When undergoing a car inspection, expect to get a copy of a checklist of things to inspect with your invoice. This assures you that you, the technician, and the shop are accountable for the work performed.
You can, for example, have the battery checked or you can decline its checking, so that's why even you are accountable in regards to the quality of the inspection. The list also ensures that work has been performed and your car parts have been thoroughly inspected.
There are shops that use electronic inspections as well that enable you to access your inspection results on the Internet.
Other Inspections Regarding Your Vehicle
- Visual Brake Inspection: The shop may conduct a teardown or visual inspection of your brakes. You should know which type of inspection is being done so that you know how thorough they're being about it. Visually inspecting the front brakes involves having the technician looking at the wheel to check if the brake pads are looking low or not. If it's low, then it's recommended for you to replace the pads and rotors. There are also times when the shop might need to remove the wheels.
- Teardown Brake Inspection: A teardown brake inspection entails having to remove the wheels themselves. From there, the caliper bracket that houses the pads is also uninstalled in order to access the brake pads for measurement. During this time, they also have the chance to measure the rotors for thickness. Depending on the measurement, the rotor can end up machined or replaced altogether. The technician might also test the caliper to ensure it's working properly or requires replacement.
- Visual versus Teardown Inspection: Even though a visual inspection may not cost you much or anything at all (some shops don't even charge for it altogether) at the start, depending on it can bring you future unpleasant surprises in the form of things to replace or things to repair. You should save up for that full inspection in order to spare yourself with future car issues and breakdowns. A full inspection entails having service providers charge a fee, but with that comes an invoice and a list or report of all the items that have been inspected.
- A Written Detailed Estimate: The detailed written estimate should allow you to have an initial expectation of things you should pay for. It should also showcase the things you absolutely need to inspect versus the suggested items that you can forego. All the same, a full inspection allows you to have am ore informed decision on the level of investment you want to put into your car. In other words, it enables you to decide whether it's better to save up for a new car or whether you can still stick it out with your present vehicle.