Based on his employer’s requirements and his jurisdiction’s vehicle laws, a motor vehicle inspector inspects cars, trucks, vans, buses, and other types of motor vehicles. He determines whether the vehicles he inspects comply with mechanical standards, which usually means they are safe to drive and unlikely to cause an accident due to a common mechanical issue. A person in this position could also conduct emissions inspections to see if the exhaust that the vehicles emit is a health hazard. He usually documents whether the vehicle passed or failed the required tests, as well as why. He might also give the driver proof that the vehicle passed the inspection or a list of issues that need to be addressed before it passes.
A motor vehicle inspector’s job is to determine whether a vehicle is roadworthy according to his jurisdiction’s and employer’s standards. This frequently entails inspecting a vehicle for damage and deterioration that could obstruct its operation or increase the risk of an accident. It may also entail inspecting the vehicle for signs of wear that make it unsafe. If a vehicle’s brakes are worn or damaged, for example, the chances of it being unable to stop or stopping in a reasonable amount of time increase. As a result, it’s more likely to cause an accident and won’t pass an inspection in its current state.
A motor vehicle inspector checks many different parts of a car in the course of his job. He might inspect the windshield and other windows for cracks or other damage, as well as the tread on all of the vehicle’s tires and any fuel leaks. An inspector will usually inspect the brakes as well, as well as the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and windshield wipers, to see if they are working properly. A person in this position frequently inspects the exhaust system as well. He may also inspect the horn, seat belts, mirrors, shock absorbers, and frame for problems.
It’s important to remember that the parts of a vehicle that a motor vehicle inspector inspects may vary depending on his employer and the reason for the inspection. If he is inspecting his employer’s fleet of trucks, the parts he inspects may differ from those he inspects to ensure that vehicles that are not his employer’s meet a jurisdiction’s safety and emissions standards. His employer, for example, may impose additional or more stringent requirements.
A motor vehicle inspector is frequently required to document his findings and provide documentation to the vehicle’s owner or operator. In some cases, this may also entail placing a sticker on the vehicle to indicate that it has passed inspection. If it fails, he usually gives the owner or operator a list of changes that must be made in order for it to pass inspection.