Vehicle Inspections 101: Purpose, Benefits & Essentials

Vehicle inspection is the backbone of accident-free travelling. The cars we ride, the trucks we use for transport, every vehicle needs to be checked after a particular period to review its working condition through thorough mechanical and electrical check-ups.

These check-ups reveal any potential hazards due to failing or expiring components and save you from future, life-threatening road risks. So, there is no doubt that you always need to keep your vehicle in check. But even before that, you need to understand what goes into a reliable and comprehensive vehicle inspection.

Any unawareness about the issue might produce unreliable checks, as you don’t know which component to get checked on a priority basis. You might also end up getting your vehicle inspected by an unreliable company, as you don’t know how to qualify reliable check-ups.

But don’t you worry. We’re here to tell you about everything related to vehicle inspection – Why they matter and what to check during inspection.

Key Items That Must Pass Every Vehicle Inspection

A comprehensive vehicle inspection involves checking numerous components, including:

• Brake system: Pads, rotors, fluid leaks
• Tires: Tread depth, inflation, wear patterns
• Lights & signals: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals
• Steering & suspension: Tie rods, ball joints, shocks
• Emissions/pollutant levels: Per local regulations
• Fluid levels: Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission
• Battery health & electrical system
• Windshield integrity & wiper effectiveness
• Exhaust system: leaks or damage

1. Brake System (Brake Test)

You can’t go wrong with breaks. Otherwise, this is one of the significant causes of road accidents. The leaking lines, the worn pads, and all of its components need to be checked to prevent total brake failure. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend hundreds on emergency repairs.

To inspect the brakes, you need to press the brake pedal firmly. If you feel the pads are soft or air in lines or worn pads, then there might be an issue. For a visual check, look at the brake pads through the wheel openings. If the pad material is less than 1/4 inch thick, then replacement may be required.

2. Tires

The only part of the entire vehicle that needs to make contact with the road is the tires. If they are damaged or underinflated, then you’re welcoming a sudden accident due to an uncontrolled vehicle caused by the tires. The loss in fuel economy is another setback.

To inspect the tires, you need to use a reliable tread depth gauge. Insert the tread depth gauge into a main groove of the tire’s tread, making sure it reaches the bottom. If the reading falls below 4/32, then you may need to replace it. You also need to look for irregular damage patterns, as they could signify alignment problems.

3. Lights & Signals

Your lights are your eyes to watch the road carefully. The signals on your vehicle are for others to see and navigate the road accordingly. If either of these two starts malfunctioning, you’ll be driving confused on the road and will also confuse others. What’s the most significant threat? Fatal accidents and loss of lives. Research shows road accidents rise by as much as 30% when other drivers can’t anticipate your next move.

Thus, you need to check your lights and signals. To do this, you need to turn on headlights, blinkers, and brake lights. Walk around the vehicle to see if each light illuminates radiantly and squarely. If the lights brighten unevenly or not at all, replace them as soon as possible. 

Also, check the turn signal; if they are clicking unevenly, replace the relay with a new one. If the signals are not clicking at all, this also signals the time for replacement. 

4. Steering & Suspension

Any vehicle’s steering and suspension system consists of ball joints, shocks, or tie rods. Ball joints help wheels pivot for steering while absorbing the suspension movement. Tie rods transfer steering input to the wheels for direction, while shock absorbers reduce spring movement and control wheel travel for a seamless drive.

If any of these parts are damaged, then your vehicle’s control will be compromised, and this will cause tire damage. Steering components can also fail and result in a loss of control. To check these components, jack up the front end. Grab each wheel at 3 & 9 o’clock and wriggle. If you notice a loose or unstable feel, then understand that the tie rods or ball joints are damaged. Also, check shocks – look for fluid leaks or cracks and breaks in the mounting points. Perform replacements accordingly.

5. Emissions & Exhaust

Emissions compliance is a must in several regions. Failing these tests results in heavy fines (around $150–$300), unplanned repairs, or hindrance in registration. Carbon Monoxide can also reach the cabin due to a leaking exhaust, which can cause life-threatening health issues. Therefore, frequent check-ups of these systems are a must.

You can visually check the exhaust system for holes, rust, or slack clamps or use a roadside emissions analyser. Look underneath for black soot trails, which signify the fuel mixture issues.

6. Fluid Levels & Belts

Whether it’s engine oil, brake fluid, or coolant, if any of these fluids are contaminated, you’re compromising the life of your vehicle’s components through overheating or brake failure. Worn or cracked belts may snap, which can cause a breakdown.

To thoroughly examine fluid levels, check the oil using a dipstick. Look for the correct level and a clean amber colour. Also, examine the coolant reservoir for the correct fill line. Inspect the coolant reservoir to ensure fluid is at or near the proper fill line. There should be no more than ½ inch of movement when pressed at the midpoint.

7. Battery & Electrical System

Your battery is what your vehicles operate on. If it’s weak or rusted, you can get problems. Your car might break down on the way, leaving you stranded, particularly in severe temperatures. Alternator or starter problems often start with low voltage or weak connections.

To check the battery, you need to measure its voltage using a multimetre. If it reads around 12.6V at rest, then you’d need to check terminals for weathering, i.e., white/green powder. Then, you need to test the alternator output while the engine is running. It should read at ~13.8–14.2V. 

8. Windshield & Wipers

Your car’s windshield is like what the cornea is to the eye. Just like the cornea, any visibility issues with the windshield due to cracks can impair your front view. If it’s raining, snowing, or dust-storming, and the wipers aren’t working, this will also hamper visibility.

If you find any cracks or chips larger than a quarter, then you need to repair or replace them instantly. You also need to turn on the wipers and spray washer fluid. This will ensure that the blades clear the entire windshield without streaking. Otherwise, you would have to spend around $200–$400.

9. Exhaust System

Exhaust leaks can allow dangerous carbon monoxide (a silent killer) to enter the cab. Moreover, corroded or damaged pipes also put extra strain on the engine, lowering performance and increasing fuel use.

To identify problems with the exhaust system, listen for unusual hissing or popping noises beneath the vehicle when the engine is running. Also check the pipes and muffler for signs of rust, holes, or loose mounts.

If left unaddressed, exhaust leaks can cause cabin poisoning and drive up fuel costs. Repairs often exceed $300 once corrosion has fully taken hold.