Importance of Car Safety Inspection Ontario
Introduction
You might be worried about the condition of your old car if you want to sell it. You may have questions related to the condition of your car, its value and safety concerns. 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 “As Is”truly means. In simple words, ‘As Is’ means that the car is sold in its present condition without any makeover or repairs. The vehicle is sold without any warranties or guarantees. So, the seller transfer car ownership 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?
Car Safety Standards Certificate (SSC):
To sell 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.
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- Selling Registered and Fit: If you are selling your car as registered and fit, you need to produce a SSC. It means that your vehicle is ready to be on the road and it meets all the car safety standards of Ontario.
- 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 all breakdowns and repairs. So, to sell your car with “As Is” tag, SSC is not compulsory, but it’s important to mention in a sales agreement that the car is being sold ‘As Is’.
Advantages of a Safety Inspection:
Car Safety Standard Certificate have many advantages if you are planning to sell your car
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- Higher Value: Old cars with an SSC certificate might get a higher price.
- Transparency: An SSC certificate gives buyer a confidence that the car is in good condition and safe to drive on Canada’s road; this will 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.
Top Reasons to Sell a Car ‘As Is’?
Some of the reasons people sell their car “As Is” are:
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- Age and Condition: Your car is too old and in such a bad shape that it cannot pass the safety standards.
- 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.
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. Following car part and machanism are checked during a car safety inspection, so pay attention towards their working and condition:
1. Brakes
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- 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
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- Check if your tire has a better tread
- See if there are any cracks or bulges
- Make sure the wheel balance is proper
3. Lights
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- Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights.
- See the condition of the light covers
4. Windshield and Wipers
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- Check the windshield for cracks
- Test the wipers
- Refill the washer liquid
5. Steering and Suspension
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- Make sure the steering wheel is responsive
- Inspect if you hear any unusual noises or vibrations.
- See suspension no oil leaks sign should be there.
6. Exhaust System
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- Check for carbon deposit, rust or any damaged exhaust pipe
- Make sure there are no strange smells
7. Seat Belts
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- Check each seat belt to see if it clicks nicely
- Check for any damaged straps
8. Battery and Electrical
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- Check the battery voltage and see for any corrosion
- See if any electrical features are not working
9. Fluids
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- Check oil, coolant, transmission oil, brake oil, and power steering
- See for leaks under the car
10. Body and Frame
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- Check for dents or damage on the body and frame
- Make sure the doors, hood, and trunk open and close smoothly
11. Engine Performance
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- Listen for abnormal sounds like knocking or ticking
- Make the engine start smoothly
12. Emission Levels
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- Check if your car meets emission standards
Take into consideration this complete checklist to get a better idea about your 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 valid 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 buy old cars regardless of their condition. You can call us at (416) 783-9026 to sell your old, junk and wrecked vehicles. We will help you with paperwork and offer free towing services.
Last Updated on 20th January 2025
