine can be hydraulic valve lifters that need attention. And knocks lower down mean possible bearing trouble.

“We don’t do compression testing because many cars with sophisticated electronics these days require that you re-set the system if you remove the spark plugs. We look at the mileage logged by a vehicle, and if it is suspected that there is low compression, we may diagnose this when the engine battles to start.

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“We also do some idle-to-short full-throttle tests when the car is static. If there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust, it indicates water is escaping into the exhaust, which points to a cylinder crack or a blown head gasket. If there is black smoke, the air-to-fuel ratio is too high, so the car is over-fuelling. Blue smoke indicates it is burning oil.”

Verdict

The advantage of the DEKRA tests is that it shows transparency on the part of you, the buyer, in disclosing any faults of the car. And many finance houses request a DEKRA test as proof of the car’s condition before granting finance for the vehicle.

How much does it cost to do change of ownership of a car in South Africa?

The DEKRA test replaces what used to be known as the AA Technical Report in this country. Some years ago, the German-owned DEKRA company took over the operation of the AA testing centres in this country. As part of the arrangement, AA members get a 15 % discount on any DEKRA test.