Importance of Car Safety Inspection Ontario

Introduction

When you want to sell and get cash for a scrap car, you worry about its condition, which may not be perfect. You may have many questions about the condition of your car. But one of the most common questions is whether a car safety inspection in Ontario is important to sell your car or not. So, let’s get some clarity and make your selling experience in Ontario easy and smooth.    

Understanding the ‘As Is’ Concept:

You need to first understand what selling a car truly means. In an easy way to tell, ‘As Is’ says that the car is sold in its present condition. The vehicle is sold without any warranties or guarantees. So, the seller does not get into any problems, and the buyer takes full responsibility for any problems with the car after the transaction.  

Also Read: What to do with a car that is Not Worth Fixing?

Ontario’s Safety Standards Certificate (SSC):

When selling an old car in Ontario, the seller has to give the buyer a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). This certificate is a confirmation that the vehicle is complying with safety standards at the time of inspection. The SSC certificate is valid for 2 years from the inspection date. But remember that this document does not give any kind of warranty or guarantee on any vehicle. But the importance of the certificate depends on how you are selling your scrap car.  

1. Selling Registered and Fit

If you are selling your car as registered and fit, you need to offer an SSC. It means that your vehicle is ready to be on the road and it meets all the safety standards of Ontario.  

2. Selling ‘As Is’

When you sell your car ‘as is’, it means that the car might not meet safety standards. The buyer is responsible for any repairs or changes. For that reason, you don’t have to provide an SSC certificate. But it’s important to mention in a sales agreement that the car is being sold ‘as is’. 

Why Might You Sell a Car ‘As Is’?

There are many reasons someone might decide to sell their car:

• • Age and Condition: Older cars may not pass the safety inspection without repairs.   
  • Cost of Repairs: If the repair cost of a car exceeds its value, then selling it “as is” becomes the best option. 
  • Fast Sale: There are some sellers who want to sell their car quickly and skip the inspection process, for them “as is” is the best option.

Advantages of a Safety Inspection:

Even if you plan to sell your car as it is, a safety inspection is still a better choice, and we tell you why:

• Higher Value: Old cars with an SSC certificate might get a higher price.
• Transparency: An SSC certificate gives buyers clear-cut information, which can make the sale faster.
• Less Problems Post-Sale: After the sale, you have no issues with the buyer because you have already given the SSC certificate. 

Also Read: How Much Does a Safety Inspection Cost in Ontario?

Car Safety Inspection Checklist Ontario

A car safety inspection is very important to make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive on Ontario’s roads. Note down all the checklist points:

1. Brakes

• • You need to check the brake pads and rotors.
  • Test the brake oil level.
  • Check the emergency brake if it works nicely.

2. Tires and Wheels

• • Check if your tire has a better tread
  • See if there are cracks and bumps
  • Make sure the wheel balance is proper

3. Lights

• • Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
  • See the condition of the light covers 

4. Windshield and Wipers

• • Check the windshield for cracks
  • Test the wipers 
  • Refill the washer liquid

5. Steering and Suspension

• • Make sure the steering wheel is responsive
  • Inspect if you hear any unusual noises or vibrations.
  • See suspension components like shocks and struts

6. Exhaust System

• • Check for leaks, rust or any damaged exhaust pipe
  • Make sure there are no strange smells

7. Seat Belts

• • Check each seat belt to see if it clicks nicely 
  • Check for any damaged straps

8. Battery and Electrical

• • Check the battery voltage and see for any corrosion
  • See if any electrical features are not working

9. Fluids

• • Check oil, coolant, transmission oil, brake oil, and power steering
  • See for leaks under the car

10. Body and Frame

• • Check for dents or damage on the body and frame
  • Make sure the doors, hood, and trunk open and close smoothly

11. Engine Performance

• • Listen for abnormal sounds like knocking or ticking
  • Make the engine start smoothly

12. Emission Levels

• • Check if your car meets emission standards

Take into consideration this complete checklist to get a better idea about the scrap car. If you see anything weird in your car, you can get it checked by a professional.

Conclusion:

Here we are at the end of the blog, and we learn that having a Safety Standards Certificate is so important. This document is required to sell your scrap car in Ontario. For the parties, seller, and buyer, this certificate brings harmony between them, and you don’t have any complaints about the condition of the car. Plus, you are always transparent with your buyers, so there is no issue of doubt.

If you think that getting an SSC document is difficult, then you can always think about the option of scrapping it. We at Greenway Auto Recycling are the best scrap car removal to offer you a top price for your old car. You can contact the customer care team at (416) 783-9026. We will help you with paperwork and offer free towing services. 

Last Updated on 05th December 2024