Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Tyres, air conditioning, drivetrain and inspection
Car failed its test: what now?
A fail is annoying, but it is usually easy to follow: the test report states which defects were found. The aim is to have those defects repaired and then have the car tested again. The rules and deadlines that apply are shown on the test certificate itself.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- You have received a test report or certificate listing one or more defects
- The defects are described, sometimes with a category or level of severity
- There is a deadline or instruction for a new test
- Common reasons are lighting, brakes, tyres, exhaust or suspension
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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Lighting
A faulty bulb or wrongly aimed headlights are common and can usually be sorted out easily.
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Brakes and tyres
Worn brakes or too little tread on the tyres can lead to a fail.
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Suspension and steering
Play or wear in suspension parts or steering links can be flagged.
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Exhaust and emissions
A leak in the exhaust or out-of-range emission readings can be reasons. A check engine light that is on can also play a part here.
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A combination of smaller points
Sometimes it is not one big defect but a sum of smaller ones. The report states exactly what was found.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
That depends on what the test report says. Read the instructions on the certificate carefully and follow them. If it concerns a safety defect, such as the brakes or tyres, drive as little as possible until it is repaired. If in doubt, you can phone the branch with the report to hand.
Book an appointmentBook an appointment
At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Going through the test report with you
- Inspecting and confirming the defects that were found
- Proposing a repair and discussing it with you first; we only carry out repairs once you agree
- Discussing whether we can present the car for the roadworthiness test again afterwards
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Check soon
Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Squeaking brakes: what could be the cause?
Squeaking brakes are a common signal. Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as moisture or dirt. Sometimes the noise points to worn brake pads. A grinding or metallic sound is a clearer warning than a light squeak. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Tyres wearing unevenly
If a tyre wears more on the inside, the outside or in the middle, that says something about the cause. Pressure that is too low or too high, the position of the wheels and wear in the suspension often come into it. The sooner you spot it, the better the chance of saving the tyre. Read the explanation -
Check soon
White, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
The colour of the smoke gives a first hint, but never certainty. A little white vapour on a cold start can simply be condensation. Persistent, thick white, blue or black smoke points to a possible problem with coolant, oil or combustion. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.