Comprehensive vehicle inspections for safety, pre-purchase, and peace of mind
Professional inspection services for every need
Mandatory provincial safety inspection for vehicle registration and transfers
Comprehensive check before buying a used vehicle to identify issues
Complete vehicle health check with oil changes or regular maintenance
Required inspection when registering a vehicle from another province
Computer diagnostics to identify check engine lights and fault codes
Routine yearly check-up to catch problems early and maintain vehicle
Discover hidden problems before buying. A $150 inspection can save you $5,000+ in unexpected repairs.
Independent mechanic provides honest assessment, not swayed by seller claims or emotions.
Use inspection findings to negotiate lower price or request seller repairs before purchase.
Buy with confidence knowing the vehicle's true condition and what maintenance is needed.
Identify flood damage, accidents, frame damage, or major mechanical issues before it's too late.
Know what repairs or maintenance will be needed soon so you can budget accordingly.
Expert Tip: Never skip a pre-purchase inspection when buying a used car. It's the best $150 you'll spend and can prevent costly mistakes. Even if the seller objects, insist on it - any reliable seller will agree.
Requirement: Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) required for private sales and out-of-province vehicles
Validity: Valid for 36 days
Cost: $80-120
Requirement: Mechanical Inspection Report required for vehicles over 4 years old when changing ownership
Validity: Valid for 30 days
Cost: $50-100
Requirement: No mandatory inspection for private sales (dealerships must certify)
Validity: N/A
Cost: N/A
Requirement: Out-of-province inspections required for vehicles registered from other provinces
Validity: N/A
Cost: $80-150
Requirement: Safety inspection required for vehicles over 5 years old when changing ownership
Validity: Valid for 30 days
Cost: $60-100
Requirement: Safety inspection required for out-of-province vehicles and when requesting plates
Validity: Valid for 60 days
Cost: $70-120
Requirements vary by province. Check with your local registry or tire shop for specific requirements.
A basic safety inspection takes 30-60 minutes. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection takes 1-2 hours to thoroughly check all systems. Diagnostic inspections (with computer scans) take 1-1.5 hours. Book ahead to avoid wait times.
If a vehicle fails, you'll receive a detailed report of issues. You must repair the failed items before re-inspection. Some shops offer discounted or free re-inspection if they do the repairs. You cannot register or sell a vehicle that fails safety inspection in most provinces.
Most shops allow you to observe or will show you issues afterward. For pre-purchase inspections, being present helps you understand the vehicle's condition. Technicians can explain problems and show you worn parts.
Pre-purchase inspections cost $100-200 depending on thoroughness. This includes visual inspection, test drive, computer diagnostics, and detailed written report. Well worth the cost to avoid buying a problem vehicle.
Dealers must certify vehicles they sell, but getting an independent inspection is still wise. Dealer inspections may miss issues or be less thorough. Your own inspection protects you and provides leverage for negotiation.
Safety inspections check items affecting safety (brakes, lights, tires, steering) and are required for registration. Mechanical inspections are more comprehensive, checking engine, transmission, suspension, and overall condition - recommended before buying used vehicles.
Find tire shops near you offering professional vehicle inspection services