Make sure you get these 9 things checked during your car inspection

There are more reasons to get a car inspection done than excuses you might find to avoid it. It is an extremely important choice to make for not just your safety but also for the safety of everyone else –  passengers with you and everyone you might encounter while driving. A car inspection is a passive expense that can help you save loads of money from large repair costs in the future.

Car maintenance can be expensive, just as other necessities these days, but at the same time, it is something you cannot ignore. A car safety inspection is something that should be a top priority, considering how it can affect your safety directly. It includes a standard test of your vehicle, including all the basics that keep it working, and you comfortable while driving it around.

• What do mechanics look for during a car inspection?
  • Engine
  • Battery
  • Brakes
  • Wheels
  • Transmission
  • Suspension
  • Lights
  • Oil and other fluids
  • AC

What do mechanics look for during a car inspection?

A car inspection checklist can differ from what your mechanic is specifically aware of with your vehicle to using some standard vehicle inspection requirements for the inspection. People often wonder about this query and want to cross-check or ensure that all their important features are getting inspected by their technicians. Therefore, we made a list of all the important areas that should get checked during your vehicle inspection.

Engine

The engine is the main part of your car that keeps your vehicle moving. Ultimately, that is what makes the entire machine work, from its biggest function to its smallest. A mechanic should definitely, and on priority, first inspect the engine for any foul noises or workings that might seem out of the ordinary. Additionally, the ignition switches and wires that connect with the engine are also to be looked over and inspected for any faulty behavior. The air filter, exhaust, thermostat, and radiator are all also included in the workings of an engine and need to be checked. Not to forget, any leaks or squeaks coming in might be checked because they are bad news.

Battery

The battery is also an extended part of the engine, but it needs to be assessed properly as it might make or break your vehicle, especially if it’s a hybrid vehicle that depends on the battery half the time. Its alternator and starter on the battery, as well as its charge, need to be checked in a proper inspection.

Brakes

One of the most common failures in a car’s system comes within its brakes. And most times, it appears too late. A car inspection, therefore, includes inspecting brakes as one of the top potential issues. Brake pads and rotors are two main components that make the brakes work and keep your vehicle safe for you. In an inspection, a mechanic should potentially look at both these parts to check if either of these works accurately.

Wheels

There is another detailed discussion regarding why taking care of and looking after the wheel alignment on your vehicle is important. It includes all the details on the dangers of bad alignment and the benefits of getting them aligned. The tires are what take your vehicle from place to place, they are important for your vehicle’s functionality and safety. They are usually inspected for how they are wearing out, either directly or through the digital alignment system.

Transmission

The transmission comes under the system that makes your gears work. This includes both automatic and manual vehicles, transmission is important and should be working properly. The manual transmission should not be too tough and do so without too much grinding. It also includes the transmission fluid that might drip from below your vehicle.

Suspension

You need to ensure your wheels are correctly connecting to your vehicle, and suspension is what makes it possible. A mechanic should look into it to check whether the wheels and vehicle are properly connected so that your driving experience is smooth and safe.

Oil and other fluids

Various fluids within your vehicle make its functions run smoothly. An oil change is a part of common car maintenance, but it should get looked over with the rest of the car as well. There’s brake fluid, refrigerant for your AC compressor, and engine oil, all of which need to be looked over by your mechanic in an inspection. Some of these are cleaning or cooling agents, without which your primary tool might not work properly, such as the engine without the engine oil.

Lights

This is something that gets ignored a lot, where mechanics talk about how it doesn’t make part of the inspection, which is incorrect. Having properly working headlights and taillights makes your ride safe and properly visible throughout any time on the clock. Not to forget indicators/turn signals, hazard lights, and brake lights all need to be working properly or you could get into an unfortunate accident.

AC

Lastly, you don’t want to miss your AC inspection among other things getting inspected, especially in this summer heat. But for all-around maintenance, make sure both your AC and heater get checked for any faults. This ensures that you are not in any incidents where you end up with a bad experience or it gets too bad, such as your compressor being damaged due to leaking refrigerant.

If you have any additional questions such as ‘how much is it to get a car inspected’ you might want to check with your local mechanic. It can differ from different areas and expertise of the person itself too. In the end, it should be clear that a car inspection is important and should not be ignored, especially where a used vehicle is concerned.