Road/Roller Testing

Road/Roller Testing  

Road or rolling road testing may be carried out for various reasons and a procedure detailing pre-test checks, through 
engine starting and stopping, pre-driving checks, on-test checks to final checks on completion of the test are given.  
 
Unless complete vehicle performance is being checked, the full road test procedure need not be carried out. Instead, 
those items particularly relevant to the system(s) being checked can be extracted.  
 

Pre-Test Checks  

 
It is suggested that pre-test and functional tests of those systems/circuits which affect the safe and legal operations of the 
vehicle, such as brakes, lights and steering, should always be carried out before the road or rolling road test.  
 

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Engine oil level  

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Engine coolant level  

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Tires, for correct pressure, compatible types and tread patterns, and wear within limits.  

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There is sufficient fuel in the tank to complete the test.  

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Check all around the engine, transmission and under the vehicle for oil, coolant, hydraulic and fuel leaks. Make a 
note of any apparent leaks and wipe off the surrounding areas to make it easier to identify the extent of the leak 
on completion of the test.  

Starting the Engine  

NOTE:  

 
With the ignition switched off, check:  
 

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The parking brake is applied.  

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Manual gearbox: The gear lever is in neutral.  

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Automatic gearbox: The selector lever is in 'P' - Park  

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Transfer box: 'H' - High is selected  

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All instrument gauges read zero.  

With the ignition switched on, check:  
 

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Ignition controlled warning lights come on.  

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Engine temperature gauge registers a reading compatible with the engine temperature.  

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Fuel gauge registers a reading appropriate to the fuel level in the tank.  

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The operation of the parking brake warning light and fluid level warning indicator light.  

On Road Test Check:  

 

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Manual gearbox: Clutch pedal operation is not stiff or heavy.  

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Manual gearbox: Initial gear engagement is smooth and there is no evidence of clutch drag.  

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The parking brake releases completely.  

   WARNING: If the brake system hydraulic fluid level is low, pedal travel is excessive or a hydraulic leak is 

found, do not attempt to road test the vehicle until the reason for the low fluid level, excessive pedal travel or 
hydraulic leak is found and rectified.

 

On initial drive away from cold and within the first 1.5 km (1 mile), do not depress accelerator pedal beyond half 
travel until the vehicle has attained a minimum speed of 25 km/h (15 miles/h). Never operate at high engine speed 
or with the accelerator pedal at full travel whilst the engine is cold.

   CAUTION: At commencement of road testing, check the brake operation while still travelling at low 

speed before continuing with the test. If the brakes pull to one side, or appear to be otherwise faulty, do not 
continue with the road test until the fault has been found and rectified.