How to prepare your vehicle before coming to the station?
Regular vehicle checks are advised to keep it in good condition, to reduce the risk of accidents or injury on the road and to ensure the vehicle inspection will be a success first time around.
What should you do before coming to the station?
- Check if a vehicle inspection is due and or mandatory for your vehicle - See the local regulation
- Book an appointment (online booking and prepayment are advised to save time, otherwise you can call us or come into the station)
- Ensure the car is clean and free from clutter for the inspection. Don’t forget to empty the boots of cars and other light weight vehicles such as vans and small trucks.
- Find out what documents are required and prepare them in advance: vehicle registration papers and any other documents that may be required.
How to pass your vehicle inspection the first time?
Here are some simple tips to carry out before your vehicle inspection:
- Lighting and signaling (broken bulbs, poor headlight aim etc.)
- Tires (insufficient tread depth, tire pressure, visible damage)
- Fluid leaks (oil leaks, radiator leaks, break-oil leaks etc.)
Source: UTAC-OTC Report (the government agency in charge of PTI in France), 2021
What are the risks if you don’t perform the inspection on time?
- A potentially dangerous vehicle issue or defect could go undetected, placing you and other road users at risk.
- A small defect could quickly evolve into a serious breakdown issue. If the defect is detected and repaired in a quick and timely manner you could avoid the inconvenience and the expense (most vehicle problems are easier and cheaper to repair at an early stage of wear).
- The basic safety standard of your car (provided to you and your family) may not be as high as expected.
- As a vehicle deteriorates over time, the risk of an accident increases.
- You may be subject to a fine or other penalties as outlined by local laws and regulations.
- Your insurance policy may not be valid as personal liability may be engaged, depending on the regulation.
What are the benefits?
- Higher safety for vehicle user and other road users.
- Enhanced air and environment quality resulting from reduced exhaust emissions.
- Regular evaluation of cars will result in a more frequent car servicing culture, which will provide better fuel economy, reduce overall repair costs and lower the risk of breakdowns and hence could result in potentially lower insurance premiums.