Vehicles and plant

Since 31 December 2003, the use of asbestos in vehicles and plant has been banned throughout Australia. Asbestos could no longer be sold or fitted to vehicles or plant after 31 December 2003 however the ban does not apply to parts with asbestos already installed before this date. When it is time for these parts to be replaced, non-asbestos products must be used.

While modern vehicles have asbestos-free parts, there is asbestos in brakes, clutches and gaskets of many older or imported vehicles. Asbestos was used in gaskets, particularly where heat was considered a problem such as in engine heads and vehicle exhaust manifolds.

For more information

Guidance note - Asbestos materials in the automotive maintenance and repair industry (PDF, 46 kB)