10 Things Auto Techs Look for During Vehicle Inspections

You count on your car for work, errands, travel, and unexpected moments. But it won’t stay road-ready on its own. Over time, tires wear down, brakes lose their grip, and parts stop working as they should. That’s why regular vehicle inspections matter.

A safety inspection gives you a complete snapshot of your car’s condition. Auto techs check the systems that affect how safely your car moves, stops, and responds. 

Inspections aren’t about finding problems after they happen. They’re about catching issues early before a loose bolt, cracked windshield, or worn brake pad turns into something dangerous. You might not notice the signs, but a trained tech will. That one fix could be the reason you stop in time, stay in control, or avoid a costly breakdown.

What Is Included in a Vehicle Safety Inspection?

The checklist is extended for a reason. Auto techs don’t guess—they check. Here’s what they look for:

• Tire wear and air pressure
• Brake pad thickness and function
• All lights and indicator bulbs
• Windshield condition and wiper performance
• Mirror stability and clear lines of sight
• Seat belt operation
• Steering response and wheel alignment
• Suspension health and shock absorption
• Wheel stability and rim condition
• Exhaust system leaks or damage

These checks work together to ensure your car can stop, steer, and stay stable, especially in bad weather or on rough roads.

1. Tires and Tire Rotation

Your tires are your first contact with the road. Worn tread or uneven wear makes it harder to stop or stay straight on wet or rough pavement. Techs measure tread depth and check air pressure. They also look for bulges, sidewall cracks, or any signs of damage from potholes or curbs.

If the wear pattern indicates a problem with your alignment or suspension, the tech will recommend checking those as well. They’ll often suggest rotating the tires if it hasn’t been done recently, which helps them wear evenly.

2. Brakes and Brake Pads

Brakes don’t last forever. Pads wear down each time you stop. If they get too thin, you risk damaging your rotors or losing stopping power.

Auto techs remove the wheels to inspect your pads, rotors, and calipers. If there’s grinding, squeaking, or shaking while braking, it could be a sign of warped rotors or low brake fluid. Catching this early can save you from a costly repair or an accident.

3. Lights and Bulbs

Every light on your car matters. Brake lights show drivers behind you that you’re slowing down. Turn signals keep traffic flowing safely. Headlights help you see and be seen.

Techs test every bulb, lens, and switch. If a light is out, it’s usually a quick fix, but ignoring it can cause big problems. In some places, driving with broken lights can even lead to a ticket.

4. Windshield, Wipers, and Washer System

A cracked or chipped windshield might seem small, but it weakens the glass. That crack can grow fast when temperatures shift or if you hit a bump.

Techs inspect your windshield for damage and check the condition of your wipers. Old blades leave streaks or skip across the glass. They’ll also make sure your washer fluid sprays properly—if it doesn’t, visibility suffers.

5. Mirrors and Visibility Checks

Side mirrors and the rearview mirror help you see what’s happening around you. A cracked mirror, or one that’s loose, is a blind spot waiting to happen.

Techs ensure each mirror is stable and provides a complete, clear view. If anything is blocking your back window, like broken defroster lines or dark tint, they’ll flag it.

6. Seat Belts and Safety Restraints

Seat belts should click, lock, and retract smoothly. If they don’t, they won’t hold you in place during a crash.

Techs check each belt for fraying, loose bolts, or locking problems. They’ll also test child seat anchors and airbag indicators. These systems work together to protect you and your passengers in the event of an impact.

7. Steering and Alignment

If your steering wheel feels loose, heavy, or pulls to one side, something’s off. A car that can’t steer straight is a danger on the road.

Auto techs test the steering’s response and center alignment. They’ll also check power steering fluid levels and look for leaks. Misalignment doesn’t just affect handling—it causes uneven tire wear and poor fuel economy, too.

8. Suspension System

Your suspension softens every bump. When it’s worn or damaged, your car bounces more, corners poorly, and may not brake evenly.

Techs check the shocks, struts, and control arms for leaks or damage. If your car feels loose over speed bumps or sways in turns, your suspension could be the reason.

9. Wheel Assembly

Your wheels take a beating, especially if you live near construction zones, potholes, or have rolled curbs in your driveway. Bent rims, loose lug nuts, and vibration at high speeds are all warning signs.

Techs inspect the entire wheel assembly for cracks, warping, and missing components. If you often drive over rolled curbs, it’s worth protecting your tires and rims with a curb ramp from SmoothCurb. It’s a simple way to avoid repeat visits to the repair shop.

10. Exhaust System Inspection

A leaky exhaust system can send carbon monoxide into your car. It can also trip sensors and cause your engine to run rough.

Techs listen for loud exhaust sounds and inspect pipes and joints for rust or holes. They’ll also scan for emission-related issues that may cause your car to fail a state inspection or run less efficiently.

When to Get Your Car Inspected

You don’t wait until a warning light shows up. An annual inspection is the minimum. You should also book one if:

• You’re planning a long road trip
• You notice strange noises or new vibrations.
• Your car pulls, sways, or brakes unevenly.
• You’re buying or selling a used car.
• You recently hit a pothole, curb, or road hazard.
  

Staying ahead of problems saves you money. More importantly, it keeps you and your passengers safe.

Conclusion

Auto techs aren’t trying to sell you repairs. They’re spotting risks before they become breakdowns—or accidents. Inspections are about keeping your vehicle ready and safe for the road ahead.

Don’t wait for a problem to show up. And if your driveway’s design causes regular issues, like rolled curbs scraping your bumper or wheels, invest in a SmoothCurb ramp. It’s a low-cost way to protect your suspension and extend the life of your tires and wheels.

Stay ahead. Schedule that inspection. A little time now could prevent a big problem later.