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Things to Consider During Vehicle Inspection
Things to Consider During Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle inspections are a primary process that directly impacts traffic safety and are mandatory for every vehicle in our country. However, many drivers arrive unprepared for their inspection, leading to wasted time and the need to reschedule. However, with proper preparation, passing a vehicle inspection is remarkably easy. In this guide, we explain step-by-step what to do before your vehicle inspection, address the most common mistakes, and share tips for a smooth inspection experience.

The field experience of professional vehicle and taxi companies like Kale Taxi also supports the information contained in this guide. Throughout the content, information on vehicle inspections , pre-inspection checks , and considerations for vehicle inspections are shared.

 

1. Importance of Vehicle Inspection and Legal Obligations

A vehicle inspection is an official check that determines whether a vehicle is roadworthy. Vehicles that are not inspected or fail are considered a safety hazard and are subject to penalties. Therefore, it is crucial for every driver to monitor their vehicle's inspection schedule and prepare their vehicle on time.

  • For passenger vehicles: Inspection is mandatory every 2 years.
  • For commercial taxis: Annual inspection is mandatory.

As Kale Taxi, we recommend making preparations a few weeks in advance of the inspection date as the best method to prevent possible surprise malfunctions.

 

2. Making an Examination Appointment: The Best Timing

It's essential to make an appointment before going for a vehicle inspection. If you don't make an appointment, you may have to wait a long time or find a place to get in.

Things to consider when making an appointment:

  • Make an appointment at least 1 week before the examination time.
  • If you are going to have your vehicle inspected for the first time, choose an earlier day.
  • The morning hours of the day go faster; the intensity is less.

It has been determined that 60% of the delays due to appointment density are due to appointments made on the last day .

 

3. General Mechanical Control of the Vehicle

One of the most critical points checked during the inspection is the mechanical systems. Most vehicles experiencing problems in this area fail the inspection.

The following sections must be checked:

Brake system

  • Brake pads
  • Wheel brake force distribution
  • Handbrake grip
  • Hydraulic level

The slightest imbalance in the brake system is considered a serious defect .

Steering and suspension

  • Tie rods and tie rod ends
  • Control arm bushings
  • Z rod
  • Shock absorbers

If you hear noise while driving, your chances of passing the inspection will decrease.

Condition of tires

  • Tread depth must be minimum 1.6 mm
  • All four tires must be the same size.
  • There should be no cracks, bubbles or splits.

Tires are one of the fastest eliminated items in the inspection.

 

4. Vehicle Lighting: The Most Commonly Faulty Section

The most common minor and major defects encountered during vehicle inspection are in lighting.

Lighting that needs to be checked:

  • Low beam
  • High beam
  • Signals
  • Reversing light
  • fog lights
  • License plate light
  • Brake lights

Many vehicles fail inspections even if the headlights are misaligned. Therefore, it's crucial to have your headlights adjusted before the inspection.

 

5. Control of Electrical and Electronic Systems

Control of electronic systems is very important in modern vehicles.

Things to check:

  • Battery status
  • Insurances
  • ABS system fault light
  • Airbag malfunction light
  • Engine malfunction indicator light

If the malfunction lamp is on, it is considered a serious defect during inspection.

 

6. Vehicle Interior and Exterior Cleaning: A Small But Important Detail

Although many drivers do not pay attention to this point, vehicle cleanliness makes the inspector's job easier and allows the inspection to proceed more quickly.

  • The windows must be clean and scratch-free.
  • Mirrors must be sturdy
  • The vehicle interior should not be messy
  • Luggage must be organized

Kale Taxi has made it a standard practice to perform a quick cleaning of the interior and exterior surfaces of the vehicle before the inspection.

 

7. Documents Ready

There are certain documents that you must have with you when going for vehicle inspection:

  • Permit
  • Traffic insurance policy
  • Identity
  • Exhaust emission measurement certificate (if any, must be complete)

Inspection cannot be performed with missing documents.

 

8. Exhaust Emission Measurement: If Forgotten, Inspection Will Not Be Performed

Exhaust emissions measurement is a more frequent inspection, especially for diesel vehicles. If the measurement period has passed, the inspection is not accepted.

Things to consider:

  • The measurement must have been made within the last 1 year
  • If there is excessive smoke discharge, it may cause a problem.
  • The measurement certificate must be compatible with the license.

25% of taxi vehicles are returned from inspection simply because of forgotten exhaust measurement .

 

9. Windows, Mirrors, and Field of View

During the inspection, every detail that affects the driver's field of vision is evaluated.

  • There should be no deep cracks in the windshield
  • Mirror settings should work properly
  • Side windows should open and close
  • Window film must be at the permitted level

Excessively dark window film is considered a serious defect .

 

10. Safety Equipment: Must Be Complete

Mandatory equipment that must be in the vehicle before the inspection:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Triangular reflector
  • Spare wheel or tire repair kit
  • tow rope
  • wheel nut wrench

If one of these equipment is missing, it can be considered a slight defect , and if some of them are missing, it can be considered a serious defect .

 

11. Under Vehicle Check

Underbody inspections can reveal defects that most drivers are unaware of.

Checked points:

  • Chassis condition
  • Exhaust connections
  • Oil leak
  • Undercarriage gaps

Oil leaks are one of the biggest obstacles to passing inspection.

 

12. Things to Consider During Inspection

  • Listen carefully to the officer's directions.
  • Position the vehicle as instructed by the officer.
  • Don't panic during brake and steering tests.
  • Check the inspection result instantly.

 

13. Most Common Defects Failed in Inspection

According to TÜVTÜRK data and Kale Taxi's field analysis, the most common defects are:

  • Headlight adjustment malfunction
  • Tire wear
  • Brake imbalance
  • ABS fault light
  • Exhaust emission invalidity
  • Window film incompatibility

These items must be checked in preparation for the examination.

 

14. Vehicle Inspection Preparation Checklist (Quick List)

✔ Are the headlights, signals and license plate lights working?
✔ Are the brake pads in good condition?
✔ Are there any cracks or bubbles in the tires?
✔ Is the engine malfunction light on?
✔ Is there an airbag or ABS error?
✔ Are exhaust emissions valid?
✔ Are the first aid kit and fire extinguisher complete?
✔ Do you have the license and insurance?
✔ Is the vehicle interior clean?

Drivers who follow this list will most likely pass the inspection in one go .

 

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