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The duration of a vehicle inspection is dependent on factors like the type of inspection, the preparation in place, the condition of the vehicle, and human influence.
What Is a Vehicle Inspection?
A vehicle inspection is a technical health check that examines the current state of a vehicle’s physical and internal systems. Trained professionals inspect the components of a car and form an assessment that judges it’s condition. Apart from checking the overall systems, the inspectors also check for any damages the vehicle might have sustained over time and check for potential safety hazards.
The inspection process can vary depending on the purpose, for example, Periodic Inspections (PTIs) check the vehicle as part of maintenance requirements and are mandatory by law. Other inspections like Handover Inspections, are unique to the company handling the inspections and are usually carried out so companies can monitor their fleets.
To find out more about Car inspections, head to What is a vehicle inspection? Purpose, Process, Types, Methods.
How Long Does a Vehicle Inspection Take?
Several factors can influence how long it may take to inspect a vehicle:
Preparation
Scheduling an appointment for the inspection may require planning days in advance. Even the location of the inspecting company has an influence: if the closest inspection location is hours away or hard to find, it influences the overall length of the process. However, having the required documents (typically a driving license, car documentation, and insurance papers) can help drivers avoid any needless delays and the need for rescheduling.
Type of Inspection
The type of inspection can be separated into two sectors, Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI, or MOT) and Private/Individualized Vehicle Inspections.
A PTI, or MOT, where an inspection company certifies the vehicle’s safety and reliability, can be as short as 20 to 40 minutes (including emissions tests). This can vary slightly with local laws and industry standards.
Private Inspections, where, for example, a leased car – is thoroughly reviewed before being handed back to the leasing company, the process is more thorough and hence can take one to three hours, including a road test.
Condition of the vehicle
The duration of the vehicle inspection depends on the age of the vehicle and how well it’s maintained over time. Typically, the older the car, the higher the chances of poorer maintenance which results in longer inspection times.
A car with visible signs of wear and tear demands a more detailed examination to determine its health and safety. Similarly, a poorly maintained vehicle will likely have more problems than a well-maintained one which further extends the time for both inspecting the car and documenting the procedure. In PTIs, for example, the extended time period for drivers to service their vehicles increases the overall time for car inspections.
The Human Factor
Vehicle Inspections are carried out by inspectors and hence the duration of the inspection is also influenced by the ability of the person to perform the inspection.
An experienced, knowledgeable, and efficient inspector will have a higher chance of completing the examination and the paperwork in less time than an inexperienced or disorganized person. Further, the process also depends on the staff and how the unit is coordinated which further affects the waiting times.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence In Automotive Inspections
The application of innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can considerably reduce the time invested in inspecting a car. Especially useful in individualized types of inspections like Vehicle Handover Inspections or Private Inspections carried out by Rental companies, AI and damage detection technology is being integrated into the company operations through various ways, some of which include:
Digitization of the overall process: where traditional methods of recording data are replaced by digital records, which are easy and fast to file, access, share, and edit.
AI technology presents tools that use well-tested models like pattern recognition to conduct an objective and accurate visual examination of the vehicle, log all the details, and keep track of the condition of the car in between inspections. A faster and simplified process that also allows for remote inspections. AI technology enables a faster and simplified process for visual vehicle inspections that also allows for remote inspections.
An example of this integration is the technology developed by focalx. Their AI-powered vehicle inspection technology locates and categorizes all damages sustained by the vehicle and creates a report in seconds. The overall process lasts a few minutes, reducing the inspection time between 67% and 83% compared to the traditional pen and paper systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the duration of a vehicle inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the type of inspection, the condition of the vehicle, and the proficiency of the inspector.
While traditional inspections may take longer, the integration of innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence is streamlining the process, leading to faster and more efficient inspections. Advancements in inspection methods, hence, strive to enhance safety, reliability, and convenience for drivers and fleet operators alike.