Vehicle Inspection Checklist
Table of Contents
Preparation
History
Know the history of your vehicle, whether it's been in one wreck or eight.
Paperwork
Bring in current paperwork from last inspection.
Maintenance
Proof of maintenance needs to be brought in to the inspection as well.
Schedule
Make sure to go to the vehicle inspection on time.
Equipment
Tools
Proper tools to take apart the vehicle for testing as needed.
Lubricants
Used to loosen nuts and bolts that can't be easily removed during the inspection.
Mats
Placed securely on the floor to let vehicle inspectors climb under the vehicle.
Lifts
Used to place the vehicle up in the air for an under-body inspection.
Scales
These ensure that the vehicle is in the right class, and should not be changed from one class to another.
Towels
Needed for inspectors to clean off hands, and various areas of vehicles as they go along.
Checklists
Inspectors must have these to check off each thing as passed or failed.
Tags
Different places have varying charges for tags or plates that will have to be affixed to your vehicle.
Things to Take
Proof of insurance
Proof that a recurring policy has actually been paid is useful as well.
Receipts
Show receipts for miscellaneous items, such as mats, that inspectors will ask for.
Identification
Driver's license and registration to vehicle to prove who you are.
Payment
Be sure to remember the proper form of payment required, vehicle inspections are not free.
Patience
Vehicle inspections take time, so be patient.
Safety Issues to Consider
Tires
Perhaps it is time to consider replacing them, if the tread is less than fifty percent because tire blowouts are no fun.
Headlights
They do burn out, sometimes causing crashes, so replacing them on your own is a good idea.
Seat belts
These do sometimes wear thin, or actually break, so replace them if needed.
Oil
Top off before going in, but be sure to mop up any spills that could cause smoking.
Brakes
If these start to squeak at all, it's time for a trip to the shop so that your fellow drivers don't get hit because you can't stop.
Transmission
Keeping this maintained, and filled with fluid is a serious safety issue so it doesn't stop the engine from running, and cause a crash.
Fenders
These need to be properly attached, and not hanging towards the ground.
Muffler
Contrary to popular belief, driving around with a hole in the muffler is not safe, and will not pass an inspection.
Air Conditioning
Because the human body overheats easily, and sometimes windows just don't work, it is imperative that the air conditioning works properly.
Windows
It is a must that windows work safely just in case something happens, and passengers can't get out the doors.
Download or Print this Vehicle Inspection Checklist
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Presented by:
Taylor Peterson
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Details
Driving a car is a privilege, but also a huge safety issue. Having a vehicle inspection done is a great idea, especially if you're just looking at buying one. There are some states that require vehicle inspections on a regular basis, and doing so has helped keep the roads safer. Learning to be safe in any vehicle means knowing what to look for in any vehicle inspection. Whether those things are mechanical, cosmetic or simple everyday things, this knowledge is powerful to have. Knowing how to check the fluids in your vehicle on a regular basis will help your vehicle not suffer further damage. Simple skills like that will make the vehicle inspections much easier.
Tips
When it is time to take your vehicle in for an inspection, take it to a reputable place. Typically, dealers will do the inspections as required by each state. However, some states do have required departments for vehicle owners to take them to. Ensure that your vehicle has been kept as well-maintained as possible prior to the vehicle inspection. Checking compliance issues regarding seat belts is always on a vehicle inspection, as a seat belt is number one in safety.
Brakes are going to be another major issue to be checked over; are the pads on the brakes too thin? How well does the brake pedal itself work? Do the brake lights and headlights work properly so that other drivers can see you well enough when needed? Once you have found a vehicle inspection place that will do the inspection, watch them do it, and learn from it. The vehicle inspection is meant to be a useful tool for anyone. States are simply interested in keeping the roads, the vehicles and the drivers on them safe. Utilize the problems on the vehicle inspection report as a learning experience, and be safe!
Who it's for
This Vehicle Inspection Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Vehicle Inspection essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Vehicle Inspection structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Vehicle Inspection Checklist
- Save Vehicle Inspection Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Vehicle Inspection (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.