Vehicle Inspection

Why Get a Vehicle Safety Check?

If you're buying or selling a used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic helps uncover any hidden issues you might not catch. For sellers, it adds credibility and can boost your car's resale value.

Insurance companies sometimes require inspections, too, especially if your car is a classic, has been rebuilt, or has a salvage title. Has this vehicle ever been totaled and then repaired? Georgia law says it has to pass a state inspection before it can be legally titled and you can start driving it again.

Beyond that, inspections are simply smart preventive maintenance. Whether you're heading out on a road trip, returning a leased car, or getting ready for a change in seasons, a quick check-up can help stop minor problems from becoming stressful side-of-the-road breakdowns. Plus, if you're ever in an accident, showing that your car was maintained correctly may help protect you from liability if a mechanical failure is questioned.

Elton's Auto: Your Source for a Full Suite of Car Inspection Services

Our mechanics use advanced diagnostic tools and hands-on expertise to catch small issues before they become big repairs. From full safety checks to focused system inspections, we offer flexible inspection packages to match your goals and driving habits.

Our car inspection services cover the following:

• Annual car inspections
• Motor inspections
• Brake inspections
• Tire inspections
• Car light inspections
• Pre-purchase and used car inspections
• Pre-trip inspections
• Salvage title inspections
• Diagnostic inspections for car repairs

What Does a Car Inspection Check For?

At Elton's Auto, our car inspection service focuses on your vehicle's overall safety, performance, and reliability. We carefully evaluate all major systems to ensure they meet safety standards and are functioning as they should. During the inspection, we also look for wear, damage, or early warning signs that could lead to future issues. This thorough approach allows you to stay ahead of premature damage and repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

Is a Pre-Purchase Auto Inspection Required?

Although a pre-purchase auto inspection is not legally required, it is strongly advised before committing to a used vehicle. This inspection can uncover hidden issues such as structural damage, suspension wear, or engine performance concerns that may not be disclosed by the seller.

We recommend that buyers initiate the inspection themselves, as this allows for an impartial assessment and a detailed, documented report of all findings.

What Can Cause a Failed Car Inspection?

Several issues can lead to an inspection failure, and most fall into two categories: safety violations and emissions non-compliance.

Common safety-related failures include:

• Brake pads or rotors that are excessively worn
• Tires with severe wear or exposed cord
• Headlights, brake lights, or turn signals that don’t function properly
• Windshields with cracks that obstruct driver visibility
• Brake lines that are corroded or leaking fluid

Common emissions-related failures include:

• A check engine light illuminated with active codes
• Oxygen sensors that are not working correctly
• A catalytic converter that does not meet efficiency standards
• Leaks in the EVAP system, often caused by a loose or faulty gas cap
• OBD-II readiness monitors that remain incomplete

Failing any single critical system, such as brakes, lighting, or emissions, results in an automatic inspection failure.

What Happens if You Fail a Vehicle Inspection?

When a vehicle fails inspection, our technician provides a detailed report that lists each failed component along with measurements, codes, and repair recommendations. The vehicle owner is then given a specific time frame, based on local regulations, to complete the repairs and return for reinspection.

If the failure is related to emissions, the OBD-II system must show no active trouble codes, and all monitors must be ready. For safety-related failures, a physical reinspection is required to confirm that all issues have been properly corrected.

As a full-service shop, we handle everything on-site so you don’t have to go anywhere else. We offer all the necessary repair services in-house and can schedule follow-up repairs along with your reinspection.

How Long Does a Vehicle Inspection Take?

A standard safety and emissions inspection typically takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the make and model, the age of the vehicle, and whether any diagnostic trouble codes appear during the OBD-II scan. Newer vehicles with accessible components and no active faults usually fall on the shorter end of that range.

If additional systems require manual verification, such as four-wheel-drive engagement, adaptive cruise control calibration, or advanced driver-assistance features, the inspection takes longer. We also include road testing when needed to evaluate intermittent issues or drivability concerns.

How Much Do Car Inspections Cost?

Our mechanics calculate our upfront estimates based on the type of inspection you request, your vehicle's make and model, and whether any systems require more in-depth diagnostic processes. For example, a basic safety check or a pre-trip inspection typically costs less than a full diagnostic scan or salvage title inspection.

You can expect transparent pricing. During your initial consultation, we'll walk you through the inspection process, outline any recommended services, and provide a precise, upfront estimate with no hidden fees.