Think your used car is ready for inspection? Are you sure you’re not accidentally sabotaging it? Whether you’re buying or selling a used vehicle, pre-inspection mistakes can lead to skewed results—or worse, missed issues that cost you later.
At Spot on Vehicle Inspections, we’ve seen it all. As trusted vehicle inspection professionals, we know that simple errors made before an inspection can either hide problems or falsely suggest them. To help you avoid unnecessary stress and expenses, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes you should never make before an inspection. Here’s what to avoid to ensure a smooth, accurate process.
1. Don’t Clean the Engine Bay Too Soon
It might seem helpful—or even courteous—to give the engine bay a good clean before the inspection. After all, who doesn’t like a tidy-looking car? But here’s the problem: cleaning the engine too close to the inspection can make things look suspicious or even mask critical problems.
Why this is an issue:
- A recently cleaned engine can raise red flags. It might look like you’re trying to cover up oil leaks or other faults.
- Inspectors rely on dust patterns, grease spots, and minor residue to identify ongoing leaks or wear.
- Water or degreaser left behind may interfere with diagnostic checks, especially around sensors and electrical connectors.
We understand wanting your car to look its best, but cleanliness shouldn’t compromise clarity. If you really want to clean under the bonnet, do it at least a week in advance. That way, any natural signs of issues have time to show again, helping ensure an accurate inspection.
Our advice? Let our inspectors see the vehicle as it really is. That’s how we catch issues that other services miss—and how we help our clients make informed decisions.
2. Don’t Rush the Test Drive Before the Inspector Arrives
It’s common for buyers—or even sellers—to take a vehicle for a spin before the inspection. But doing this right before your inspector arrives can actually interfere with the results. Why? Because many faults only appear when the vehicle is cold, untouched, and unaltered.
Here’s why pre-inspection test drives are a bad idea:
- Cold starts reveal battery health, fuel delivery issues, and idle irregularities.
- Transmission and brake problems often emerge during the first drive—not after the engine’s warmed up.
- Starting the engine in advance can temporarily mask unusual sounds or leaks.
- Any residual heat may prevent our tools from identifying cooling system faults accurately.
Instead, let the inspector experience the vehicle “cold.” That’s the best way to uncover real-world issues. If you’re the seller, skipping this mistake could actually work in your favour—because it builds trust and transparency. If you’re the buyer, it gives the inspector the perfect opportunity to assess the car in its most telling condition.
You’ll still have the chance to test drive it after the inspection—and by then, you’ll have a clear idea of whether it’s worth the drive at all.
3. Don’t Hide Known Faults or Reset Warning Lights
We get it—no one wants to see a dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree. But trying to hide issues before an inspection often does more harm than good. Whether it’s clearing error codes, topping up coolant to mask a leak, or replacing a battery to silence a fault, these cover-ups can backfire fast.
Here’s why:
- Modern diagnostic tools show if warning lights were recently reset.
- Temporary fixes rarely hold up under scrutiny—especially when tested by experienced professionals.
- Hiding problems damages your credibility. For sellers, this can kill a deal. For buyers, it can lead to regret and major repair costs.
At Spot on Vehicle Inspections, we always encourage honesty. If a warning light is on, it’s better to be upfront. We’ll help identify the issue and explain what it means. That level of transparency gives both parties confidence.
We’ve seen more than one buyer walk away from a seemingly good car because the seller tried to hide something minor—which could’ve been resolved easily if disclosed. Honesty is not just the best policy—it’s also the most cost-effective one.
4. Don’t Delay the Booking Too Long
If you’re serious about buying—or selling—a car, don’t wait too long to book your inspection. Mechanical issues can worsen quickly. And in Perth’s competitive used car market, stalling might mean losing the deal altogether.
Here’s what can happen when you delay:
- Coolant or oil leaks worsen the longer they go unchecked.
- Brake pads wear down to the metal, turning a $200 fix into a $1,000 repair.
- Another buyer could swoop in while you’re still “thinking about it.”
Spot on Vehicle Inspections prides itself on speed and convenience. As an expert mobile car inspection company, we come to you—whether it’s your home, workplace, or a dealership yard. That means you can act quickly and avoid missing out.
Many of our Perth clients have thanked us for fitting them in on short notice, helping them secure the right vehicle before anyone else could. Delaying the inspection doesn’t just risk unexpected costs—it can also cost you the entire opportunity.
5. Don’t Assume All Inspectors Are the Same
One of the biggest—and most expensive—mistakes we see? People assume that all vehicle inspectors offer the same service. The truth is, quality and attention to detail vary widely between providers.
Some services offer quick, low-cost inspections that barely scratch the surface. Others rely solely on visual checks, skipping vital diagnostic tests. This approach might save a few bucks upfront but could leave you with a car full of hidden issues.
Here’s what to look for in a secondhand vehicle inspection service provider in Perth:
- ASE-certified or experienced technicians
- Comprehensive reporting (not just a checklist)
- On-site diagnostics and test drive analysis
- Transparency about what’s covered and what’s not
At Spot on Vehicle Inspections, we go above and beyond to provide a thorough, clear-eyed assessment. We’re not just checking boxes—we’re delivering peace of mind.
If you want to make a smart investment, choose a team that treats every inspection like it’s their own vehicle on the line.
Don’t Let Simple Mistakes Cost You Big
Want your vehicle inspection to actually work in your favour? Then avoid these common mistakes that can lead to confusion, misdiagnosis, or missed issues. By approaching the inspection process the right way, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, smarter decision—whether you’re buying or selling.
At Spot on Vehicle Inspections, we’re proud to offer a trusted, fixed-price car pre-purchase inspection service that saves our clients money, stress, and surprises. Our qualified technicians provide fast, friendly, and fully mobile inspections across Perth.
Ready to book with a team that gets it right the first time? Contact us today to secure your inspection and drive away with confidence.