How to Prepare Your Car for a Technical Inspection

A technical inspection is a routine procedure, but that routine nature is exactly what trips people up: many show up without checking the basics first, then lose an extra day on a repeat visit over a burnt-out bulb or worn wiper blades. Here's a checklist worth going through before heading to the inspection station.

Why it's worth preparing in advance

Most reasons for failing an inspection are minor, easily fixable issues, not serious mechanical problems. Checking beforehand takes 20 to 30 minutes, but saves you an entire extra day waiting in line for a re-inspection.

• You can check a good portion of the inspected items yourself without any special equipment;
• Fixing minor issues ahead of time is usually cheaper than a repeat appointment and the time lost;
• Some stations charge a separate fee for a re-inspection after fixing noted issues.

Lights and signaling

Lighting faults are one of the most common reasons for a failed inspection, and also the easiest to check yourself.

• Check your low and high beams, running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Have someone check from outside while you cycle through each function;
• Make sure the headlight and taillight lenses have no cracks or cloudiness that reduces light output;
• Check headlight aim: pointed too high or too low can also be grounds for a citation;
• Don't forget the license plate light, a small detail that's often overlooked.

The brake system

• Check your brake pads' condition if you can inspect them visually, or recall when they were last replaced;
• Check for leaks in the brake system: brake fluid stains under the car are serious grounds for failure;
• Check the parking brake, it should reliably hold the car on an incline.

Tires and suspension

• Tread depth. Most passenger cars have a regulated minimum tread depth; check that all four tires meet the standard;
• Visible tire damage. Cuts, bulges, uneven wear: all of these are grounds for a citation;
• Play in the steering or suspension. If you've already noticed noise or looseness (we covered this in detail in our article on suspension clunking), it's better to fix the cause before the inspection rather than risk a failure;
• Make sure all tires on the car are the same type (seasonal), if that's regulated in your area.

Glass, visibility, and wipers

• Check the windshield for cracks and chips in the driver's field of view: even a small crack right in front of the driver's seat can be grounds for failure;
• Make sure your wiper blades don't leave streaks and clean the glass effectively. Worn blades are cheap and easy to replace ahead of time;
• Check that the windshield washer works and that there's enough fluid in the reservoir;
• Make sure your side mirrors are undamaged and securely mounted.

What to do if the inspection fails

1. Carefully review the list of issues noted by the inspector: this is a specific list of what needs to be fixed;
2. Address each item, going to a shop for anything that needs professional repair (like brake work);
3. Check with the station about the terms of a re-inspection: timing, cost, whether you need to book again or can just show up;
4. If the car can't safely drive to a shop on its own to fix a serious fault (say, something found in the suspension), consider arranging a tow rather than risking further damage on the road.

Bottom line

Most reasons for failing a technical inspection are small things you can fix yourself in one evening: a bulb, wiper blades, topping off washer fluid. Spend 20 to 30 minutes checking before your visit, it saves time and hassle. And if your prep turns up a serious suspension issue or brake issue that needs towing to a shop, we're always available.

Frequently Asked Questions