What Is Included in a VSSI Inspection?

A VSSI is much more than a quick brake and light check.

California's Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection (VSSI) is a comprehensive inspection required by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Our licensed technician must carefully inspect multiple safety systems and document the results before a vehicle can receive a certificate of compliance.

Why does a VSSI take time?
This is not a quick visual inspection. Your technician must physically inspect, test, measure, scan, and road-test the vehicle to verify that its safety systems meet California requirements.

✓ Vehicle Identification & Preliminary Checks

☐ Verify vehicle identification information
☐ Check for open safety recalls
☐ Review applicable manufacturer specifications
☐ Perform an OBD system check when required
☐ Check applicable safety-related warning lights and systems

✓ Lighting Systems

☐ Headlights — low and high beams
☐ Headlight condition and proper operation
☐ Headlight aim
☐ Tail lamps
☐ Brake lamps
☐ Turn signals
☐ Hazard lights
☐ Side marker lamps, when equipped
☐ License plate lamp
☐ Reverse/back-up lamps
☐ Required reflectors
☐ Lenses, housings, mounting and wiring
☐ Dashboard lighting indicators

✓ Passenger Compartment & Safety Equipment

☐ Windshield condition
☐ Rear window/glass condition
☐ Driver visibility
☐ Rearview and side mirrors
☐ Seat condition and mounting
☐ Seat tracks and adjusters
☐ Seat belts and mounting points
☐ Seat belt buckles, retractors and operation
☐ Child-seat LATCH anchors, when equipped
☐ Visible Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)/airbag components
☐ Airbag/SRS warning light operation
☐ Visible seat-belt pretensioner components

✓ Tires & Wheels

☐ Inspect each tire
☐ Measure tire tread depth
☐ Check tire condition and damage
☐ Check tire size and suitability
☐ Check tire inflation pressure
☐ Inspect wheels/rims for damage
☐ Inspect wheel mounting and fasteners
☐ Check for improper tire/wheel contact or clearance
☐ Inspect TPMS system/warning light when applicable

✓ Complete Brake System Inspection

This portion requires more than simply looking through the wheel.

☐ Inspect brake system components
☐ Inspect brake pads and/or shoes
☐ Measure remaining brake friction material
☐ Inspect brake rotors
☐ Measure rotor thickness when required
☐ Inspect brake drums when equipped
☐ Measure drum diameter when required
☐ Inspect calipers and wheel cylinders
☐ Inspect brake hoses and lines
☐ Check for brake fluid leaks
☐ Check brake fluid level
☐ Inspect master cylinder
☐ Inspect brake booster/power assist
☐ Inspect parking brake operation
☐ Check ABS/brake warning lights
☐ Verify brake system operation

Depending on the vehicle, wheels may need to be removed so the technician can properly inspect and measure braking components.

✓ Steering & Suspension

☐ Check steering wheel and steering column
☐ Check steering column mounting and bearings
☐ Test power steering operation
☐ Inspect power steering fluid and leaks when applicable
☐ Inspect steering rack or steering gearbox
☐ Inspect tie rods and steering linkage
☐ Check ball joints
☐ Check wheel bearings
☐ Inspect control arms
☐ Inspect suspension bushings
☐ Inspect sway bars and related components
☐ Inspect subframes
☐ Inspect shocks and struts
☐ Inspect springs
☐ Inspect related sensors, switches and wiring
☐ Check steering/stability/traction warning lights

The technician may physically move the wheel and tire assemblies to check for excessive play or worn steering and suspension components.

✓ Body & Structural Safety

☐ Inspect the vehicle's body structure
☐ Check frame/unibody components
☐ Inspect for structural damage
☐ Inspect previous repairs where visible
☐ Check that structural repairs meet applicable requirements
☐ Inspect mounting points and structural components
☐ Look for damage that could affect vehicle safety or control

This is especially important on salvage vehicles because collision damage or previous repairs may affect the vehicle's structural integrity.

✓ Road Test

The inspection doesn't end on the lift.

☐ Test horn operation
☐ Monitor safety warning lights
☐ Evaluate braking performance
☐ Verify the vehicle stops straight and smoothly
☐ Evaluate steering response
☐ Check for pulling or drifting
☐ Check for abnormal vibration
☐ Evaluate vehicle stability and control
☐ Verify the vehicle can be safely controlled at road speed

✓ BAR Documentation & Certification

After the physical inspection is completed, the technician must:

☐ Record the inspection results
☐ Complete required BAR-SIS inspection procedures
☐ Document any failed items
☐ Complete the Vehicle Safety Report
☐ Submit the inspection through the BAR system
☐ Issue the electronic certificate of compliance when the vehicle passes

Why Does a VSSI Take So Long?

A VSSI is not a quick safety check or a basic brake-and-light inspection.

Your Licensed technician is required to inspect numerous safety components throughout the vehicle. Some items must be physically tested or measured, the vehicle may need to be raised and wheels removed, electronic systems must be checked, and the vehicle must complete a road test.

We don't rush a VSSI because the purpose of the inspection is to verify that a vehicle is safe to return to California roads.

At All Car Specialists, your VSSI is performed carefully and thoroughly according to California Bureau of Automotive Repair requirements.

All Car Specialists, Inc.
330 S. Del Mar Ave.
San Gabriel, CA
(626) 285-2205

VSSI requirements are established by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. Inspection requirements may vary depending on the vehicle's equipment, configuration, and applicable manufacturer specifications.