Thinking about selling your car, registering it in a new province, or just making sure it’s roadworthy? In many provinces, a safety inspection is required before a vehicle can be sold or registered.
But what happens if your car fails the inspection?
Lots of common wear-and-tear issues like frame damage, faulty lights, or worn tires can prevent your vehicle from passing. The good news? Most of these problems can be fixed ahead of time to save you from a failed inspection and costly re-testing.
Here’s what you need to check before heading in, and how Craftsman Collision can help if your vehicle needs repairs.
What Could Cause a Car to Fail a Safety Inspection?
A safety inspection is designed to make sure your car meets provincial roadworthiness standards. If a mechanic finds any major issues, the car won’t pass until repairs are completed.
Some of the most common reasons vehicles fail include:
- Frame Damage – Structural integrity issues from past accidents or rust.
- Brakes & Suspension Problems – Worn brake pads, rotors, shocks, or struts.
- Tires With Insufficient Tread – Bald or unevenly worn tires that don’t meet provincial requirements.
- Faulty Lights & Electrical Issues – Burnt-out bulbs, malfunctioning indicators, or wiring problems.
- Windshield & Glass Damage – Large cracks or chips that obstruct vision.
If your car fails the inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing the required repairs before a re-inspection can be scheduled. So addressing these issues in advance can save you time and money.
What to Fix Before Your Safety Test
If you’re getting a car inspected soon, use this pre-inspection checklist to catch potential failures early. Lots of these issues can be fixed quickly (and prevent a nasty surprise fail).
1. Frame & Structural Integrity
What to check for:
- Signs of rust or corrosion, especially near joints, doors, and undercarriage.
- Visible dents or misalignments from past collisions.
- Loose or damaged bumpers.
How Craftsman Collision can help:
If your car has been in a past accident, even minor frame damage can cause a failed inspection. Craftsman Collision’s expert technicians can assess and repair structural issues to ensure your car meets safety standards.
2. Brakes & Suspension
What to check for:
- Brake pads are at least 3mm thick (varies by province).
- No squeaking, grinding, or delayed braking when stopping.
- No bouncing or swaying when driving (a sign of worn-out suspension).
How Craftsman Collision can help:
Brakes and suspension are key to safe handling on the road. If yours feel off, we can inspect, repair, and replace components to get your car road-ready.
3. Tires & Wheels
What to check for:
- Tread depth is above the legal minimum (typically 2/32” or 1.6mm).
- No visible cracks, bulges, or uneven wear on the tire surface.
- Proper air pressure in all four tires.
How Craftsman Collision can help:
Need new tires? If yours are worn, our technicians can recommend, source, and install the right set to pass inspection.
4. Lights & Electrical Components
What to check for:
- Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals all function properly.
- No flickering or dimming when lights are turned on.
- Dashboard warning lights don’t stay on after startup.
How Craftsman Collision can help:
We can troubleshoot and fix electrical issues to ensure your lights meet safety requirements.
5. Windshield, Glass & Mirrors
What to check for:
- No major cracks or chips in the windshield.
- Mirrors are securely attached and properly adjusted.
- Wipers are functional and provide clear visibility.
How Craftsman Collision can help:
From windshield repairs to mirror replacements, we make sure your visibility isn’t compromised.
What If Your Car Fails?
If your vehicle doesn’t pass inspection, don’t panic—most issues are fixable. The inspection report will outline what needs to be addressed before your car can be re-tested. Find your nearest Craftsman Collision location and get your car up and running in no time.
Why Choose Craftsman Collision for Your Repairs?
✔ Frame & Structural Experts – Specialists in collision repair and structural integrity.
✔ Quick Turnaround – We understand inspection deadlines and work fast.
✔ Trusted Service – Certified technicians using top-quality parts and repair methods.
Before you book your safety inspection, schedule a pre-check with Craftsman Collision. We’ll make sure your car is ready to pass the first time, saving you time, money, and stress.
