How Long Does A Car Inspection Take?

Car owners have a duty to ensure that their vehicle is safe for use. This is why a car inspection is so important. Those who have never had their vehicle inspected before may wonder: “How long does a car inspection take?”

Most basic car inspections are completed in 30 to 45 minutes, often following a vehicle inspection checklist similar to this. Vehicle owners should plan on spending about an hour total at the workshop in total because the paperwork could take an additional 10 minutes to complete. However, it can take more time to repair the problem if the technician finds a potential issue with the car.

Routine car check-ups serve as a preventive measure against potential issues, ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly and remains safe on the road. When it comes to entrusting your vehicle to the hands of professionals, choosing the right auto shop, like this Phoenix Auto Body Shop (or something similar) becomes crucial. The meticulous inspections conducted by seasoned professionals at such establishments go beyond the surface, identifying and rectifying problems before they escalate. Whether it’s ensuring the integrity of the brakes, examining the engine components, or assessing overall safety features, a visit to a trusted auto shop is an investment in the longevity and performance of your vehicle.

Why Are Car Inspections Necessary?

Ensuring a car is safe to drive is among the main reasons to book a car inspection. Making sure that passengers can travel safely in the vehicle is also important in terms of safety, which extends beyond the person driving.

Car inspections play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle, making it a vital aspect of responsible car ownership. The duration of a car inspection can vary, but the time invested is a small price to pay for the invaluable benefits it provides. These inspections go beyond a routine check; they serve as a proactive measure to identify potential issues that may be lurking beneath the surface. The earlier a problem is diagnosed, the quicker it would be to find a reputable car repair service that uses the best auto shop equipment. Whether it’s assessing the brakes, tires, or engine components, a thorough inspection helps catch problems early on, preventing them from escalating into more expensive repairs or compromising your safety on the road.

mechanic with tools

A car inspection can also be viewed as a preventive measure because it lowers the possibility of accidents caused by defective parts and other kinds of traffic accidents involving two or more vehicles.

When the mechanic of a reputed Red Deer auto repair shop (or the one elsewhere) inspects the vehicle, he usually assesses it to determine whether or not the essential systems of the car are operating within acceptable limits. He also inspects if there are any major problems that need to be fixed before the vehicle can be deemed roadworthy.

Permission to drive those cars may be revoked in jurisdictions that demand inspections of all vehicles owned by both individuals and organizations until the necessary repairs are done and the car is evaluated again.

When Is a Vehicle Inspection Required?

The criteria for how often a vehicle owner must have their car inspected vary by state. Some call for specific inspections, including emissions tests, while others are more lenient. Car inspections are mandatory in the following states:

  • Delaware
  • Louisiana
  • Hawaii
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • Rhode Island
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Vermont
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Those who live in these states should check state laws to determine how often they will need to have their vehicles inspected.

However, it’s a good idea for car owners to have periodic inspections done at least once a year even if a state doesn’t require them. Even if everything appears to be in order, drivers should check their vehicles to ensure there aren’t any underlying problems, to avoid their car breaking down on your unexpectedly.

The Different Vehicle Inspections That May Be Required

While there are a number of auto inspection types, the most common are:

VIN Inspection

A technician examines the complete history of the vehicle during a VIN check. Making sure a used vehicle has never been in a serious accident is the reason why this inspection is done. Most VIN inspections are done before a purchase is made.

Emissions Test

car exhaust pipe

Emissions testing, as the name implies, identifies how many air pollutants a vehicle emits. The assessment is mandatory in many states every two years.

This is because emissions testing aims to minimize the number of air pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. The state may not allow vehicle owners to register their car if it doesn’t pass this test and it typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes.

Safety Inspection

A car safety inspection is done to ensure that a vehicle is safe to drive. Once a technician has looked over the fluids, steering, seat belts, electrical components, brakes, windows, tires, and more, he or she will issue a vehicle inspection report indicating whether the car is safe to drive.

This inspection could take up to an hour to complete.

What Car Owners Can Expect from the Inspection Process

There are many parts to most car inspections. Here’s what drivers can expect during a physical inspection of their vehicles.

Exterior Inspection

When a vehicle arrives at an auto repair shop, the mechanic will typically begin his inspection with the exterior of the vehicle. This includes checking for dents, scratches, and misaligned panels.

Interior Check

All the electrical parts, such as the horn, headlights, and windshield wipers, need to be tested during the inspection.

The inspector must also confirm that the clutch and brakes function properly. Because it’s relatively easy to determine whether everything works or not, this exterior inspection is usually quick and takes a few minutes to complete.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete internal and external inspections.

Road Test

mechanic driving van

Next, the technician will take the vehicle for a test drive to determine whether it has any underlying issues that weren’t detected during the interior and exterior checks. The majority of inspectors simply circle the area. This test evaluates the braking and steering capabilities of the car and takes just a few minutes to complete.

Smog Check

Most common inspections include an emissions test. This will ensure that the level of pollution a car emits are within the permissible range and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.

The car must complete all these steps in order to pass an inspection.

Common Reasons Why a Vehicle Won’t Pass a State Inspection

car inspection

Since cars are complex systems made up of a number of components that work together to make the vehicle perform a range of functions, there are a number of reasons why they may not pass inspection. Here are some of the most common reasons why a vehicle fails to meet the required criteria:

  • Worn out tires
  • Problems with exhaust systems
  • Faulty spark plugs
  • Trouble with the suspension system
  • Contaminated engine oil
  • Clogged air filter
  • Leaking gas caps
  • Problems with the catalytic converter
  • Oxygen sensor not working

Final Thoughts

There are many parts to a car inspection, including checking the emissions system. If the car passes, vehicle owners have the assurance that car malfunctions won’t cause a severe accident.

The truth is that most states require inspections to ensure that cars are safe to drive and emit fewer air pollutants. If a vehicle passes an inspection, drivers will likely only spend up to an hour at the repair shop. However, if the car fails to meet the criteria, additional repair time may be required.

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