Is It Time for A Vista Car Inspection?
A Vista car inspection involves many different systems and components on your vehicle that affect its safety, which is why it’s important to have your Vista car inspection performed at a qualified, licensed service center, like Golden Wrench Automotive. Our service technicians are highly trained and have plenty of experience with state inspections in Vista, California as well as the expertise to recognize any potential problems that may arise in the future.
Vista Car inspection is a process mandated by federal or local governments in several states, where a car is inspected to make sure it conforms to certain regulations governing performance, emissions, or both. Inspection may be required at different times, e.g., regularly or when the car is transferred to a new owner. If it’s frequently inspected, the car’s mechanical system will have a chance to develop defects that form the basis of car repair. Once these defects become significant enough, they can’t be corrected without changing the whole car. In this case, a new car must be purchased instead of restoring the vehicle.
A car inspection checklist is a must-have for any potential buyer. Make sure that your inspector has the type of tools you need to accurately inspect the vehicle. This includes a car inspection mirror, flashlight, charger, oars, and a checklist. Your inspector should also be well versed and familiar with the make, model, and year of the vehicle as well as its safety features. All of this information helps your inspector to identify any problems the car may have before offering you its pros and cons.
New cars must get a safety inspection every 12 months, though most states only require it for vehicles that are sold. It’s a way for car manufacturers and dealers to make sure that car buyers are buying a vehicle with less likelihood of having a serious mechanical defect later on. Not all states have this law. The laws governing this vary from state to state.
An annual Vista car inspection is essential to keep your car legal and safe on the road. The following are checked during the inspection:
Documents
Before your car’s physical inspection begins, the mechanic will check your title, registration, and proof of insurance to ensure that your vehicle is legal and up-to-date.
Exterior
Once they verify that your car is legal, they’ll check the car’s license plate to ensure it is securely fastened and well-lit. From there, they will move to your windows and windshield to check for cracks or chips that could compromise its integrity or limit your visibility. Then, they’ll check your doors, windows, and wiper blades to ensure that they work properly and don’t have any damage. Finally, your exterior lights and blinkers are checked to ensure if they are working properly and don’t need to be replaced. They will also check your bumpers for stability and to identify any dangerous damage.
Interior
After checking the exterior, the mechanic will then move on to the interior. Your steering wheel and steering column are inspected to ensure that your wheels turn as they should, then they will operate the horn and check its sound.
The next step is checking the brakes, which involves both interior and exterior. They’ll check your brake pads to see if they need to be replaced. Then, they’ll check your brake pedal to make sure that it doesn’t go too low to the floor. The parking brake will be checked. And lastly, your seatbelts will be checked for proper operation and any signs of wear.
Engine Check
Your mechanic will open the hood and inspect your engine and components for any signs of leaks or damage. This Vista car inspection involves your exhaust, fuel, transmission, battery, coolant, and more. Your emissions system is also inspected.
Chassis
At this point, the mechanic will move to the underside of your car to check your shocks, coil springs, axles, and frame for any wear and tear or damage. They also perform a final check of the exhaust system and brakes.
Tires will also be checked for tire tread depth and wear, as well as any punctures or damage that compromises their safety.
Once done inspecting those areas, the mechanic will take your vehicle for a test drive to ensure that it drives well, and your gauges operate properly.
Leave these to a Pro! Here at Golden Wrench Automotive, we have ASE-certified professionals that will ensure your Vista car inspection. Call us at (760)940-6060 to schedule your complete vehicle inspection.