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 Palmerston, Ontario, that can conduct the inspection and complete any necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle is safe for the road.
Quick, friendly and reasonably priced!
Nora Crete Dec 12, 2023
Excellent service efficient and timely
Jim Bailey Jul 7, 2023
The staff is very knowledgeable and understands my needs. When working on the car they informed me of other issues that needed to be done and gave me an estimate of the additional cost before proceeding with the work. I am satisfied with their work. Bob Skeoch
Bob Skeoch May 5, 2023
I was very impressed with how knowledgeable the Service Manager and Service Advisor were at the Front Desk! Makes for a GREAT experience!
idd Nov 11, 2023
Courteous and professional
Karen Stimson Nov 11, 2023
Very Profesional, Polite, Friendly, and Reasonably Priced Good Old Fashion Service. The Best of the Best!! Happy to know True Auto Care!
Andreas Roussos Nov 11, 2023
Great service and very helpful.
Moe Jacobs Nov 11, 2023
Was driving and got a chip from a rock hitting the windshield. They got me in and out within 15 minutes of walking in. Was super friendly and helpful, taking me on the spot and ensuring that my chip wouldn't spread worse. They spoke me through the options I had also instead of insisting on one type of repair. It's barely even noticeable and the majority of the damage has faded from their work. (note these photos are "up close" shots, from further back you hardly see anything! 98% better then it was!)
Krystal Sponagle Nov 11, 2023
Friendly, timely service. Highly recommended
Maureen Farquharson Nov 11, 2023
Excellent service all around.. Thank you.
Robert Grimes Mar 3, 2023
When I go for maintenance the service is always great.
wayne campbell Jun 6, 2023
You are the best and I appreciate that I can trust you.
Rachel Nov 11, 2023
Excellent troubleshooting and workmanship, as usual.
Steven Haney Apr 4, 2023
As always friendly service.
Joann Raine Nov 11, 2023
We are always well taken care of and happy to have a place that we feel safe! It hard to come by!
Linda Babin Nov 11, 2023
Winter tires on and service work completed as agreed. Well done!!
Kenneth Lindsay Mar 3, 2023
Did an exhaust inspection and a brake inspection and service. Clean job and fairly priced. Friendly staff and great communication with regard to what needed repairs. Will use again.
Chris Bonthron Nov 11, 2023
Ron and Jen and staff always smiling and happy to see me. Helpful to a fault.
Dennis Hons Apr 4, 2023
I was completely satisfied with the service I received with the purchase of new tires and rims.
Terry Webb Oct 10, 2023
A shout out to Jenna - this afternoon I needed a tire pressure sensor replaced because air was quickly escaping from the tire. Jenna quickly arranged the required fix and I was back on the road within 30 mins, so from my perspective Jenna and staff definitely earned this 5 star rating.
Brian Doyle Sep 9, 2023
Service is always courteous and friendly. Job was done quickly and on time.
John Edwards Aug 8, 2023
Great service. My first choice for maintenance and repairs.
John Little Oct 10, 2023
True Auto Care was very clear about what they were doing with my vehicle, what costs were, and were prompt with their service. As long as I'm in Fergus they will be the mechanic shop I'm going to.
Sheldon Angst Oct 10, 2023
Both Jenna and Rena were great to deal with. They were a big help in purchasing our new tires. Thanks to both of you. Our appointment for installation went perfectly. On time and everything was explained. We are new to Fergus so this was our first service here. We will be back for all our auto service needs.
Bob Glazin Oct 10, 2023
Well just say I brought my 2003 Trailblazer from Victoria BC and needed a fitness review. I was treated with courtesy, up to date requirements and advice to get my vehicle certified. Staff was friendly and I could not ask for anything more. Great service. THEY ARE VERY METICULOUS IN THEIR EXAMI NATION.
Lloyd Bartholomew Jul 7, 2023
The Best most honest service ever! Took the time to explain and show us the problem and how he would repair it.
Kristina Breunig Sep 9, 2023
Jenna, Ron and the whole crew at true auto go above and beyond. Always friendly, timely with service, and reliable.
Heidi Brouwer Sep 9, 2023
Customer service by all was kind, informative and prompt.
Jennifer Craig Sep 9, 2023
Everything was great, service work, time of appt and length of time.
Ann ironside Sep 9, 2023
Oil change and tire rotation were done in the time specified.
Robert Davy Sep 9, 2023
awesome service. . have come many years for car service will keep comin back.
joanne gardner Apr 4, 2023
I had an emergency flat tire. They took us in and looked after the tire right away. Super friendly and helpful
Tanya Packer Aug 8, 2023
Terrific staff! Superb workmanship! I have been going to True Auto Care for the whole six years I’ve lived in Fergus for all our vehicle needs. Quality/ kindness/ caring business!! Highly recommend !
Maggie Johanna Aug 8, 2023
Very satisfied. Rena gave a clear explanation of recommended work. Friendly staff, clean waiting room. Loaner vehicle was appreciated!
Amber Kuliszewski Aug 8, 2023
Thank you for squeezing me in. Your quick fix gives me great peace of mind!
Nardo Kuitert Aug 8, 2023
Great service
Shirley Rowan Jul 7, 2023
Great experience. Brought car in for safety and was told everything in detail...worked with us throughout the experience and had car finished when we needed it. Thank you!
Kat M Jul 7, 2023