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Car Inspection 6 min read

What Does a Full Car Inspection Include? What Inspectors Check

People often ask what a full car inspection includes, and what the inspector actually looks at. The short answer is: everything that affects whether the car is safe, honest and worth its price. This page explains each part in plain language so you know what you are paying for and what the report should tell you.

What Does a Full Car Inspection Include? What Inspectors Check
What is in this article
  1. The main parts of a full inspection
  2. Body and chassis: what they check
  3. Paint: what they check
  4. Engine and gearbox: what they check
  5. Suspension, steering and brakes: what they check
  6. Computer diagnostics: what they check
  7. Electrics and comfort: what they check
  8. Odometer and documents: what they check
  9. The road test
  10. What you receive
  11. How long it takes and what the car needs
  12. How to read the findings
  13. What a full inspection does not include
  14. Book a full inspection

what does a full car inspection include with Guarantee Car Service

The main parts of a full inspection

  1. Body and chassis. The structure of the car, where signs of a serious accident show up first.
  2. Paint. Thickness readings across the panels to find repainted or filled areas.
  3. Engine. Starting, idling, noise, leaks, oil, coolant and general condition.
  4. Gearbox. How the car changes gear in different conditions.
  5. Suspension and steering. Wear in the parts that carry the car and control its direction.
  6. Brakes. Discs, pads and how well the car stops.
  7. Computer diagnostics. The stored fault codes in the car’s electronic systems.
  8. Electrics and comfort. Air conditioning, airbags, windows, lights and central locking.
  9. Odometer and documents. Mileage consistency and chassis and engine numbers against the papers.
  10. Road test. How the car behaves on the move.

At Guarantee Car Service this runs to more than 210 points across the car.

Body and chassis: what they check

The inspector looks for signs that the structure has been welded, cut or straightened, for uneven gaps between panels, for fresh underseal and for rust. These are the traces of a serious accident, and they matter more than almost anything else, because a damaged chassis affects safety and resale value for as long as you own the car.

Paint: what they check

A gauge measures the thickness of the paint on each panel. A factory finish has a typical thickness. A panel that reads much higher has been repainted or filled. Because a good repaint looks perfect to the eye, this is one of the few reliable ways to see it.

Engine and gearbox: what they check

The engineer starts the engine cold, listens at idle and under load, checks for oil and coolant leaks, looks at fluids and belts, and watches for smoke. On the road test the gearbox is checked for smooth changes, slipping or hard shifts. These two components are among the most expensive to repair, so they get careful attention.

Suspension, steering and brakes: what they check

Worn bushes, shock absorbers and joints affect comfort and safety. Uneven tyre wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Brakes are checked for wear and for braking performance, since they are a core safety item.

Computer diagnostics: what they check

A diagnostic computer reads the fault codes stored in the engine, gearbox, airbag, brake and other systems. It can also show if codes have been cleared recently, which can mean a seller tried to hide a warning. More detail is on our page about computer diagnostics for used cars.

Electrics and comfort: what they check

Air conditioning, power windows, central locking, lights, wipers and the airbag warning system are tested. Small faults here are rarely dangerous, but they cost money to fix and are useful in negotiation.

Odometer and documents: what they check

The mileage is compared with the wear on the pedals, seat and steering wheel, and with what the computer reports. The chassis and engine numbers are compared with the registration papers. A mismatch is a serious warning sign.

The road test

The car is driven to check acceleration, braking, steering, gear changes and noises at different speeds. Some faults only appear on the move.

What you receive

A written report with photos that lists each point checked and its condition. It is written to be understood by someone who is not a mechanic. See the inspection checklist for the point-by-point list.

How long it takes and what the car needs

A full inspection takes between half an hour and an hour and a half, depending on the car. The car should be as the seller normally drives it, not freshly washed underneath, and the engine should be cold when we begin if possible. Daylight helps with the paint. Tell us the make, model and year when you book, so the right diagnostic equipment is ready.

How to read the findings

A report is only useful if you can act on it. As a rule of thumb, group the findings into three kinds. First, things that are fine and need no action. Second, things that are worn or have been repaired, which you can use to negotiate or plan for. Third, serious findings such as structural damage or a major mechanical fault, which are reasons to reconsider the purchase altogether.

Ask the engineer to explain anything you do not understand. The point of the report is that you make the decision, with the facts in front of you. For the buying process around it, see how to buy a car in Egypt.

What a full inspection does not include

We do not repair the faults we find, we do not sell cars and we do not predict future repairs with certainty. The report describes the car on the day of the inspection. For the limits in more detail, read the pre-purchase car inspection guide.

For the electronic side of an inspection on its own, see car computer check near me in Cairo.

For a clear view of what a comprehensive car inspection covers and where to get one, read comprehensive car inspection in Cairo.

Short answers to the most common questions are in the car inspection FAQ.

Wondering what the word means? Read what does inspection mean on a car.

Book a full inspection

You can bring the car to our centre in Nasr City, or have an engineer come to the car through the mobile inspection. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +20 122 237 3204 (01222373204).

Found a car you like? Do not pay for it yet.

Call us and tell us where the car is: our centre in Nasr City, or the engineer comes to it.

About the author
Ahmed Adel, founder of Guarantee Car Service
Ahmed Adel
Founder

A car inspection engineer with more than 18 years in the trade, responsible for the technical reports and the computer diagnostics.

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