What is a Bumper to Bumper Vehicle Safety Inspection?

road ready vehicle safety inspection

What is a Bumper to Bumper Vehicle Safety Inspection?

A vehicle safety inspection is one of the most popular services that we offer at Honest Accurate Auto Service. These bumper to bumper inspections examine all of the systems that power your car and help you keep your vehicle safely on the road, whether you’re heading to work, heading to grandma’s or venturing off somewhere in the Rocky Mountains. With another season of travel about to begin, we thought we would take a closer look at what this service includes and why it’s a great option for proactive drivers. 

Is Your Vehicle Really Ready for the Road?

Automotive maintenance can slip the minds of even the most diligent car owners. If the dashboard lights aren’t on, many drivers will assume their vehicle is fine. However, there are many systems in your car that may not have a corresponding alert to light up the dash. Your vehicle will also not be able to notify you if, say, rust has corroded the frame or one of your hoses has a tiny, slow leak. 

No one wants to be halfway up Pikes Peak when they discover that a pinhole antifreeze leak has become a split in the hose. You also don’t want to realize your brakes are going out when you have to stop suddenly on I-25. Car safety inspections follow the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In this case, a few hours at the mechanic and the car inspection cost is worth a morning stuck waiting for the tow truck when you’re already late for work. 

That’s where a vehicle safety inspection can save the day. 

How Does a Vehicle Safety Inspection Work?

At Honest Accurate, we refer to our inspection as a bumper-to-bumper service. That’s because our technicians examine everyaspect of your vehicle related to its operation. (Sorry, we can’t do much about crackers stuffed in the crevices or your partner’s choice of seat covers.)

Here’s a glimpse of the car safety inspection checklist our technicians follow at Honest Accurate: 

Oil and Filter Change 

Clean oil means a smoother ride and better performance. An oil change is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to maintain your vehicle. 

Battery Test 

How much life is left in your battery? Will your car start when Colorado Springs gets one of those sub-zero cold snaps? A battery test can help you determine if you should purchase a new one or if you’ve got more time. 

Coolant Freeze Test 

Your coolant is instrumental in protecting your car bumper to bumper vehicle safety inspection from freezing in the winter (or overheating in the summer). A coolant test checks if your coolant can withstand the freezing temperatures we get here in the Pikes Peak region.

Other Steps Included in a Bumper to Bumper Car Inspection Service

  • Fluid check and top-off
  • Belt inspection
  • Hoses
  • Brakes
  • Shocks and struts
  • Front suspension 
  • Axles
  • Lights
  • Cabin air filter
  • Road test

All of this information is recorded in a thorough vehicle inspection report. This gives drivers a comprehensive picture of the overall condition of the vehicle. It also offers insight into the lifetime of your vehicle, necessary repairs and repairs that can maybe wait a little longer to be addressed. 

How Long Does a Car Inspection Take?

The length of time it takes to complete a motor vehicle inspection will vary depending on the type of vehicle and any potential issues that may arise during the inspection. Most drivers drop their cars off and take the complimentary shuttle to work or back home. 

More Ways to Improve Vehicle Safety

A vehicle safety inspection is the best way to ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound and vetted by a certified mechanic. However, there are also steps you can take between inspections to improve car safety. 

Drive with Care

Aggressive driving is not just unsafe, it’s bad for your vehicle. Slamming on your brakes, clipping curbs and flooring the gas at every opportunity will shorten the life of your vehicle. These types of actions really increase the wear and tear on your engine. Be an attentive driver and take care of your car, your passengers and your fellow drivers.

Learn the Basics

Do you feel confident when you bring your car to the mechanic? Or do you feel like your technician is speaking another language? You don’t have to know everything about how your car runs (that’s our job), but it feels great when you have a clear understanding of what your mechanic is talking about. Honest Accurate offers one-hour classes to help customers learn about different parts of the vehicle, how they work and how mechanics work on them to keep them operating. 

Don’t Ignore Warnings

Your dashboard warning lights are an alarm, not a suggestion. If the oil light appears or the temperature light starts to come on, it’s important to get your vehicle to a safe location and assess the situation. Ignoring service lights because the car is running can be very expensive and everyone is looking to save money these days. 

Hit the Road with Peace of Mind

Are you planning to hit the road and travel this season? Want to feel better about running around town all day? Gain the peace of mind that comes with a bumper to bumper inspection. We’ll help you detect potential problems and ensure your vehicle is in great condition for transporting all of your most precious cargo. 

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