Automotive Inspection Services Key Terms

Understand the key terms associated with automotive inspection services

By Amy Lynn

Automotive inspection services are being utilized by motor vehicle departments, insurance companies and auto dealerships alike. Certified pre-owned vehicles must be properly inspected before dealers can sell the cars and extend warranties. Inspection services are also required by insurance companies when vehicles have been damaged in an accident. Understanding the key terms that go along with automotive inspection services will be helpful for both professionals in the automotive and insurance industries, as well as for consumers who need to understand the terminology.

North American Standard Inspection

The North American Standard Inspection applies to trucks and other large vehicles that are typically used for commercial business purposes in order to keep them operating at proper safety levels.
Try: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration clearly states what is included in the North American Standard Inspection.

Preventative maintenance

Many car dealerships and automotive shops offer preventative maintenance to their customers. Mechanics check vehicles at standard intervals to make sure that the vehicle is operating properly and to find problems that can cause a breakdown or accident.
Try: Excel Auto Repair describes what is offered in a standard vehicle maintenance and preventative maintenance service.

Vehicle title history

A vehicle title history is found by running a vehicle history report, otherwise known as a VIN check. This report of a car's title history allows the consumer or dealer to see accurate mileage, title transfers and other important information about the vehicle.
Try: An detailed description of vehicle title history can be found at Car Detective.

Vehicle damage report

A vehicle damage report will be taken by any vehicle inspector assessing the damage to a vehicle after an accident.
Try: Montana State University has a vehicle damage report form that clearly shows what type of information is recorded and checked for a damage report.

Exterior inspection

An exterior inspection is an inspection of the outside of a vehicle, including the paint, bumpers, glass, tires and wheels. Exterior inspections often include photographs, usually digital, of the vehicle.
Try: Auto Inspection Services gives a detailed description of their exterior vehicle inspection process.

Interior inspection

The inspection of the inside of a vehicle is called an interior inspection. Automotive inspectors look at everything from seats, windows, doors and air bags. They check to see what is functioning properly and what is not.
Try: Cars.com has an inspection checklist that they use for certified pre-owned vehicles. They have a detailed list of what needs to be inspected, including the interior inspection items.