Auto rental services require thorough car inspection reports to guarantee the dependability and safety of the fleet. In most cases, those records uncover recurring problems that demand your immediate attention.
This article will examine the five most common issues in car inspection reports and offer advice on addressing them efficiently. Familiarizing yourself with these problems can help your rental business grow and keep your vehicles in excellent condition. Let’s learn more now.
What’s a Vehicle Safety Inspection?
A vehicle safety inspection typically ensures the car or truck is safe for the road. Auto rental companies are often required to have them done periodically. Even if your state doesn’t demand it, you should consider doing so.
What’s Primarily Included in a Vehicle Inspection?
A licensed vehicle technician must perform a safety inspection and check that all the features and components function correctly. This includes tires, seat belts, brakes, horns, mirrors, and lights.
All vehicles in the fleet should be checked in-house before they’re rented to clients.
Here are the things that the inspector will check:
Suspension System
Your suspension provides a smooth ride as the vehicle runs on uneven, bumpy roads. The inspector checks to ensure the shock absorbers aren’t damaged or leaking fluid.
Seat Belts
Seat belts save lives. Without them, the client could be seriously injured during a crash.
Therefore, the technician will check all seat belts to ensure they retract and auto-lock when needed.
Mirrors
Clients would be driving blind without side-view and rear mirrors. They must see if there is a vehicle behind them to know when it’s safe to change lanes.
Windshield
Vehicle inspections typically include an assessment of the windshield to ensure that the view isn’t obstructed. Chips, cracks, and loose seals could be problematic.
Lights
It’s crucial to see and be seen while on the road, which is an essential aspect of vehicle safety. The inspector should check the turn signals, hazard lights, taillights, headlights, brake lights, and license plate lights.
Brake Pads/Rotors
A technician should check to determine if the brake pads and rotors are worn and if there are any leaks. They will also look at the parking/emergency brake.
If the brakes feel squishy or are slow to respond, this could be a problem, which you’ll learn about more below.
Tires
Tires should be checked to determine if they have worn tread, which might uncover hazardous defects, such as bubbles or dry rot.
Typically, the technician should also check spare tires because you never know what might happen while the client is on the road.
Energy Source (Battery, Fuel Tank/Pump, Etc.)
Every car has a battery, which should be checked before each trip. Likewise, fuel tanks, pumps, and electrical components must be thoroughly inspected.
5 Most Common Car Issues Found During an Inspection
Learning about the five common car issues typically found during an inspection is crucial. You’ll be able to respond quickly and can employ appropriate maintenance tips to get back on track:
1. Tire Issues
Tire issues are one of the most common problems found during vehicle inspections. They include:
- Insufficient Pressure – Underinflated tires can cause uneven wear, increased fuel consumption, and poor handling.
- Excessive Wear—Worn tires can compromise the vehicle’s grip, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
- Uneven Wear – You may have suspension problems or a misalignment, which affects the car’s safety and handling.
How to Address Tire Issues
Ultimately, it’s crucial to check your car’s tire condition. If you notice uneven wear, it’s time to replace them. However, you should also inspect the suspension system to ensure everything is aligned properly.
2. Fluid Leaks
You must maintain the fluid levels in the car. Leaking can lead to various problems, such as:
- Power Steering Leaks – This affects steering performance, making maneuvering the vehicle harder.
- Coolant Leaks – Low coolant levels can cause engine overheating and damage.
- Transmission Leaks – This could damage the transmission system or affect gear changes.
How to Address Fluid Leaks
The best solution is to check the systems for fluid leaks. This will improve vehicle performance and prevent more severe issues.
3. Brake System Problems
Brake systems can develop problems, which can be found during a vehicle inspection. Common issues include:
- Brake Wear– Worn brake pads can damage the other components and reduce the efficiency of your brakes.
- Warped Rotors – Warping happens because of uneven wear or overheating, causing vibrations and pulsing when applying the brakes.
- Leaking Fluid – If the brake line fluid leaks, the entire system could become compromised, increasing the risk of failure.
- Damaged Hoses and Lines – Wear and corrosion could weaken a brake line or hose.
How to Address Brake System Problems
Your brakes are crucial for stopping. The best way to address these issues is by having them thoroughly inspected before and after each drive. Professional technicians know what to do.
4. Engine Issues
Countless engine issues could arise, which will prevent your cooling and heating systems from functioning properly and may lead to a breakdown. Problems include:
- Misfiring
- Dirty oil
- Worn combustion parts
- Malfunctioning oxygen sensor
How to Address Engine Issues
Running engine diagnostics will find the issues and help you solve them. Technicians know how to read the information and can choose the right solution.
5. Battery/Charging System (Energy Source) Problems
Battery issues can cause vehicle performance problems and unexpected breakdowns. Here are some common things that inspections can find:
- Worn/Damaged Belts – Serpentine belts power the alternator and other components. If they wear or fail, the electrical system won’t charge effectively.
- Malfunctioning Alternator – Faulty alternators can prevent batteries in vehicles from charging correctly.
- Corroded Battery Terminals – This leads to poor electrical connections, so the vehicle might not start or charge properly.
How to Address Battery/Charging System Problems
With today’s technology, scheduling inspections periodically to address battery problems is easy.
Choose Record360 to Help You Inspect Your Vehicle’s Systems
Vehicle safety is essential for auto rental facilities. Technology makes it much easier to inspect the systems, allowing you to rest easily, knowing the cars and trucks are ready for your clients.
Record360 offers rental inspection software that eliminates damage disputes and keeps your fleet running smoothly. Get your demo today!
