When your car is due for inspection, it ultimately comes down to one thing: passing the first time. Yet many people experience a failed inspection, often because of faults that could have been caught and fixed beforehand. That's why a pre-inspection check can be a really good investment, if you want to show up better prepared.
A pre-inspection check is a review of the car before inspection, so you avoid surprises. Here's a clear overview of what a pre-inspection check typically involves, and why it often pays to get it done in good time.
What is a pre-inspection check?
A pre-inspection check is a review of the car's key functions and safety components before it goes for the official inspection. The purpose is to find faults and shortcomings, fix problems before inspection, and increase the chance of the car passing the first time.
That way, a pre-inspection check isn't just another expense. It's often an investment in both time, peace of mind, and money, because it reduces the risk of extra hassle later.
What's typically checked?
A pre-inspection check reviews many of the same areas that are also checked at an official inspection. That's why it gives a realistic picture of whether the car is ready.
Brakes
- Brake pads and brake discs
- Braking performance
- Wear and general function
Lights
- Low beam, high beam, and indicators
- Brake lights
- Number plate light
Small faults here are a very classic cause of a failed inspection, even though they're often relatively easy to fix.
Steering and undercarriage
- Play in the steering
- Bushings and mounts
- General stability
Tyres and wheels
- Tread depth
- Wear and damage
- Correct mounting
Exhaust and environment
- Tightness of the exhaust system
- Emissions
- DPF on diesel cars
General review
- Visible faults and shortcomings
- Leaks
- Warning lights
Typical faults that cause a failed inspection
Many of the faults that cause a failed inspection are small on their own, but still enough for the car not to pass:
- Faulty bulbs
- Worn brakes
- Play in the steering
- Uneven braking
- Too high emissions
A pre-inspection check catches exactly this kind of thing in time, so it can be fixed before the car is rejected.
Why does it pay off?
A pre-inspection check can save you several things:
- Extra fees for a re-test
- Time and hassle
- Expensive repairs later
It's often cheaper to fix small faults before inspection than to deal with both a failed test and any resulting damage afterward.
When should you get a pre-inspection check done?
It's a good idea to get a pre-inspection check done:
- 1 to 2 weeks before inspection
- If the car hasn't been serviced in a while
- If you're unsure about the car's general condition
That gives time to fix any faults before the car needs to go.
Can the workshop help with the whole process?
Many workshops offer more than just the check itself. That can for example be:
- Inspection preparation
- Fixing faults and shortcomings
- In some cases, driving the car to inspection
That makes the process easier for you and gives a more complete process around the car.
Get the car ready for inspection in good time
Want to be sure your car passes inspection the first time? A pre-inspection check can be a really good solution. At MH Autoteknik Aps we review the car thoroughly and help get it ready, so you show up better prepared for inspection.