Vehicle inspection: everything you should check before winter
September 01 2026,
It is recommended to get a vehicle inspection at least once a year, if not twice, to ensure your vehicle operates properly.
Because of harsh winter conditions, a pre-winter inspection helps you avoid many issues, such as loss of control, starting problems or major breakdowns.
Summary
- At a glance
- Why get a vehicle inspection before winter?
- What should be checked during a mechanical vehicle inspection?
- What is the difference between vehicle inspection and regular maintenance?
- When should you get your vehicle inspected?
- How much does a vehicle inspection cost?
- How long does a vehicle inspection take?
- Get your car ready for winter with a full inspection at Chibougamau Auto
- Vehicle inspection FAQs
- At a glance
- Why get a vehicle inspection before winter?
- What should be checked during a mechanical vehicle inspection?
- What is the difference between vehicle inspection and regular maintenance?
- When should you get your vehicle inspected?
- How much does a vehicle inspection cost?
- How long does a vehicle inspection take?
- Get your car ready for winter with a full inspection at Chibougamau Auto
- Vehicle inspection FAQs
At a glance
It is recommended to get a vehicle inspection at least once a year, if not twice, to ensure your vehicle operates properly.
Because of harsh winter conditions, a pre-winter inspection helps you avoid many issues, such as loss of control, starting problems or major breakdowns.
Why get a vehicle inspection before winter?
It is no secret that winter is the most demanding season for a vehicle. Several aspects of your vehicle's operation are affected by challenging road conditions and severe cold.
By choosing a vehicle inspection before winter, you make sure your vehicle is in good working order and ready to face the cold season.
A minor issue in summer can quickly worsen when winter conditions come into play. A prewinter car inspection helps prevent many unpleasant surprises.
What should be checked during a mechanical vehicle inspection?
Tires and tread wear
Winter tires are your best tool in poor road conditions. A safety inspection should always include a review of the tires and their tread wear.
Winter tires that are too worn can cause a loss of traction, which can result in loss of control.
Brakes
Just like winter tires, brakes are another component that is particularly important in winter. Make sure your brakes are properly serviced before winter. An inspection is in order for safe driving.
Battery and startng system
Severe cold slows the chemical reactions inside a battery and increases the electrical resistance of its components.
It is therefore harder for your starting system to operate correctly in winter. A mechanical vehicle inspection includes checking the condition of the starting system to help avoid nostarts.
Vehicle fluids
Beyond maintaining fluid levels, an inspection can also confirm that your fluids, such as engine coolant, are appropriate for low temperatures.
Windshield wipers and washer fluid
To avoid serious visibility problems when the weather turns, a car inspection should include checking the condition of your windshield wipers, as well as replacing the washer fluid with a winter-rated product.
Heating and defrosting
A winter vehicle inspection includes checking the heating and defrosting system. These systems are essential, both for proper vehicle operation and for your comfort.
Headlamps and lights
Headlamps and lights matter all year, but winter storms are particularly hazardous. Always make sure your headlamps turn on properly and are clear of snow.
Suspension and steering
A mechanical check includes inspecting the suspension and steering system. Located under the vehicle, these systems are the first to suffer from winter conditions. You need to make sure they are not already in poor condition before facing winter.
What is the difference between vehicle inspection and regular maintenance?
Regular maintenance is a service usually scheduled, for example in your vehicle's maintenance calendar. We are talking about an oil change every 8,000 km and other essential manufacturer services to optimize your vehicle's longevity.
A vehicle inspection is a different service that aims to ensure the main components of your car are in working order.
Although most maintenance schedules eventually include a complete vehicle inspection, it can be wise to have an inspection done more often, since in our province, winters are particularly harsh and hard on vehicles.
When should you get your vehicle inspected?
Generally, it is recommended to have a used car inspected before purchase to confirm its actual condition. Also take advantage of your visit to the dealership to test-drive it.
For a vehicle already in your possession, it is recommended to have it inspected at least once a year. This inspection can be performed at the same time as the tire change to save time and get properly ready for winter.
In spring, you can also take advantage of a tune-up when you change your tires. It is also wise to get a complete inspection before taking long road trips or going on vacation to help you avoid many worries.
Finally, always have your vehicle inspected if a warning light comes on the dashboard or if it starts producing noises or vibrations.
How much does a vehicle inspection cost?
The price of a vehicle inspection varies according to several factors, including:
- The model and year of your vehicle
- The manufacturer's standards
- The nature of the inspection
- The garage or the dealership
How long does a vehicle inspection take?
It all depends on the nature of the inspection, but it usually takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours to go over your vehicle's components.
An inspection may take longer, depending on the extent of the issues recorded.
Get your car ready for winter with a full inspection at Chibougamau Auto
Looking for a car inspection near me? You will find it at Chibougamau Automobile, your GM dealership in Chibougamau, near Val-d'Or, Amos and the Lac-Saint-Jean region.
Our certified technicians and our tire centre are always here to prepare your Chevrolet, Buick or GMC for winter.
Vehicle inspection FAQs
What does a vehicle inspection include?
A complete car inspection includes checking essential mechanical components (suspension, steering, brakes, etc.), as well as a review of the body and fluid levels. It also includes a road test to verify your vehicle's operation.
Is a vehicle inspection mandatory in Quebec?
The SAAQ requires a vehicle inspection in certain cases, but most vehicles are not subject to legal inspection requirements.
How often should you have your car inspected?
In most cases, it is never mandatory to have your car inspected. However, experts recommend an annual inspection to help ensure your safety and your vehicle's longevity.
What is the price of a mechanical vehicle inspection?
The price of a vehicle inspection varies according to several factors, including the type of inspection and the vehicle model.
Can you have a car inspected before buying it?
Yes. You should definitely have a used vehicle inspected before purchase.
