Vehicle inspection is the periodic technical check of every car on the road; its purpose is to make sure the vehicles we share the road with are safe and environmentally compliant. Cars are generally subject to inspection at certain ages and intervals. Failing the inspection means not just booking again; it means fixing the fault, queueing once more and often dealing with a late penalty. Yet a half-hour of preparation before the inspection prevents most of the most common faults. In this guide we cover the items that most often cause a fail and how to get ready before you go. Note: the inspection is carried out under official rules; what is described here are the technical checks that help you bring the car ready.
One of the most common items that cause a fail is lighting. Check:
At the inspection the brakes are measured on a test rig; not only whether the brake bites, but also the left-right balance matters. If one wheel brakes noticeably differently from the other, the car pulls under braking and may fail. The handbrake must also hold sufficiently. If the pads or discs are worn or the brake fluid is low, it should be fixed before the inspection. A longer braking distance or a spongy pedal is a sign of a problem in this system.
Exhaust gas is measured on petrol and diesel cars; if the engine is not well tuned, the air filter is clogged or the oil is overdue, the values may fall outside the limits. A lit engine warning lamp (check engine) on the dashboard is a serious cause for a fault; going to the inspection with the lamp on almost certainly ends in a fail. The reason for this lamp should be read with a diagnostic device and fixed. Remember too that in Adana's dusty, hot conditions the air filter can get dirty faster; a dirty filter affects both performance and emissions.
If the tyres' tread depth is below the legal limit, there is sidewall damage, or the front and rear have different tyre sizes, there will be a problem at the inspection. The suspension and shock absorbers are tested; excessive play or a leaking shock counts as a fault. Poor alignment/balance wears the tyre unevenly, and this wear can be noticed at the inspection. Excessive play in the steering is also among the checked items.
A crack in the windscreen that obstructs vision is a fault. Simple but overlooked items are also checked, such as the wipers working properly, the washer spraying and the horn sounding. Seat belts must be sound and lock. Abnormal noise from the exhaust or elsewhere, and body damage with sharp protrusions, may also be noted. The number plate must be legible and compliant.
Most of these items can be partly checked at home; but brake balance, headlight alignment, emissions and warning-lamp reading require measuring equipment and experience. Having a workshop do a "pre-inspection check" before you go significantly lowers the chance of failing. As Temel Servis, we perform this check for all makes in Seyhan, Adana and fix any shortcomings (bulbs, pads, headlight alignment, the cause of a warning lamp) before the inspection; and we specialise in Opel and Chevrolet in particular. You can reach us at Fevzipaşa Mah. 48057. Sk. No:16/A, 01355 Seyhan/Adana or book on 0533 662 01 00. For related services you can look at our Adana auto service, periodic maintenance and auto electrical pages.
You can, but a lit warning lamp is a serious cause for a fault and you will most likely fail. The right approach is to first read and fix the cause of the lamp with a diagnostic device, then go to the inspection. That way you avoid a second queue.
You must fix the identified fault and return for inspection within a certain period. For serious faults the vehicle may be deemed unfit for the road. After fixing the fault, usually only that item is rechecked; that is why going ready the first time is the most economical route.
A general pre-inspection check is usually short and completed the same day. Small jobs such as a bulb change or headlight alignment can also be done on the spot. If a replacement such as pads or a shock absorber is needed, the time changes accordingly.
Not the inspection result directly, but the vehicle's condition. In hot, dusty conditions the air filter gets dirty quickly, which can affect emissions; high temperatures also stress items like the antifreeze and battery. So regular maintenance in Adana also supports inspection success.
The inspection date is on the vehicle's registration and in the inspection station records; it is generally set by the car's age and type. Not missing the date is important because a penalty may apply for delay. If you are unsure, confirm from official sources.