Besides the regular maintenance that often includes oil change and replacement of any wear and tear, there is also the regular inspection that is required at specific interval of a vehicle’s age. If you are wondering why go for such inspections even if you send it for regular maintenance, the purpose of this periodic inspection is to ensure that the vehicles are in road worthy condition and are regularly maintained by its owner.
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Everything You Need To Know For Routine Vehicle Inspection
Inspection Frequency
The inspection frequency varies from vehicles. For the normal car, you are only required to have your first inspection done when your car is 3 years old. Subsequently, once every two years. If your car is older than 10 years old, it will be required to go for an inspection annually. However, take note that if you have been caught with an illegally modified engine or exhaust more than once, your vehicle will require more frequent inspections under the Enhanced Inspection Regime, up to once every 3 months for two years.
Tip: You will be notified by the LTA in the form of an inspection notice within 3 months before your inspection due date to remind you to go for your inspection! So be sure to get ready to go for your inspection when you receive the notice.
Where can I get my inspection done?
For first-timers, be sure not to mistake the regular maintenance that you are doing with this periodic inspection. You are required to send your vehicle to their LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre for the periodic inspection. Currently, there are only 3 companies that provide this periodic inspection service.
- VICOM Inspection Centres
They have 5 inspection centres, located at Bukit Batok, Changi, Kaki Bukit, Sin Ming and Yishun.
- STA Inspection Centres
They have 2 Inspection Centres, located at Sin Ming and Boon Lay
- JIC Inspection Centres
They have 2 inspection centres, located at Ang Mo Kio and Jurong.
There are plentiful of their LTA-Authorised Inspection Centre located throughout our little island and you are able to choose whichever you would like to have your vehicle inspected at! We would suggest to just go to the most convenient inspection centre available as they will all be conducting the same tests to ensure road worthiness.
How much will it cost?
The basic inspection costs $64.20. However, depending on your vehicle, there may be several other tests required such as the High Idle Emission Test for Petrol Vehicles Registered On Or After 1 April 2014 which will cost an additional $6.42 or if your vehicle is an Off-Peak Car, there will be an Off-Peak Car Seal Check which costs $10.70. The full inspection should cost about $70.00 to $80.00
What is subjected to be inspected and how long will it take?
During the process of inspection, they will assess all of the points in the table shown below. The entire process for the periodic inspection should only take about 15 minutes and you will be issued a certificate upon completion. However, if your vehicle for any reason you will be required to rectify it and return for a re-inspection at half the cost of the inspection.
Structural integrity
The condition of the core structure of the chassis frame
Wheel system
The operating condition of the tyres, suspension, shock absorber, wheel bearing, and the alignment of wheels
Braking system
The braking efficiency of both service and parking brakes
Steering system
The vehicle’s drive shafts and steering system which would affect the vehicle’s directional stability
Condition of the vehicle’s body
The vehicle’s body, seat belts, windscreen, door latch and hinges, and other key components
Visual & Indication system
Vehicle’s headlamps, reflectors, rear view mirror, direction indicators, windscreen wipers, horn, etc
Propulsion system
The vehicle’s exhaust system, to ensure that the emissions and noise levels meet the prevailing standards set by the National Environment Agency
Is there anything I should prepare before an inspection?
There is no documentation required when heading to the inspection centre. If your vehicle has been regularly maintained and free of illegal modifications, you are more than likely going to pass your inspection on the first try. However that being said, we also have some simple tips for you to do a self check on your vehicle before heading down to the inspection centre.
- Ensure all lights are in working condition. Especially high beam, reverse light and brake light. Check them in pairs and replace any faulty lights.
- Ensure that your tyres are not worn out and is not flushed with the threadwear indicator.
- Ensure that your brakes are in good condition, the simplest way to check is if there is a screeching sound everytime you brake, it’s time to change your brake pads.
These three simple tip will help you identify issues that may cause you to fail an inspection and spend unnecessary money to go for a re-inspection.
All in all, the periodic car inspection is to ensure that a car is in road worthy condition. If you have been regularly servicing your vehicle and taking care of your vehicle, there is nothing much to worry!
