Inspection

Find the Right Method for You

You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot major red flags. I always recommend starting from the bottom up—because what’s underneath often tells the real story.

Undercarriage – The Foundation

This is where most buyers skip—and where most big problems hide.

Check for Major Rust in these areas:
- Rocker panels (the area under the doors)
- Frame rails
- Subframe (front and rear)
- Floor panels and seams near the corners

⚠️ Why it matters:
Any holes, flaking, or soft spots in these areas can make the car unsafe and nearly impossible to certify. Ontario safety inspections don’t allow structural rust-through or weakened frames.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Tap on the rusted areas lightly with a key or screwdriver handle. If it crumbles or sounds hollow, it’s a red flag.

Undercarriage – Leaks

Look underneath the vehicle for active leaks.

It’s normal for older vehicles to have a bit of oil residue or grime around the engine and drivetrain—especially from old gaskets or minor seeps.
But if you see:

Drips forming
Wet spots on components
Or a small puddle under the car

…it’s likely a more serious issue that needs attention.

⚠️ Why:
Leaks can lead to low fluid levels, overheating, or system failure. They may also cause a car to fail a safety inspection—especially if it's leaking brake fluid, coolant, or power steering fluid.

🛠️ Pro Tip:
If you’re not sure whether it’s just AC condensation or a fluid leak, touch it with your fingers.

Water will feel like water (cool and thin)
Coolant feels slightly oily or slick
Oil or brake fluid will feel thicker and greasy

Tires and Brakes

Start by doing a full walkaround and inspect each tire individually. Tires tell you a lot about how the vehicle was maintained—and what expenses are coming next.

✅ What to Check on the Tires:

Are all four tires the same brand and model?
Mismatched tires can be a sign of poor maintenance or cheap repairs. It may also affect handling, traction, and braking distance.
Tread Depth:
Use a tread depth gauge or the simple toonie trick:
If the silver edge disappears into the tread, you’re still good.

Recommended Minimums:
- Summer tires: at least 3 mm
- Winter tires: at least 4 mm
- All-season: aim for at least 3–4 mm year-round
🔧 If the tread is below that, you’ll need new tires soon.
Cracks and Dry Rot:
Look between the tread blocks and along the sidewalls for fine cracks—this means the rubber is aging and could fail unexpectedly.
Uneven Wear:
Feathering, inner or outer edge wear, or bald spots often mean bad alignment, worn suspension parts, or lack of tire rotation.
Tire Age (DOT Code):
Look for the DOT stamp on the sidewall—the last 4 digits are the week and year of manufacture (e.g., 3419 = week 34 of 2019).
⚠️ Tires older than 6 years should be replaced—even if the tread looks fine—because the rubber hardens and loses grip.

🛑 Quick Brake Check (No Tools Needed)

In many vehicles, you can see the brake rotors through the wheels.

Make sure the brakes are cool to the touch (never inspect hot rotors).
Swipe your finger across the rotor surface (carefully).
Feel any deep grooves or lips? That’s a sign the rotors are worn or warped.