A standard car safety inspection typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, but the total time can vary depending on the type of inspection, the vehicle’s condition, the inspector’s efficiency, and potential wait times at the facility.

For a basic safety inspection, expect to be at the shop for around an hour, including any paperwork. An inspection typically entails popping the hood and inspecting fluid levels (oil, coolant and brake fluid), belts and batteries as well as testing steering components.

Tires

Tires are where rubber meets road, and play an integral part in car safety. A mechanic will assess your tires’ condition to make sure they have sufficient tread and don’t show signs of wear and damage.

A technician will also check that your lug nuts are secure, as well as U-joints that hold the driveshaft in place – these are vital in allowing wheels to turn smoothly; worn out ones may cause clunking or squealing when changing gears, while they will also inspect windshield wipers to make sure none have become cracked or damaged.

Seatbelts

Seat belts must be regularly inspected to ensure they function as intended in an accident, or else serious injuries or deaths could result. Without working seat belts, people could suffer serious injuries in an impact and even perish.

Inspectors inspect seat belt webbing for cuts, fraying and excessive dirt or wear. In addition, they evaluate latch plates and buckles to make sure they operate smoothly and the retractor mechanism functions appropriately.

Inspectors may conduct an ohm resistance reading on the pretensioner system by using a multimeter with probes connected to its seat belt sensor. A lower reading indicates normal operation while higher or fluctuating readings indicate there may be issues that need addressing with it.

Brakes

Brakes are one of the most essential safety components on any vehicle. Your inspector will usually test them by putting your car into gear and driving it (if safe to do so). They will check for vibration or shaking when braking, hard or soft pedaling as well as any potential issues with the brake system.

Technicians will inspect calipers that compress brake pads against rotors to slow the car and make sure there are no physical damages or rust on caliper slides, as well as inspect rotors for scoring, overheating or signs of wear in comparison to manufacturer specifications.

Mirrors

Mirrors are essential tools for improving visibility on the road, and all vehicle inspections should include them as essential tools. A basic inspection mirror typically consists of a mirror, telescoping stem and handle assembly, and swivel joint.

Security professionals use inspection mirrors to quickly detect and identify items hidden underneath vehicles, while simultaneously keeping personnel safe by permitting them to operate from a safe distance from them.

Inspection mirrors are also widely utilized by other professionals such as plumbers to gain visibility into hard to reach areas. A quality telescoping inspection mirror should be lightweight, easy to maneuver and produce crystal clear images.

Muffler

A muffler is the final component in your vehicle’s exhaust system before its exit through its tailpipe, consisting of an outer shell and various chambers which all serve different functions regarding sound reduction and emissions control.

Components in an exhaust system such as the catalytic converter and muffler must function efficiently to meet emission standards and pass inspection. They are closely examined for visible damage such as rust or holes, with mounting components and gaskets also examined to ensure secure connections.

A muffler dissipates loud pressure waves created when high-pressure gases collide with low-pressure ones. If these pulses are opposite of each other, they cancel each other out and no sound can be heard.

Suspension

Your car’s suspension system is responsible for absorbing shocks, supporting its weight and keeping tires in contact with the road. Over time however, its components may become compromised, leading to an unpleasant ride for passengers.

At inspection, your technician will check springs, shock absorbers, bushings, control arms and ball joints for signs of wear or damage as well as measuring both wheels to make sure that their heights are even.

Suspension issues are generally easy to identify by listening for clunking noises and sensing any excessive movement. One side may appear lower than the other, which could indicate worn springs or structural damage.

Engine

Your engine is at the core of what makes your car move, so its health must be in good condition. At an inspection, mechanics examine oil levels, coolant levels and brake fluid levels as well as any signs of leaks to make sure everything is in optimal shape.

Mechanics may also inspect your car’s belts and hoses, as well as their tension. A broken belt or burst hose could lead to overheating, power steering issues and other complications that require professional intervention.

An opacity test may be conducted on diesel trucks and buses to assess how much smoke their engines generate when accelerating, with results being compared against emissions standards.

Transmission

Your vehicle’s transmission, whether automatic (which shifts gears automatically according to speed and load) or manual, is central to power transfer from engine to wheels. If a warning light for either “Check Transmission” or “Check Engine” lights is illuminated on your dashboard or you have seen red fluid pooling after parking, those are surefire indicators it is time for an inspection.

Technicians will inspect the coolant level and look for signs of overheating, such as burning smell or physical damage, before inspecting radiator lines for leaks.

Steering

An auto inspection includes inspecting the condition of the steering system. Mechanics will make sure that power-steering pumps are operating as they should and there are no signs of wear on power steering pumps, since steering problems could put both you and other drivers at risk.

Technicians will inspect for leaks in the steering system and all fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. Furthermore, they will examine your exhaust to make sure it complies with local emissions standards.

Pre-purchase inspections can help protect you against expensive surprises down the line and provide valuable information necessary to negotiate an equitable price with sellers.

Conclusion

A car inspection is far more than just a quick glance under the hood—it’s a comprehensive safety and performance check that keeps both you and your vehicle protected. Whether it’s for routine maintenance, a DOT requirement, or a pre-purchase evaluation, investing in a thorough inspection gives you peace of mind and confidence every time you hit the road.