Car Inspection Course

Lesson 1 • Purpose and Scope of Inspections

Covers the safety, legal, and economic rationale behind vehicle inspections. Establishes the professional context inspectors operate within.

Lesson 2 • Inspection Standards and Documentation

Introduces standardised checklists, report formats, and recordkeeping requirements. Accurate documentation is framed as a core professional obligation.

Lesson 3 • Inspector Safety and Work Environment

Addresses personal protective equipment, shop hazards, and safe vehicle positioning. Establishes habits that protect inspectors throughout all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 1 • Essential Hand Tools for Inspection

Covers wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and specialty tools used during inspections. Students match each tool to its correct inspection task.

Lesson 2 • Diagnostic Scan Tools and Software

Introduces OBD-II scanners, live data streaming, and freeze-frame analysis. Students retrieve and interpret basic fault codes as part of a complete inspection.

Lesson 3 • Lifting Equipment and Vehicle Access

Covers two-post lifts, four-post lifts, floor jacks, and jack stands. Students demonstrate safe lifting procedures before any undercarriage work.

Lesson 4 • Measuring and Testing Instruments

Introduces torque wrenches, calipers, tread depth gauges, and multimeters. Accurate measurement is linked directly to reliable inspection findings.

Lesson 1 • Fuel System and Air Intake Inspection

Covers fuel line integrity, filter condition, and air filter restriction. Students assess components that directly affect fuel economy and emissions.

Lesson 2 • Cooling System Inspection

Addresses coolant level, concentration, hose integrity, and radiator condition. Students use a pressure tester to detect leaks not visible to the naked eye.

Lesson 3 • Engine Oil and Lubrication System

Covers oil level, colour, viscosity, and contamination checks. Students connect oil condition findings to engine wear and maintenance intervals.

Lesson 4 • Visual Engine Compartment Assessment

Teaches systematic visual scanning of the engine bay for leaks, corrosion, and damaged components. Visual assessment is the first step before any hands-on testing.

Lesson 1 • Drum Brake Inspection Procedures

Addresses shoe lining thickness, drum diameter, wheel cylinder condition, and hardware. Students identify worn or seized components that require immediate replacement.

Lesson 2 • Disc Brake Inspection Procedures

Covers pad thickness measurement, rotor thickness and runout, and caliper condition. Students apply minimum thickness specifications to pass or fail decisions.

Lesson 3 • Hydraulic System and Master Cylinder

Covers master cylinder inspection, brake pipe condition, and ABS modulator visual checks. Students trace the hydraulic circuit to locate leaks and corrosion.

Lesson 4 • Parking Brake and Final Assessment

Tests parking brake cable tension, engagement, and holding force. Students compile brake findings into a prioritised service recommendation.

Lesson 1 • Wheel Alignment Indicators

Teaches recognition of alignment-related tyre wear patterns and steering pull symptoms. Students recommend alignment service based on inspection evidence.

Lesson 2 • Shock Absorbers and Struts

Covers bounce test, fluid leakage, and structural damage assessment for shocks and struts. Students correlate ride control defects with braking distance and handling.

Lesson 3 • Steering System Components and Function

Introduces rack-and-pinion and recirculating-ball steering systems and their key components. Component knowledge is prerequisite to accurate wear detection.

Lesson 4 • Suspension Component Inspection

Addresses ball joint wear, control arm bushings, and sway bar links. Students distinguish normal wear from safety-critical defects requiring immediate action.

Lesson 1 • Wheel and Rim Inspection

Addresses rim cracks, bead seat damage, and wheel runout. Students identify wheel defects that compromise tyre sealing and vehicle safety.

Lesson 2 • Driveshaft and CV Joint Inspection

Addresses driveshaft balance, U-joint wear, and CV boot condition. Students detect early-stage CV joint failure before catastrophic breakdown occurs.

Lesson 3 • Wheel Bearing Inspection

Covers bearing play, noise diagnosis, and hub unit condition for both serviceable and sealed bearings. Students differentiate bearing noise from brake and tyre noise.

Lesson 4 • Tyre Condition and Safety Assessment

Covers tread depth measurement, sidewall damage, and inflation pressure checks. Students apply minimum tread depth standards to pass or fail determinations.

Lesson 1 • Battery and Charging System Inspection

Covers battery load testing, terminal condition, and alternator output verification. Students use a battery tester and multimeter to quantify charging system health.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Check

Introduces camera, radar, and sensor calibration status checks for ADAS features. Students recognise when ADAS components require specialist recalibration.

Lesson 3 • Interior Electrical and Instrument Checks

Covers dashboard warning lights, gauge accuracy, and interior lighting function. Students confirm that driver-facing information systems operate correctly.

Lesson 4 • Airbag and Restraint System Inspection

Addresses SRS warning light status, seatbelt latch and retractor function, and airbag cover condition. Students identify restraint defects without disabling live systems.

Lesson 1 • Professional Inspection Report Writing

Covers clear defect descriptions, supporting evidence, and cost-neutral language in written reports. Students produce reports that inform without pressuring customers.

Lesson 2 • Customer Communication and Follow-Up

Addresses explaining technical findings in plain language, handling objections, and scheduling follow-up. Effective communication converts inspection findings into customer trust.

Lesson 3 • Systematic Full-Vehicle Inspection Sequence

Establishes a repeatable inspection order that prevents missed items and minimises vehicle movement. Students execute the sequence within a professional time target.

Lesson 4 • Defect Classification and Prioritisation

Teaches immediate safety concern, advisory, and maintenance categories for defect classification. Students prioritise findings to guide customer repair decisions.