Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Services
To clarify how QA Collision customers can benefit from the vehicle inspections offered at our auto body repair shop locations, it is helpful to differentiate between two broad categories of vehicle inspection:
1- OPTIONAL – elective or voluntary
2- COMPULSORY – designated or government-mandated
1. Optional Vehicle Inspections
It is in the category of optional inspection that QA Collision can be of service to you. The two most frequently requested types of inspection are expanded upon below:
I. Pre-Purchase Inspections
When buying a used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection by a licensed mechanic is always a good idea. The inspection should be performed by a certified mechanic with access to a well-equipped shop. The general condition of the vehicle, as well as its component systems, will be checked, in addition to diagnostic testing to measure vehicle performance.
After the inspection, you will be given a written report that includes detailed information on the condition of the vehicle. With this information, you can decide if the vehicle is worth the price being charged. If not, you can negotiate a better price with concrete information to back you up.
II. Maintenance Inspections
Regular maintenance inspections ensure that your vehicle is always running smoothly and performing optimally. A thoroughly inspected and well-tuned vehicle gets better gas mileage and needs fewer repairs. Furthermore, proactive maintenance is cheaper when compared to the inevitable extra costs associated with unexpected vehicle breakdowns.
Comprehensive vehicle inspections generally include an assessment of the following components:
- Engine & Battery
- Steering & Suspension
- Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- Instruments & Controls
- Hoses & Belts
- Radiator, Fluids & Cooling System
- Electrical System
- Fuel & Exhaust System
You can also request an inspection that targets a specific part of the vehicle. For example, if you notice your vehicle veering off constantly to the side, you can ask your mechanic to focus his attention on steering, suspension, and alignment.
2. Compulsory Vehicle Inspections
While most commercial vehicles require annual inspection certificates to legally operate in BC, there are only a few types of private vehicles that require inspections including vehicles imported to BC, rebuilt vehicles and vehicles that are suspected of being unsafe or in violation of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.
In BC, government-mandated vehicle inspections are regulated and enforced by Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement (CVSE).
For compulsory vehicle inspections, check this link to a list of Designated Inspection Facilities.
