Car inspection is a process mandated by local or national governments in most developed countries, where a car is thoroughly inspected to ensure it conforms to local or national laws governing safety, emission, or both. Such inspection may be required at different times, e.g., regularly or on transfer of ownership to a new vehicle. It is not mandatory for all vehicles. Some cars are purchased with the intention of use for non-business purpose, so it would not be necessary to have a regular inspection. Even if a car owner has a regular inspection, he/she should keep a detailed record of all inspections, maintenance records, and complete vehicle history (model, year, style, and color), to determine whether the car needs any form of regular maintenance or service.
Each state requires its own car inspection and may differ in its requirements. Generally, a manufacturer’s inspection or an authorized representative of the manufacturer will do the inspection. However, a mechanic who has been approved to check and service cars in his own name is also an authorized representative. Under the law, he/she must get the approval of the Department of Motor Vehicles before he can start checking. If you need your car checked by a mechanic who does not belong to the manufacturer’s group, check the manual to find out whether your state has a reciprocating system and whether he is licensed to practice.
A good mechanic should have a detailed record of all state inspections, maintenance records, and test records. He should also have a list of companies who have given him certificates of clearance. Before he begins inspecting a car, he should ensure the car has been inspected and cleared by a government inspector. It is important to note that most states require a mechanic to obtain certification before starting a car inspection service.