Auto mechanics undertake a myriad of tasks daily, chief among them being vehicle inspection. This critical responsibility spans a broad spectrum, from inspecting cars for title loans, conducting pre-delivery checks, executing sixty-point dealer evaluations, to performing thorough pre-purchase inspections for used cars and quick oil change checks. If you work at a car dealership, you’re likely familiar with a range of vehicle inspection forms. However, for those in newer repair shops, this process can seem daunting.
Why Vehicle Inspection Forms Matter
Vehicle inspection forms are more than just paperwork—they serve as essential tools to ensure safety, compliance, and transparency. They help mechanics cover all bases, preventing any critical oversights during a vehicle’s assessment, which is crucial to making sure each car is road-ready. While these forms vary slightly based on location, it’s always a good idea to verify requirements with your local Department of Motor Vehicles before proceeding.
Vehicle Inspection Form Templates
What Is a Vehicle Inspection Form?
A vehicle inspection form is a document that records detailed information about the condition of a motor vehicle. It helps verify whether the vehicle is roadworthy or if specific parts need examination or repair before it can be safely driven.
Essential Elements of a Vehicle Inspection Form
To efficiently run a vehicle inspection, here are the main sections you’ll typically find on an inspection form:
- Introduction: Start by noting the purpose of the inspection and any relevant identifiers (e.g., inspection type).
- Inspector & Vehicle Details: Record details about the inspector, the vehicle’s operator, and the vehicle itself (e.g., make, model, VIN).
- Brakes: Examine both emergency and service brakes to ensure they function properly.
- Bumpers: Inspect both the front and rear bumpers.
- Interior: Check emergency tools, heating, defrosters, seat belts, and horns.
- Insurance & License Details: Confirm valid insurance and a driver’s license.
- Lights: Inspect headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and hazard flashers.
- Mirrors: Inspect both interior and exterior mirrors for visibility.
- Tires: Check the condition, alignment, and compatibility of all tires, including the spare.
- Under the Hood: Inspect fluid levels (brake, power steering, washer) and the condition of components like the battery and engine oil.
- Accessories & Windows: Examine windows, windshield wipers, and other accessories.
- Final Notes: Conclude with the inspection’s verdict—whether the vehicle is roadworthy or if repairs are needed.
How to Fill out a Vehicle Inspection Form?
Most people are aware of a vehicle inspection form, but they are unsure how to fill it. Filling the vehicle inspection form is a straightforward procedure. However, you might find it tricky, more so if you are doing it for the first time. Here is an overview of how you should fill your vehicle inspection form:
Step 1- Introduction
Ensure that your document commences with a title that is descriptive to state its nature. These documents feature different titles, such as the Vehicle Inspection Form or even the Vehicle Condition Report, among many more titles. Suppose the document incorporates the service company filling. It can also feature its location as well as the logo.
Step 2- The inspector’s information
You need to indicate your inspector’s name, examining the condition of your vehicle in this form.
Step 3- Information concerning the owner
Here, you need to generate information about the owner of the car. This information should include the owner’s name, address, driver’s license number, and telephone number. Remember, this information is essential for identification.
Step 4- Vehicle information
The vehicle inspector can use this form to document information about the vehicle as they inspect. Furthermore, it can state the VIN, odometer readings, year, make, and model.
Step 5- Motor vehicle condition
In this section, you need to ensure that you describe the inspection results thoroughly. You can describe the state of the muffler, transmission, brake lines, engine, battery, and lights and tires, among many more states.
Step 6- Comment
Suppose there are any recommendations or comments that inspectors would like to address. They should make sure that they do it in this section.
Step 7- Conclusion
After finalizing the report, the inspectors should ensure that they summarize everything written in this document. Furthermore, they should also state the vehicle’s condition, whether it requires immediate attention, requires attention, or if the vehicle’s condition is acceptable. If it needs immediate attention, it means it does not qualify to be on the road until the issue is addressed.
Step 8- Date and signature
This form should be signed by both the owners as well as the inspector of the vehicle. Apart from the signature, they also need to designate their date and name on this specific document.
Types of Vehicle Inspection Form
There are many types of vehicle inspection forms in the industry. Below is an in-depth discussion highlighting the best types of vehicle inspection form:
- Full Inspection Form: Ideal for comprehensive checks, such as pre-purchase inspections, roadworthiness assessments, and detailed dealer evaluations. This form covers every aspect of the vehicle, including safety systems, mechanical components, and general wear and tear.
- Medium Inspection Form: Used for significant maintenance tasks, such as fluid changes, brake inspections, and other routine but essential services. This type of inspection is more detailed than a quick inspection but doesn’t require the depth of a full inspection, making it ideal for scheduled maintenance.
- Quick Inspection Form: Suitable for basic, high-level assessments during routine procedures like oil changes. This form focuses on critical items that can be checked quickly to ensure the vehicle is in safe working condition, such as fluid levels, lights, and tire pressure.
Apart from this, you can also consider these types of vehicle inspection forms:
- Air Conditioning Inspection: Focuses on checking the condition and functionality of the vehicle’s air conditioning system, including refrigerant levels, compressors, and vents.
- Motorcycle Inspection: Tailored specifically for motorcycles, covering elements like tire tread, brake performance, suspension, and chain condition.
- Cooling System Inspection: Involves evaluating the radiator, coolant levels, hoses, and other components crucial to the engine’s cooling system to prevent overheating.
FAQs
An inspection form is a document that records the condition of an item—in this case, a vehicle.
The main types are a 12-point inspection, an insurance inspection, and a courtesy inspection.
The main types are a 12-point inspection, an insurance inspection, and a courtesy inspection.
Focus on lights, brakes, tires, fluids, and other essential components to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.
During an on-the-road inspection, focus on the following aspects:
Brakes and Clutch: Check how the car reacts during braking. Ensure it stops evenly and does not pull to either side, as this could indicate brake issues that need immediate attention.
Steering: Test the steering while driving. Qualified technicians can detect issues with suspension, vibrations, or unusual engine sounds that most drivers may overlook. Make sure the wheel alignment is correct to prevent steering difficulties.
Spare Wheel: Ensure the spare tire is in good condition and that tools like the jack and spanner are available and functional. A well-maintained spare tire can prevent getting stranded during a breakdown.
Drive Belts: Inspect the drive belt for any cracks or wear. A damaged drive belt can lead to a complete engine shutdown, overheating, or battery issues, making it essential to check before a road trip.
Leaks: Check under the vehicle for fluid leaks. Look for signs of oil, coolant, or other fluids. If any leaks are detected, have a professional technician inspect and fix them.
Brake Pads: Inspect the brake pads for wear. The composite part of the brake pad should be at least 5mm thick. If the thickness is below this level, the brake pads need replacing to ensure safe braking performance.
Wipers: Ensure the windshield wipers are functioning correctly to clear water effectively. Proper visibility is crucial, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Lights: Verify that all vehicle lights are functioning, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. This is especially important if driving in low visibility conditions like fog or at night.
Fluids: Check under the hood to inspect fluid levels, including brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil. Low fluid levels can compromise vehicle performance and safety.
These are similar to pre-trip inspections, focusing on parts like windshield, wipers, brakes, tires, and steering mechanisms.
Final Thoughts
Vehicle inspection forms are crucial for ensuring that vehicles are safe and compliant. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or new to the repair industry, having a thorough understanding of these forms can help streamline your inspection process and enhance safety for everyone. Take your time to fill out these forms properly, as they are the first step in guaranteeing road safety.































