Whether you're looking to purchase a used car, make sure your car can pass the emissions test, or simply be aware of any potential problems, a professional inspection of your vehicle can be invaluable!

At Christian Brothers Automotive, we complete a lot of vehicle inspections. In fact, it's a majority of what we do! Every time a vehicle enters our shop, regardless of the customer's needs, we gladly offer a free inspection. We call it our Courtesy Inspection. In 30 minutes or less we can provide all the information you need to make the best decisions for your car according to your needs and desires.

Because there are different types of inspections, we’re going to break down what's included in a vehicle inspection, different reasons for inspections, and who you should turn to if you need one!

So, what is a car inspection?

What's a Car Inspection?

A car inspection is a wellness check conducted by an auto repair technician to ensure that a car has optimal performance and conforms to state regulations that govern safety and emissions.

What's Inspected?

During your inspection, your auto mechanic will conduct tests and routine auto service updates on a variety of car parts that could include (but aren't limited to) the following:

• Brakes
• Brake Pads
• Tire Rotation
• Bulbs (turn signals, brake lights, and headlights high beams)
• Parking Brake
• Tires
• Windshield Wipers
• Steering
• Mirrors
• Wheel Assembly
• Exhaust System
• Motor, Serial, or Identification Number
• Exhaust Emission System
• Horn

It’s a pretty thorough examination of your car and well worth the investment. And, you can invest in different types of inspections.

Different Types of Car Inspections

This brings us to the different types of vehicle inspections! While they generally inspect the same things, these three inspections do have some differences.

Pre-Purchase/Used Car Inspection

A pre-purchase inspection is especially helpful if you're considering buying a vehicle with an expired warranty. A used car purchase comes with more questions and considerations than a new car, because there are so many unknowns. You don’t know if the car received regular maintenance or if it was ever in a flood, for example. With so many mysteries lingering, you'll want to consider the following:

• Is the critical driving system in good condition?
• How much life is left on key engine parts, such as belts, hoses, and engine mounts?
• Are there signs of major repairs or other work that was done?

Because you assume all the out-of-pocket risk on a car without a warranty, a pre-purchase inspection makes financial sense. You'll receive answers and a thorough evaluation of the car, from the engine compartment, fluid levels, and maintenance situation to the tires, brake pads, and condition of the car's interior and exterior.

At Christian Brothers Automotive, we can complete a pre-purchase inspection to give you peace of mind that you're buying something worth your investment, regardless of the budget. It's highly recommended and helps you ensure you'll be driving away in a vehicle that keeps you and your family safe. This inspection is not free, but the truth is it could save you from making a multi-thousand dollar mistake.

Courtesy Inspections

As mentioned earlier, courtesy inspections are the starting point for all our automotive services. As the name suggests, they're usually free – so don't trust an auto shop looking to charge you just to get under your hood to check things out.

Christian Brothers Automotive will ensure your vehicle runs reliably and safely by performing our free Courtesy Inspection. We'll assess each aspect of your car's major systems to ensure everything is working together the way it should!

Once we have our findings, our team will lay out everything in plain English – no technical jargon here! We'll let you know the current condition of your vehicle and any problems you should be aware of. If there are any concerns, we’ll let you know what those are as well as the severity of the concerns and how long you can postpone repairs or if immediate repairs are needed.

Safety Inspection

Another common type of vehicle inspection that's required in many places is the safety inspection. Over 20 states require this type of inspection annually, biennially, before a sale, or when bringing your car in from another state. This can also include periodic emissions inspections, ensuring that your car's greenhouse gases and pollutants fall into the state's specific levels.

The sticker on your windshield includes the details of your auto inspection, including the date when your inspection should be renewed. Your local auto repair shop will issue you a new sticker after each inspection is performed.

At this point you know what a car inspection is and the different reasons for investing in one. Finally, should you prepare for an inspection? If so, what should you do?

How to Prepare for a Vehicle Inspection

You'll want to ensure you have all your ducks in a row before going to your inspection.

First, you'll want to complete a simple inspection yourself if possible. This can help you reduce the time spent during your inspection and increase your chances of passing mandated testing. Check your:

• Headlights and Highbeams: change bulbs as needed
• Oil: inspect levels and double-check when you received your last oil change
• Tires: double check thetread andair pressure
• Wheel alignment: if your steering seems off or pulls in one direction
• Windshield: check for cracks and the state of yourwipers
• Horn: just don’t test it in traffic!
• Brakes: feel for stopping time and shakes, pulses, vibrations, and sounds
• Mirrors: they must all be present and working
• Seatbelts: they must all be present and working

When you come to your inspection, make sure you bring the following information:

• Proof of liability insurance
• Payment
• Photo ID

This guide should help you pass your next vehicle inspection with flying colors and make things move quicker than last time!

Need a Car Inspection? Turn to Christian Brothers Automotive for Quick Service

When you need an automotive inspection, turn to the team of Christian Brothers Automotive! Our expert technicians can complete just about any type of car inspection you could need and even prep your car for the next one!

Find your local Christian Brothers auto repair shop to schedule your upcoming car inspection with a knowledgeable service technician you can trust. See for yourself why we’ve been voted #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers in the J.D. Power Aftermarket Survey Index (ASI) Study - 4 years in a row! We’re about more than fixing cars; we’re about Driving Joy!

This blog was written December, 2012, and was updated January, 2024, to reflect current trends and best practices.

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