A properly maintained and fully functioning vehicle meeting all safety requirements is less likely to be involved in a road accident.
A vehicle safety inspection examines your vehicle’s features that make it safe to drive on the road. This includes inspecting your tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, and other components your vehicle requires to function properly to keep you and other drivers safe.
A vehicle safety inspection varies depending on the province, but generally, it is a government inspection that ensures vehicles are roadworthy. Some provinces require this inspection on an annual basis, while others require it only before the sale of a car. Make sure you are familiar with your state’s vehicle inspection laws.
Car safety is critical for everyone, including your passengers and other drivers. People haven’t been driving as much as they were before the pandemic, but now that things are slowly but steadily improving, everyone wants to get back on the road. Inspections are quite important due to the following reasons:
Safety standards vehicle inspection is an important process in Ontario, as it helps ensure that vehicles on the road are safe to operate and meet the minimum standards the province sets. The inspection is designed to identify any potential safety issues and ensure that vehicles are in good working condition. A safety standards vehicle inspection is required in Ontario when a vehicle is sold, transferred, or when it reaches a certain age.
Licenced car technicians perform vehicle safety inspections as required by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Our technicians run your vehicle through a checklist of features that must function properly to be considered safe.
This includes features such as your lights, horn, and mirrors, as well as your steering and brakes, seatbelts, and tires. We will also look for obvious pitfalls, such as fuel leaks, which can result in an inspection failure.
Once your vehicle has passed the safety inspection, you will receive a safety standards certificate that confirms your vehicle met the minimum safety standards on the date the certificate was issued and allows you to put licence plates on your vehicle.
Here is what will be checked during the vehicle safety inspection program in Ontario:
Tires are checked to determine if the tread has been worn down or if any dangerous flaws are present, such as dry rot, bubbles, or other damage. The technician will also inspect your spare tire to ensure it is roadworthy in case you need it.
One of the most basic car inspection requirements is that the brakes work. The technician will inspect the brake pads and rotors to see if they are excessively worn and if there are any brake fluid leaks. The emergency (or parking) brake will also be examined. If your brakes are “squishy” or slow to respond, you should have them checked, or you may fail the inspection.
Examine interior and exterior lights to ensure they are all functioning properly.
In this case, inspections often include a windshield assessment that ensures your view is not obstructed and checks for any cracks, chips or loose seals that may result in larger problems later on.
Without your rear and side view mirrors, you’re effectively driving your vehicle with 180 degrees of blindness. If you can’t see what’s coming up behind you, you’ll have to learn when it’s safe to change lanes or get out of harm’s way, if and when it’s necessary. In addition, your side view mirrors and rearview mirrors must be present and provide an unobstructed view to pass inspection.
During the inspection, your steering components will be thoroughly examined to ensure that nothing is loose or in danger of failing because any instance of steering failure during a turn could be disastrous. Any worn parts discovered during the inspection could result in the assessment failing.
Your suspension is responsible for providing a smooth ride as your vehicle travels bumpy, uneven roads. The inspection technician will ensure that your shock absorbers are not leaking or broken.
Bring your vehicle to True Auto Care if you are looking for an MTO-approved safety standard inspection. We are a leading automotive repair shop in Fergus, Ontario, that can conduct the inspection and complete any necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle is safe for the road.
I get all my service done here. They are fairly priced and do not pressure sales or service.
Derek Wyatt Mar 3, 2023
Greatly appreciated being kept informed of repairs needed and cost, as discovered. Staff and services are top notch.
Bonnie Fonte Mar 3, 2023
Great company with excellent staff!
Kelly Linton Feb 2, 2023
A+++ Service
Jacki Gansekoele Feb 2, 2023
Very friendly, helpful and informative service from Jenna. Fast, efficient completion of significant work on same day.
Garth Hunt Feb 2, 2023
Good and timely service! I was called about a worn serpentine belt, given the price and asked if I wanted True Auto to repair. I did, and they charged what was quoted. I recommend True Auto! 👍
Jack Moesker Mar 3, 2016
I am completely happy with the very professional and knowledgeable folks at True Auto. With my Honda warranty now expired there is no need to go out of my way to a dealership.True Auto will be my go-to place for all the service my CRV needs in the future.
Walter Malofy Feb 2, 2023
My Acura broke down near Fergus the other day- I was able to limp it into the shop. They took care of it the next day (surprisingly quick!) which made me even happier! Even more appreciated was the texting feature- they gave me the breakdown on my car and the other issues it may be having. Very timely and efficient in my opinion. There was no nonsense, no up-selling, and no pressure tactics- part of why I am so impressed. Can’t say that for every shop out there. Facility is also very clean and up to date. I have happily referred my sister and brother in law (who live in Fergus) to this auto centre.
Jamie Martinello Jan 1, 2023
I called this morning to get a crack in my windshield repaired, new tires, and also brighter head lights installed. It was all completed the same day. They were professional from start to finish. I will be taking my truck in the future to True Auto Care.
