Brake defects, damaged tyres, faulty lights and other unresolved concerns deserve attention before an RTA test. The ten areas below help you prepare a useful fault list. They are not a ranking of failure statistics or an exhaustive version of the official test criteria.
Only the authorised testing service can determine the result. An Inspector preparation check is private and cannot guarantee approval.
1. Braking concerns
Report a soft or changing pedal, pulling during braking, unusual noise, fluid loss or a brake warning. Have the cause diagnosed promptly. Do not drive for inspection if braking performance is uncertain.
A private brake assessment should explain the checks available and whether further testing or repair is needed.
2. Tyre damage or unsuitable fitment
Check for visible cuts, bulges, cracks, uneven wear or repeated pressure loss. Match tyre size and pressure to the vehicle’s approved specification. A tyre that looks acceptable at a distance can still need professional assessment.
NHTSA’s tyre guidance explains why pressure, condition and fitment all matter. Use current UAE testing requirements for the official acceptance criteria rather than importing a foreign legal limit.
3. Lights that do not work correctly
Check exterior lighting with a helper while parked safely. Note a failed bulb, flicker, dim output, damaged lens or incorrect aim. The cause may be a bulb, connector, wiring or another component; ask for diagnosis where replacement does not solve it.
4. Visibility, glass and tint concerns
Check whether damage, peeling film or poor wiper performance obstructs the driver’s view. Ask the authorised centre to confirm the current tint rules and any exemptions applicable to the vehicle. Do not rely on an old percentage quoted in a blog.
5. Fluid loss, overheating or abnormal smoke
Tell the workshop about fluid loss, temperature warnings and persistent abnormal smoke. Record when the symptom occurs. Smoke colour alone is not enough to select a repair.
Do not open a hot pressurised cooling system or touch hot exhaust components. If the engine is overheating, stop using the vehicle and obtain assistance in accordance with its handbook.
6. Suspension noise or an uneven stance
Report clunks, an unusual ride height or a change in stability. Several faults can produce similar symptoms, so an inspection should establish the cause instead of assuming new shock absorbers will solve it.
7. Steering concerns
Have excessive play, unexpected stiffness, fluid loss or inconsistent steering response checked. Describe whether it changes with speed, direction or temperature. Do not carry out a high-speed experiment to reproduce it.
Ask which accessible components can be checked and whether alignment measurements are needed. Alignment and a structural measurement are different assessments.
8. Body damage, loose parts and restraint concerns
Look for unsecured panels or bumpers, exposed sharp damage and visibly damaged seat belts. If previous collision repairs are uncertain, ask for supporting records and the appropriate structural or restraint-system assessment.
For unexplained repair signs, our frame-damage guide explains what a visual inspection can and cannot establish.
9. Exhaust problems or undocumented modifications
Report an exhaust leak, abnormal noise or changes from the vehicle’s original configuration. Ask the authorised centre about any required approval evidence. A modification’s appearance or popularity does not establish compliance.
Do not try to conceal a leak or disable an emissions system to prepare for testing. Request diagnosis and an appropriate repair.
10. Persistent dashboard warnings
Record warnings before the appointment and share any recent scan report. Investigate the cause rather than clearing codes solely to switch a light off. A scan without relevant faults also cannot certify every mechanical or safety system.
Ask what the diagnostic results mean, which checks were completed and how a repair will be confirmed. See our warning-light diagnostic checks for the available private scope.
What to do with your fault list
- Separate urgent safety concerns from routine preparation.
- Obtain diagnosis and a written quote for necessary work.
- Keep repair records and any follow-up test results.
- Use the official centre’s current instructions for booking or retesting.
For the visit itself, use the preparation checklist. For official fees and testing arrangements, read our RTA inspection preparation guide, which links directly to the authority.
Can regular maintenance guarantee a pass?
No. Maintenance can address known faults, but the authorised test determines whether the vehicle meets the requirements at that visit. Neither a checklist nor a private report is an approval certificate.
Should I replace every part mentioned here?
No. These are areas to investigate when there is a concern. Ask for evidence of the fault and an appropriate repair scope before replacing components.
Can I use this list for an electric car?
Many visible items remain relevant, but the vehicle’s systems and inspection requirements differ. Tell the inspector the model and any high-voltage or charging warnings. Do not access high-voltage components yourself.