Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange
Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [inspection]

48 questions
9
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2 answers

Can a mechanic not share inspection results to the the seller?

I am in the process of selling my used car to a private buyer. The buyer asked to have the car inspected at a local mechanic. After picking the car up from the shop, I asked for the results of the inspection. The mechanic informed me that the…
Ivan Lesko
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8
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2 answers

Why do mechanics give the wheels a spin after raising a car for inspection?

After raising a car for inspection, I noticed that a mechanic gave all 4 wheels a spin. What exactly are they looking for? I assume it has to do with whether the wheel on the opposite side will spin as well? Or is it more about listening for any…
hb20007
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8
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4 answers

shop can't connect to onboard diagnostic system?

I've recently moved to California and am trying to get my car registered; they require a smog check (which is possibly actually more of an inspection than the name implies?). I went by a very basic shop today (oil change, smog check, etc.) and after…
Cascabel
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8
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1 answer

Safety Inspection after repair

My car was recently repaired (turbo air intake motor, motor mounts, brakes) at which time I also asked them to do the annual NC safety inspection. When I picked up the car and asked about the inspection, the shop rep said he couldn't do it because…
Wade Henderson
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7
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3 answers

What to look for when buying a salvage title car

Other than the normal stuff to look for when buying a used car, what else should you check or have inspected when buying a used car with a salvage or junk title?
Zeke
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6
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1 answer

Connection point on a 2007 Impala for vehicle inspection

I recently had my 2007 Impala at a dealer for a routine lube, oil change, tire rotation, and a NYS Vehicle Inspection. Shortly after that I found puddles of water on the front passengers floor. I took the car back to the dealer who said I had to…
Anne Gardner-Handy
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6
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3 answers

Failed inspection due to rust on rotors?

I'm having my car inspected (VT); its a 2014 BMW 328xi. The dealer is inspecting it and said there is a "heavy amount of rust on the inside of the rear brake rotors," and that they would have to turn them to pass inspection. The car brakes fine,…
Andy
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6
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2 answers

How do I inspect a used tire?

Used tires, how can I be sure that they are roadworthy? Aside from looking at the general appearance, how do I properly inspect the tire(s)? Are there any scenarios, (damage has occurred), where I should absolutely avoid using the tire? Make no…
Jonathan Musso
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5
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3 answers

How useful is a low-end corded OBD-II reader for inspecting a used car?

I purchased a low-end OBD-II reader from Wal-Mart a few months ago. Now I'm in the market to purchase a used car and I was wondering how useful the reader will be when I go to look at the vehicle. Of course I plan to test drive the vehicle but I was…
Mowzer
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5
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3 answers

How much of the exhaust is the "cat-back"

My brother-in-law's car has just failed inspection. One of the items listed was a "cat-back." Since the bill is astronomical, I was wondering how much of the exhaust system is encompassed in this term and what is the relative ease to change this on…
Bob Roberts
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5
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2 answers

Parking brake inspection question

NY State inspection guidelines call for a parking brake test similar to this: "Car must hold in Drive under moderate acceleration. Parking brake must lock in place and be released independently from service brake" An auto release parking brake is…
Len
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5
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1 answer

How to conduct an at-home winter safety check?

I have an '09 Honda Fit. It's a manual transmission. I bought it in the summer of 2013 and there are no warranties left on it. Other than regular oil changes, tire rotations, and having the battery replaced two weeks ago, I haven't had to do…
TheSmallestOne
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4
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How much would you trust a pre-sales inspection from a "captured" mechanic?

Apologies if this is off-topic; I'm not seeing it fit squarely in either this site or the Personal Finance site... I'm currently looking at a used Subaru Forester being offered "as-is" by a dealership here in town. Let's call them Smith's Hyundai.…
spuck
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4
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2 answers

Sedan car door modified - inspection issues

I am interested in buying a car where the seller modified the car door into Lamborghini-like butterfly doors. Will there be safety issues, so that the mod will not pass state inspection? Let's presume a general spread of TX, CA, FL, MA, NY…
Cynthia Avishegnath
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4
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1 answer

Need help understanding diagnostic report for a potential purchase

I am interested in buying a Honda CR-V 2014 AWD and we took the car to an inspection agency. There were a few issues based on the inspection and I am not sure how to move forward with the sale. The owner was asked to change the engine oil right…
anauneemoos
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