Car Inspections are mandatory procedures that ensure that your car meets the standards for safety and emissions. You may be required to get a car inspection periodically or when you’re selling your vehicle or transferring the title. You may also need a car inspection for an insurance claim. Companies like Inspektlabs are automating vehicle inspection tools to make them more efficient and reliable. This article will discuss what you should look for in a car inspection.
The Importance of Car Inspections
When buying used cars, you should consider getting them inspected before purchasing them. A car inspection helps you identify hidden issues and previous repairs that you might not have noticed. It also checks for mechanical, electrical, and trouble codes to ensure that all car parts are in good working condition. It can also spot any overdue maintenance or repairs impacting the car’s performance. It can save you considerable money on repair bills. In addition, it can give you peace of mind. It is preferable to let professionals inspect your vehicle. In addition to being cheaper, these professionals use exclusive technology to perform a thorough check on your car.
Depending on the State, cars may need annual car inspections or emissions tests. In some states, this inspection is necessary for every vehicle. Some States may have one-time requirements for emissions tests. In Vermont, for example, the assessment is needed annually or every two years if the vehicle is registered in another State. You must visit a certified State test and repair station for emissions testing. If you are unsure where to go, visit their website to check where the tests are performed. In Massachusetts, vehicles must undergo an annual safety inspection and an emissions check. The inspector looks at various parts to determine if the vehicle is in good condition. For instance, if a car has been raised or lowered beyond its factory ride height, it could fail the inspection.
What to Look For in a Car Inspection?
- Tire Tread Depth – Tire tread depth can be checked easily by putting a penny inside the tread groove of your car’s tires. Tire tread depth is required by law in many states. Local police departments enforce the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and can penalize you for not having the proper tread depth on your car’s tires. In the US, many states have minimum legal tread depth requirements.
- Seatbelts – Seatbelts are an essential safety feature on a vehicle. Seat belts are also important because they reduce the risk of serious injury during an accident. During a car inspection, technicians look at all seatbelts to ensure they work correctly and securely. Additionally, technicians will check to ensure that the seat belt locking and retraction mechanisms are working correctly. While inspecting a seatbelt, technicians will also check for visible damage. Damaged seatbelts can unlatch during an impact, endangering the driver and passengers.
- Digital Vehicle Inspections – If your car insurance company or local body shop offers digital vehicle inspections, that option will be ideal. Many insurers collaborate with companies like Inspektlabs to implement AI inspections in their workflow. These AI-based inspections are reliable, consistent, and far more efficient. Car owners often feel cheated because of unfair claim estimations, but you will not face this issue with automated inspections.
- Suspension – Car suspensions play a vital role in the driver’s safety. The vehicle’s suspension also helps the driver turn the vehicle smoothly and safely. Problems with the car’s suspension can lead to poor handling, excessive body roll, and bottoming out. It is vital to have it assessed by a professional to avoid any problems. While most vehicles will have a visual inspection at least once a year, a thorough examination of the suspension system is advisable after every 10,000 miles driven. A full-service shop will perform a hands-on suspension inspection.
- Airbags – If you are purchasing a car, you may want to consider car inspections for airbags. The airbag warning light warns about potential problems with the airbag system. It can mean various things, from simple electrical issues to airbag deployment problems. It can be a critical defect and may be a sign of an impending safety issue that you must address. Different states have different airbag inspection rules, so check your state laws to determine if your vehicle has to pass this test. Car manufacturers follow strict quality standards for airbags. Even the slightest production defect can affect their effectiveness, so it is crucial to ensure that your airbags work correctly.
Conclusion
It’s essential to conduct a car inspection before purchasing a used vehicle. The factors discussed above are crucial for a comprehensive and reliable vehicle inspection. If you are diligent about your approach toward vehicle inspections, you will save yourself from trouble in the future.
