Sign in
Call RACTSign in
Modern car driving along tasmanian road

Vehicle Inspections

  • Full mechanical check
  • Registration check
  • Discount for members
Book now
Buy roadside
Get Car Insurance
AutoServe

Drive away with confidence

  • Vehicle checks

    Our qualified mechanics can arrange vehicle checks to suit your needs. Whether it’s buying a car or your warranty is about to expire, we’ll let you know where things stand.

  • History report

    About to buy a car? Let us look into it's safety first. We can check if a car has been written off or stolen. We can also let you know if there is money still owed.

  • Small price to pay

    When you’re buying a car, no matter the cost, you want to know it’s not going to need major work done after you drive away. An inspection is a small cost when it comes to your peace of mind - both for your safety and finances.

Pricing for vehicle checks

It’s easy to get excited when you’re looking at cars for sale. Save yourself from buying a lemon by getting us to do a vehicle check.

  • Passenger car / Small SUV

    Member $300 / Non member $350

  • Large 4x4 / Commercial

    Member $300 / Non member $350

  • AIS light vehicle registration

    Member $135 / Non-member $150

Who to call

  • Hobart AutoServe

    1300 127 684

  • Launceston AutoServe

    1300 127 684

Here's what we'll check

  • Car history

    We’ll do a background check to see if the car has been stolen or is under finance. We’ll also be able to tell if it’s been in a crash that made it a repairable write-off.

  • Under the bonnet

    Getting under the hood, we’ll let you know if it’s due for service or has any logged faults. We can tell if there’s been any recent work or if any work is needed for it to be safe.

  • Outside the car

    Our inspector will look at the general body of the car. We’ll note stone chips, scratches, dents and any noticeable differences in paint colour that might cost you or flag warnings.

  • Inside and under

    In Tassie, you’ll need to know if the heaters are working, along with the windows and wipers. We’ll check out underneath too and let you know of any rust or damage.

  • Tyres

    Let us check the tread, check they’re all the same size and if there is any damage. We’ll also check the pressure and make sure there's no uneven wear.

  • Road test

    Getting your car on the road will tell us a whole lot more. We'll be listening for unusual noises that may let us know if things like the clutch, gears or bearings need work.

Common questions

  • What exactly is in a car history report?

    We pay for a PPSR search which is a service to help customers buying second-hand personal assets. You can check their website for more details on what to expect but a basic check provides:

    • Records of write-offs

    • Registration details

    • Finance owing

    • Stolen vehicle check

    • VIN validation

  • What do you check inside the car?

    When checking inside the car, we’ll look at the condition of:

    • Keys and remote locking/unlocking

    • Switches

    • AC/heater

    • Seatbelts

    • Dash warning lights

    • Window operation

    • Wipers and washers

    • Doors including boot/tailgate

    • Spare tyre, jack and tools (where fitted)

    • Exterior lights

  • What do you check under the bonnet?

    When checking under the bonnet, we will look at the condition and/or levels of:

    • Engine oil and whether there are any leaks

    • Transmissions oil

    • Coolant

    • Brake fluid

    • Auxiliary belts

    • Hoses

    • Air and fuel filters

    • Battery, its age, load test and terminals

    • Alternator check and test under load

    • Logged faults using scan tool

    • Safety system (vehicle self-checks)


    We'll also check:

    • For evidence of recent work (vehicle self-checks)

    • If fitted with a timing belt, whether it has been replaced as required (vehicle self-checks)

    • Whether the car is due for a service (vehicle self-checks)

  • What do you check under the car?

    We will lift the car on a hoist and check the following underneath:

    • Brake pads and rotors

    • Exhaust

    • Drive shafts, CV joints and boots

    • Drivetrain oil leaks

    • Damage to drivetrain components

    • Damage to underbody including structural

    • Fuel lines and any exposed electrical connections

    • Rust

    • Steering and suspension components

  • What do you look for during the road test?

    When we are driving the car, we’ll look and listen out for:

    • Engine performance

    • Transmission operation

    • Clutch operation, if manual

    • Drivetrain noise or vibration

    • Suspension noises (bangs, squeaks and clunks)

    • Brake performance including vibrations

    • Steering (does it pull to one side, steering wheel not centred)

    • Steering wheel vibration (wheel balance)

Book now

Related products