A car inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of inspection you’re getting and what kind of car you’re driving.
The most common type is called a safety inspection, which checks the lights and the brakes.
A safety inspection takes about 15 minutes, but it can vary depending on how thorough you want to be, you may want to check that your windshield wipers work properly or look at the tires for cracks.
If you’re getting your vehicle inspected for emissions testing, that will take a little longer because emissions tests require more equipment and take longer to run.
If your vehicle is old enough to require an annual inspection, this can take up to an hour due to the extra steps involved in checking things like fluids and belts.
What is involved in a car inspection?
Safety inspections are very basic and only require a check of lights, tires, wipers, and windows.
Emissions tests are more involved and include checks for emissions levels as well as exhaust fumes.
These may also involve a road test to ensure that your car is running at optimum levels.
You will not have to wait too long for your inspection to complete.
If you need repairs or have any outstanding issues with your vehicle’s condition or paperwork, it can take longer than usual for these issues to be resolved before your inspection can be completed successfully.
What are the most common things that can slow down the process?
Inspectors need a lot of space to work, so if you have a large car or truck, be prepared to wait a little longer.
The type of car you drive. Some vehicles are very complex, and this can take more time than others to inspect.
What happens if your car fails inspection?
Depending on the reason for failure and whether or not the repair is a safety-related issue, you may be able to get an extension on the inspection date.
If you’re not sure what needs to be fixed, ask! Your mechanic will be able to show you exactly what is wrong and how to fix it.
The good news is that most problems are easy to fix with a little elbow grease and some parts from your local auto parts store or auto shop.
You just have to make sure that those parts are compatible with your vehicle’s model year and make otherwise, they might not fit right or work properly.
What happens during a car inspection?
Car inspections are a critical part of keeping your vehicle in good working order.
A technician will check the vehicle’s body, tires, brakes, lights, and other components to ensure that everything is properly functioning.
This can help you avoid expensive repairs down the road by catching issues before they become serious problems.
The process usually takes about an hour and costs anywhere from $40 to $80 depending on what needs to be inspected.
Some states require that vehicles pass additional tests such as emissions testing or smog checks before they can be registered for road use.
What is the purpose of a car inspection?
The purpose of a car inspection is to ensure that cars on the road are safe for driving and for passengers.
The inspector checks for things like gas leaks and other safety hazards that could put drivers or passengers at risk.
Who can perform a car inspection?
It’s also important to know what kinds of people can perform a car inspection, because it may affect how much you have to pay for the service.
A certified mechanic can perform an inspection on your car.
They might be a part of the dealership where you bought your vehicle or they may work in an independent auto shop.
A certified mechanic has undergone extensive training, and they have passed certification tests administered by various organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
To become certified, mechanics must pass both written and hands-on exams.
Conclusion
You should know that a car inspection takes about 30 minutes.
It’s not a huge commitment of time, and it can save you from making a costly mistake by buying a car that isn’t up to par.
You can also find out more information about how long other types of inspections take like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC systems on our blog.