A pink slip, officially known as an eSafety check, is a mandatory inspection for trucks and other vehicles over five years old in New South Wales (NSW). It confirms your truck is roadworthy and safe to operate. While most inspections go smoothly, some trucks fail due to avoidable issues. Understanding these common faults can save time, money, and hassle—especially if you're on a tight schedule or managing a commercial fleet.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the top reasons trucks fail a pink slip inspection and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Worn or Bald Tyres

One of the most frequent causes of pink slip failure is poor tyre condition. Inspectors check for tread depth, even wear, cracks, and bulges. If your truck’s tyres are below the legal tread limit (1.5mm in most areas), they will need replacing before the vehicle can pass.

Tip: Regularly rotate and inspect your tyres, and ensure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

2. Faulty Lights and Indicators

All external lights—headlights, brake lights, tail lights, and indicators—must be working properly. Any broken bulbs, flickering lights, or fogged-up lenses can cause an instant failure.

Tip: Before your inspection, check all lights are functioning, clean the lenses, and replace any faulty bulbs.

3. Worn Brakes

Brakes are critical for road safety, and inspectors won’t hesitate to fail a truck with worn brake pads, damaged discs, or leaking brake fluid. Trucks often carry heavy loads, which puts extra pressure on braking systems.

Tip: Pay attention to squeaking, grinding, or poor brake response—these are signs your brakes need attention before the inspection.

4. Suspension and Steering Issues

Your truck’s suspension and steering must be in good condition to ensure safe handling and load distribution. Leaking shock absorbers, worn ball joints, or loose steering components are common culprits for a failed pink slip.

Tip: If your truck pulls to one side, feels bumpy, or leans while turning, have your suspension inspected before booking a pink slip check.

5. Cracked or Chipped Windscreens

Small chips can quickly turn into large cracks, especially under tough road conditions. A cracked windscreen, especially in the driver’s line of sight, is a safety hazard and will result in a failed inspection.

Tip: Repair chips early or replace the windscreen if necessary. Some insurance policies cover this cost.

6. Exhaust and Emissions Problems

Trucks must meet emissions standards set by NSW regulations. Excessive smoke, loud exhausts, or emissions-related warning lights on your dashboard may cause your vehicle to fail.

Tip: Keep your engine properly tuned and have your exhaust system inspected for leaks, rust, or damage.

7. Oil Leaks and Fluid Levels

Visible oil leaks or low fluid levels are red flags for inspectors. They may indicate larger engine or transmission issues and present fire or mechanical hazards.

Tip: Regular servicing helps detect and fix leaks early. Always check fluid levels before your pink slip appointment.

8. Seat Belts and Safety Features

Seat belts must be in perfect working order—no fraying, locking issues, or faulty buckles. Additional safety features like airbags must also be free of faults, and warning lights should not be illuminated.

Tip: Make seat belt checks a routine part of your vehicle maintenance and address warning lights promptly.

9. Poor General Condition

Inspectors look at the overall state of the vehicle—rust, loose panels, damaged bodywork, or insecure loads may cause concern. While cosmetic issues alone won’t necessarily fail a truck, anything that compromises safety will.

Tip: Clean your truck, fix minor issues, and secure all loose fittings before your inspection.

When You Need a Replacement Service

If your truck fails the inspection, you’ll be given a report outlining the faults. You then have 14 days to repair the issues and return for a free reinspection. If you miss this window, you’ll need a full inspection again.

This is where a reliable Truck Pink Slip Replacement Service becomes essential. At Nutek Mechanical, we offer fast, professional pink slip inspections and replacement services to get your truck back on the road quickly and safely. Our experienced technicians understand the specific requirements for heavy vehicles and provide honest assessments, repairs, and re-checks.

Final Thoughts

Failing a pink slip inspection can disrupt your work schedule and cost more than just repair fees—it can mean lost business, late deliveries, and compliance issues. By understanding the most common reasons trucks fail and staying on top of routine maintenance, you can avoid these setbacks.

Whether you operate a single vehicle or manage an entire fleet, a professional inspection service like Nutek Mechanical ensures your truck meets all safety standards and remains fully roadworthy.