Introduction

At some point, every car owner will need a vehicle inspection. But do you know what mechanics and body shops actually check during these inspections? If not, you might miss out on key details that could save you money and prevent future issues.

A thorough inspection can help you understand the condition of your vehicle, avoid unnecessary repairs, and even get accurate insurance premiums. In this blog, we’ll walk through the different types of inspections and highlight the essential areas that every inspection should cover.

Let’s get started!

What Are the Different Types of Car Inspections?

The type of inspection depends on the reason behind it. Here are some of the most common types:

• Roadworthiness Tests: Ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive.
• Emission and Safety Checks: Verify compliance with environmental standards.
• Insurance Inspections: Assess the vehicle’s condition before issuing or renewing insurance.
• Post-Repair Inspections: Confirm that repairs after an accident meet safety standards.

Example: The MOT Test in the UK

In the UK, vehicles over three years old must undergo the MOT (Ministry of Transport) test to ensure roadworthiness. This inspection covers critical components such as:

• Brakes, steering, and suspension
• Indicators, horns, and lights
• Battery, fuel cap, and rearview mirrors

Although the inspection type may vary, there are four key elements that every comprehensive car inspection should cover:

1. External Damage
2. Internal Damage
3. Hidden Damage
4. Identification Details

Let’s explore each of these in detail.

1. External Damage: More Than Just Scratches

The first step in any car inspection is assessing external damage. This involves a visual check to assess the condition of the vehicle’s body and spot issues such as:

• Dents and scratches from accidents or wear and tear
• Paint damage that could lead to rust
• Broken or cracked lights and mirrors

Manual vs. AI-Based Inspections

Traditionally, human inspectors handle this process, but even experienced inspectors can miss subtle damages. That’s where AI-powered inspections step in.

AI models can analyze images and videos to:

• Identify damaged areas with high accuracy
• Assess the severity of damage and provide a percentage value
• Recommend repair or replacement solutions based on the extent of damage

👉 Pro Tip: Always document any external damage with clear photos. These records are essential when filing an insurance claim and help ensure that you’re not overpaying for repairs.

2. Internal Damage: The Hidden Risks

Internal damage is harder to spot but can have severe long-term consequences if overlooked. Internal issues can lead to:

• Misaligned parts that affect driving performance
• Doors and safety systems that don’t function properly
• System failures that increase the risk of accidents

Detecting Internal Damage

• Manual Inspection: Certified collision experts can assess internal damage, but their reports may be subjective and vary by expertise.
• AI-Powered Models usually use a two-pronged approach:
  1. Dismantled Parts Analysis: Analyzing photos/videos of dismantled parts to assess condition.
  2. External Damage Predictions: Predicting internal damage based on the depth and severity of external damage.

In some cases, for vehicles with unconventional structures (such as electric cars), a 3D model is used to accurately map out internal damage.

3. Hidden Damage: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You

Hidden damage is often missed during standard inspections, but these issues can have serious implications. Some common types of hidden damage include:

• Dents or scratches that affect structural integrity
• Rust or corrosion in hard-to-reach areas
• Water damage that impacts the vehicle’s electrical system

How to Spot Hidden Damage

A professional inspection can help detect these hidden issues, but AI-based solutions offer an edge by identifying anomalies that human eyes might overlook.

If you notice:

• Malfunctioning lights after an accident
• Musty odors indicating mold or mildew
• Damp upholstery or carpets signaling water damage

Get your vehicle inspected immediately to avoid long-term issues.

4. Identification Details: Confirming the Essentials

During the inspection process, it’s also essential to verify the vehicle’s identification details. Inspectors typically check:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): A unique code that matches the car to its ownership records.
• Odometer Readings: To confirm the vehicle’s mileage.
• Registration Documents: To ensure the car is legally registered.

If the vehicle is undergoing registration or renewal, the inspector may also ask for documents such as:

✅ Valid driver’s license
✅ Bill of sale or title

Why Thorough Inspections Matter

A thorough inspection isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements — it’s about ensuring safety, minimizing repair costs, and avoiding inflated insurance premiums.

If any issues go unnoticed during the inspection process, it can lead to:

❗ Misaligned insurance premiums
❗ Safety hazards for passengers
❗ Expensive repairs down the line

How AI is Changing the Game

AI-powered vehicle inspection solutions like Inspektlabs are revolutionizing vehicle inspections by:

• Reducing Human Error: AI models analyze damage more accurately than human inspectors.
• Improving Efficiency: Inspections that typically take hours can now be completed in minutes.
• Enhancing Transparency: AI-generated reports minimize discrepancies and potential fraud.

Conclusion

Car inspections play a vital role in ensuring that your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and legally compliant. Whether you’re checking for external or internal damage, identifying hidden issues, or verifying identification details, a thorough inspection can help prevent costly surprises down the line.

With AI-based solutions, inspections are faster, more accurate, and far more reliable. So, the next time your car goes in for an inspection, you’ll know exactly what to expect!