Eric Perreault Jan 1, 2023
Great people, great place.
Leo Gainouline Jan 1, 2023
Always amazing service, I have been coming here since moving to Fergus in 2016, and will continue to do so! Kyle was so helpful.
Victoria Heppolette Nov 11, 2022
Friendly and informative staff. The technician told me that my vehicle didn't need the service that I called about. They could have taken advantage but instead, they were honest and forthright. I would recommend them without hesitation.
Jacquie D'Abbenigno Nov 11, 2022
Thanks Jenna and team for providing a quick and efficient service and tyre change while doing a full inspection to decide on any possible future maintenance. Great work!
Patrick Cushion Oct 10, 2022
Back in 2007 I purchased a brand new Mini Cooper convertible. During the warranty period I dealt with the Mini dealership. In August 2012 there was a noise from under the car. Turned out to be a muffler. This was my first interaction with True Auto Care. The muffler came with a lifetime warranty. Fast forward to August 2022 when a new noise appeared from under the car. After removing a couple rotten pipe sections and replacing with new sleeves the exhaust problem was solved. That was a span of 10 years. Over that time I have trusted my Mini to no one else but True Auto Care for all its necessary service. In a week my wife and I will be moving from Elora, where we've lived for the last 40 years, to Kitchener (we jokingly call it East Berlin.) The move in no means means that we will be searching for a new company to service our vehicles; no, we will continue to trust True Auto Care and will return to them for any service required, even if we have to have the vehicle's towed to Fergus. BTW, that muffler on the Mini is still doing its job. . — Brian Cameron
Brian Cameron Sep 9, 2022
Fantastic
Debra Pol Aug 8, 2022
I would give them a 7 stars if possible! Outstanding experience and service from booking, diagnosis and repair. Highly professional and friendly staff! Thumbs up to the whole crew!
Thiago Santos Aug 8, 2022
Good services and customer service experience
Charlene Almeida Aug 8, 2022
True Auto Care has been my vehicle repair service provider for more than a decade. They have earned my trust with ever repair, big or small, and they treat me with respect every time. I value their work and I feel confident in their advice and in their repair services. This is what a family business is all about.
Kelly Waterhouse Oct 10, 2020
Always a fantastic service here, can highly recommend. Very professional and friendly.
Roslyn Bucknall Jul 7, 2022
Very good work and happy
Emilien J Bois Jul 7, 2022
Fast service, free inspection, recommendations for urgent and upcoming repairs & maintenance.
Liz B Jun 6, 2022
I always recommend to my family and friends that it’s worth the drive to Fergus to have your team take care of our vehicles. Wouldn’t trust anyone else.
Lynne Bard May 5, 2022
Very helpful. I had a low tire and they pumped it up for free. Also very modern and clean looking place.
VHS Shoebox Mar 3, 2022
Always professional service who are awesome in providing you full details of what your vehicle needs. — Sean Ball
Sean Ball Feb 2, 2022
Great reliable, responsive, fast and affordable service, every time we've been!
Alyson Dubler Nov 11, 2021
Very Professional, car was done when they said it would be. Great service,
Susanne Wilmot Nov 11, 2021
Friendly enough people. Was able to get my car in at a decent date. Did a good job fixing my car I have no complaints there! Prices are fairly good. I might think about going back, the only thing stopping me is they were not very accommodating when it came to me bringing my own parts in. Apparently they charge more for that which I find totally unfair because I was bringing more work to them including previous visits there. I find them charging more when you have your own parts very Petty and don't think it's fair.
Angela Molendyk Nov 11, 2021
Great. Fair prices and always helpful. Will return
Joanne Smithers Oct 10, 2021
Nice approachable reception. Good service, and advice given. Pleasant experience!
Boston Blackie Sep 9, 2021
Always accommodating and work with you with your schedule.
Deed K Aug 8, 2021
My experience at True Auto Care has been nothing but positive. They are always there to help answer questions when needed and fix the problem at hand. I often drop my car off before work and they communicate with me efficiently throughout the day (via text or over the phone). My car is always ready when they say it will be and they make the pick up process easy based on my schedule and needs. I would highly recommend their services for regular maintenance as well as any other issue that arise.
Amanda Voisin Aug 8, 2021
Excellent as always! Thank you again. I purchased tires a few months ago and had concerns for how loud there were. Ron and the staff at True Auto got me in quickly and looked into my fears. We discussed everything and my worries were addressed.
Tamara McKee Jun 6, 2021
great! transparent
Kate Kobbes Jun 6, 2021
Fantastic team! It's unheard of to get a BMW service bill under 3 digits. The team assessed my problem and came back with two options (one being take it to BMW for authentic parts). I chose their simple solution. Appreciated the option offering. Great solution and FANTASTIC cost. They've earned a new repeat customer!
EPG Evers May 5, 2021