Visiting the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) Center is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a commitment to road safety and the well-being of everyone on the streets.
You can find a list of some centers here. It is also pertinent to note that driving is not just about hitting the road; it’s about ensuring that your vehicle is road-worthy and safe for you and everyone else on the streets. At carpaddy.com, we ensure that we guide you through all these necessary checks even when your busy schedule might make it tempting for you to skip it.
ALSO READ: LACVIS Testing Centers Updated List 2022
1) EMISSIONS
At the VIS center, vehicle emissions undergo a thorough examination to ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations. The emissions check is a crucial component of the road worthiness test, aimed at assessing the environmental impact of vehicles on the road. During this inspection, the car’s exhaust system is analyzed to assess carbon dioxide (CO2) levels as well as the presence of harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is important to have your engine serviced before going for the road worthiness test, to ensure its emissions efficiency is in optimal state.
2) OIL LEVEL
Your car’s engine is the heart of its performance, and just like any other vital organ, it needs the right level of care. The VIS center pays attention to the oil level of vehicles’ engines under inspection because the oil is like the lifeblood of a car’s engine. The engine oil lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents wear and tear. Neglecting this simple task could lead to irreversible damage and hefty repair bills.
3) WATER LEVEL
It is important to keep your engine cool. Overheating is a car’s equivalent of a fever, and it can ruin your day and your bank account if it affects the gasket. The VIS center will check the water level in your radiator to ensure that your engine stays cool and doesn’t suffer from the heat-induced problems that could cost a fortune to fix. At Carpaddy.com, we advise that you regularly monitor your engine’s water level. What’s worse? It could ignite a fire!
ALSO READ: Third party insurance for cars: what it covers
4) CLUTCH
The clutch helps for smooth operations. For those with manual transmissions, the clutch is a crucial component for smooth gear shifts. During inspection, the VIS center will want to ensure that the hydraulic fluid level ensures that your clutch functions seamlessly. This may not apply to automatic transmissions, which many Nigerians are increasingly switching to.
5) HORN
A simple yet often neglected check is sounding your horn every morning. Ensuring your horn is in working order is not just about announcing your presence; it’s a safety precaution. The VIS center will inspect if your horn is functioning well enough to ensure safety. However, be considerate and refrain from using this exercise as an early morning disturbance for your neighbors or fellow road users.
6) THE BRAKES
A working braking system is your vehicle’s most critical safety feature. Regularly checking the brake fluid, monitoring the brake pads and discs ensures that your brakes perform effectively when needed the most – during an emergency. During inspection, this check is never overlooked.
7) INDICATORS
Indicators are your way of communicating with other road users. Regularly checking that your traffic indicators to the LEFT, RIGHT, and HAZARD are in working order ensures that you can communicate your intentions clearly and avoid potential accidents. The VIS center believes that your car indicator is signaling safety on the road.
8) HEAD LAMPS
Checking the head lamps is paramount because visibility is important, especially at night. Regularly switching on your low beam and high beam lights ensures that you can see the road clearly, and other drivers can see you. Poor visibility is a major contributor to road accidents, and a simple check of your headlights can prevent this.
9) POWER STEERING
For those with power steering, ensuring the right level of power steering fluid is crucial for easy maneuvering. A check ensures that your steering is responsive, making your drive more comfortable and safer.
ALSO READ: All you need to know about tinted glass permits application and approval in Lagos
10) WIPERS
The VIS Center will turn on your wipers during inspection to confirm they are in working conditions, especially during the rainy season. Clear vision is essential, and functional wipers contribute significantly to that. Without wipers, it will be difficult to drive safely in the rain.
11) BATTERY ACID LEVEL
Checking the acid level in your battery is essential for its effective performance. This is particularly important for vehicles that are constantly on the move, such as commercial and pool vehicles.
12) AUTOMATIC GEAR
For those with automatic transmissions, regularly checking the transmission fluid in the gearbox is crucial. Gear issues can be problematic and expensive to repair, making this a preventive measure worth the time.
13) TYRES
Your tyres are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the road. Apart from the checks at the VIS center, regularly checking your tires, especially in the morning before driving off, ensures that they are in optimal condition. This not only contributes to your safety but also extends the lifespan of your tyres.
While these checks might seem time-consuming, it’s important to note that most recent cars come equipped with monitoring devices that perform many of these routine checks in real-time. However, for older vehicles or those without such advanced systems, the responsibility falls on the driver.
Routine checks might seem trivial, but neglecting them could be dangerous. So, next time you’re tempted to skip these checks, remember, it’s not just about your car; it’s about your safety and the safety of everyone sharing the road with you.
We can help you schedule an appointment for your vehicle inspection at the VIO/VIS centers nearest to you. Visit CarPaddy.com now.