Vehicle inspections – what you need to know

Note: For auto inspections in Hamilton, contact our certified, trustworthy and professional auto mechanics at our shop in Hamilton Ontario.

Here are the main reasons vehicle inspections are mandatory and why you should ensure that your newly purchased or existing vehicle goes through these checks periodically.

Regulatory requirements

Regulations regarding vehicle safety testing tend to vary throughout Canadian provinces. Therefore, it is best to check the local car safety inspection guidelines for the exact information applicable to your specific case. For instance, new or used cars purchased in Ontario, Labrador, Newfoundland, and Manitoba can only be registered after completing a safety check.

In general, dealerships take care of this aspect when it comes down to purchasing a new vehicle since they are required to do so by law. On the other hand, private sellers of used cars are not required but are free to do so. Buyers typically have to carry out a safety inspection at motor vehicle inspection stations when purchasing a second-hand car.

Other provinces, such as Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, have enacted laws requiring vehicle drivers to have their cars inspected for safety every year. The same regulations are applicable in Nova Scotia, yet the difference here is the inspections are required to be carried out every two years. However, there are provinces with more lenient regulations. In the case of Alberta, car inspections are not required for passenger vehicles. However, there is an exception that applies to vehicles imported from other jurisdictions and commercial vehicles.

The laws regarding inspections for cars coming from other jurisdictions make sense, granted the lack of standardization on what is considered safe. Numerous service centers specialize in this type of operation throughout the country, yet as one may expect, standards vary. Regular inspections are also required for insurance purposes.

General mechanic inspection

Here are the details explaining the central systems checked as part of most vehicle inspection procedures worldwide:

Brakes

Well-functioning brakes are necessary for all cars’ safety and should be checked regularly to ensure that vehicles can stop on time. Generally, brakes come in discs and drums, and both systems need periodic checks and changes, seeing how they do not last forever. All registrars of imported cars require technical brake checks.

Suspension

When checking the suspension system, mechanics typically scan for irregularities in components, such as the tires, shock absorbers, or struts.

Steering

The well-being of the steering system is essential for comfort while driving but also for roadside safety. Mechanics typically look for irregularities in the steering gearbox, steering pump (including fluid), steering arm, and more.

Hoses and belts

These parts help ensure that the engine, battery charging, and air conditioning systems work as designed. Checks are thus essential to ensure that all belts and hoses are tied and function properly.

The emission system

Emissions have their own category and regulations, which explains why checking the emission system is vitally important. This system is responsible for ensuring that the car’s engine runs efficiently without producing too much emission. Some of the main components that are checked include the EGR valves, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, throttle position sensors, and more. Any irregularities should be fixed as soon as possible to ensure the passing of your local vehicle inspection.

Exhaust system

The system is linked to the emission components and is responsible for ensuring that exhaust gases are evacuated correctly, away from the vehicle’s cabin, via the pipes. Some of the main features checked, in this case, include the muffler, tailpipe, catalytic converter, and exhaust manifold. Failures present in the exhaust system may lead to health hazards for the vehicle’s occupants, alongside higher pollution rates, as indicated by the BC vehicle inspection guidelines.

Engine cooling system

This system is responsible for removing excessive amounts of heat from both the transmission and the vehicle’s engine. It works via a coolant distributed via the car’s water pump and is monitored or regulated by an integrated thermostat. This system’s well-being ensures that the car does not overheat while also powering other systems, such as heating, defrosting, and air conditioning, all of which are essential for driveability.

Lights

Failure of the lights system does not make a vehicle unusable, but it makes it unworthy to drive on public roads, granted that lights are an essential safety feature present on all vehicles. Therefore, mechanics will check whether all lights function correctly and replace any bulbs that have become obsolete.

Transmission

No modern vehicle works without its transmission system, regardless of whether it is a manual or automatic car. The transmission is required to power the wheels, and its failure will deem a car unusable. When carrying out car inspections, mechanics check the clutch, planetary gear sets, seals, modulators, torque convertors, and regulators to ensure this system’s technical well-being.

The electric system

Most vehicles cannot function without their electrical systems. The vehicle’s battery represents the only electricity source meant to help turn on the vehicle while ensuring that essential features based on electricity work accordingly. Hence, inspectors will check the vehicle’s battery, alternator, cables, voltage regulator, fuses, and more.

Tires

Canadian tire regulations mandate that all car tires are in peak condition to help ensure roadside safety. Tires are directly responsible for the grip that a car gets when driving. Worn-out tires may lead to various problems, including loss of grip, skidding, increased braking times, and the inability to drive on certain terrains.

Numerous technical checks are performed to determine whether your car is dealing with difficulties. Many new vehicles have technical inspections like these included as part of their warranty. CRS Automotive Hamilton has you covered. For more information, contact us today to book a service.

We are located only 7 min driving West of The Centre on Barton Shopping Mall and 11 min South East of Hamilton General Hospital.