Introduction
1. Definitions and Acronyms
Various terms and acronyms are used throughout this standard. These terms have specific and consistent meanings as they relate to conducting periodic inspections, and identifying defective conditions. The purpose of defining these term is to support consistent interpretation and application of the language used in this standard. The terms that are defined below are highlighted whenever they appear in each section to remind the reader that the condition is one of those that is specifically defined. This reminder also appears in the header of each section of this document. The meaning of each of terms, for the purposes of conducting inspections according to this standard, is as follows:
Item | Definition |
|---|---|
Abnormally Worn | Unusual, excessive or exceptional wear of a vehicle component, indicative of the presence of some deterioration or defect in that component, or in a related part of a vehicle. This term is used selectively in this standard for a component or system where some wear is normal, and does not directly have any effect on vehicle safety. It is expected that the inspector knows the amount of wear, and the type of wear, that is typical (normal) based on the age and operation of a vehicle. |
ABS | Anti-Lock Braking System |
ANSI | The American National Standards Institute, and standards developed by ANSI which have been adopted in jurisdictional equipment regulations. |
Applicable Requirements | The applicable requirements in British Columbia (BC) are: Motor Vehicle Act, regulations made under the Motor Vehicle Act, Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada), and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). It is expected that the Authorized Inspector will know what the BC requirements are when they perform inspections. |
Aurally Inspect | Inspect by listening. |
Body Structural Integrity | Critical components designed as stress and weight/load bearing member/elements of a vehicle such as radiator support, inner fender skirts, floor pan, rocker panels, engine compartment side rails, upper reinforcements, lower body rails in the rear, inner fender wells, luggage compartment floors and the unibody are within 3 mm (less than 1/8 in.) of the critical manufacturing dimensions, alignments and tolerances. All fits and alignments are determined by the accuracy of the welded structural panels. |
Bus | As defined in the MVA s. 1 - Definitions. |
CGA | Canadian Gas Association |
CMVSS | Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Canada), commonly referred to as Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) and their supporting Technical Standards Documents. These are Canadian manufacturing standards for vehicles which are developed and updated by Transport Canada and which are referenced in jurisdictional equipment regulations. |
CNG | Compressed Natural Gas |
Collector Motor Vehicle | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations – Division 22A. |
Commercial Passenger Vehicle | A motor vehicle operated on a highway by or on behalf of a person who charges or collects compensation for the transportation of passengers in that motor vehicle. |
CSA | The Canadian Standards Association, an association that develops standards that apply to vehicles, (i.e.: CSA B51, B109, B620, D250, D409, D435, D436 etc.). These standards are updated on a periodic basis and are often referenced in jurisdictional equipment regulations. |
Damaged | Any unintended condition, or condition caused by means other than normal use, that is likely to impair normal function. |
DOT | Department of Transportation (US) |
ECE function markings | Compliance, use and/or installation markings found on European manufactured devices. Indicated by an “E” inside a circle. E code markings do not necessarily indicate compliance. |
FMVSS | Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These are U.S. manufacturing standards for vehicles which are developed and updated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transport. |
Fuzzing | Fibrous, hair-like particles on surface of material or substance. |
GVW | “Gross Vehicle Weight” means the aggregate of the net weight of a vehicle and the weight of its load. |
GVWR | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act s. 1 - Definitions. |
Hazardous Condition | A condition that is so dangerous or unsafe that it requires corrective action before the vehicle can return to service and be permitted to operate. |
HID | High-intensity discharge lamp |
I-CAR | Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair |
Industry Standard | Installation, modification or repair methods described in industry-accepted recommended practices published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), recommended practices published in the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations, standards developed and published by Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and other similar documents from similar organizations. |
Inoperative | A vehicle component or system does not operate the way it:
|
Insecure | An item is beginning to become detached due to deterioration of the means of mounting. This can also mean that a method of attachment has been used that is in itself unsafe by being unable to withstand normal vehicle operation, or is not at least equivalent to the OEM standard method of attachment. |
LED | Light Emitting Diode |
Left Hand Drive Vehicle | A left hand drive vehicle has the steering wheel on the left side, and is designed to be used in countries where people drive on the right-hand side of the road. |
LGVW | “Licensed Gross Vehicle Weight” means the gross vehicle weight a vehicle is licensed for. This is usually shown on the vehicle’s licensing and registration documents. |
LNG | Liquified Natural Gas |
LPG | Liquified Petroleum Gas |
Loose | An item is detached, or no longer fully attached, due to failure or deterioration of one or more means of attachment. |
Manufacturer | The manufacturer of the vehicle, the manufacturer of a major vehicle component or system, or manufacturer of aftermarket parts that are direct replacements for OEM parts. Examples of major components or systems include, but are not limited to: engines, transmissions, axles, brake systems, steering systems, suspension systems, etc. |
MAWP | Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is the maximum pressure to which a component is designed to be subjected when handling the specified fluid throughout the design temperature range. |
MIG Welding | Metal Inert Gas Welding |
Missing | An item is absent (such as ‘removed’ or ‘detached’) that:
|
Motorcycle | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act s. 1 - Definitions. |
MVA | |
MVAR | |
MVSA | |
Net Weight | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations s. 1 - Interpretation. |
Nitrous Oxide | A pressurized Nitrous Oxide System (NOS) that usually consists of a canister or tank and delivery lines that provide the injection of nitrous oxide gas to an internal combustion motor. |
NSM | National Safety Mark. The national safety mark (NSM) is the property of the Government of Canada and its use is authorized by the Minister of Transport to manufacturers of new vehicles offered for sale in Canada. For more information visit the Transport Canada website. |
NVIS | The New Vehicle Information Statement is a record of a new vehicle and provides basic information on the vehicle, the manufacturer/importer, the authorized dealer who sells it, and on the initial purchaser. |
OEM | “Original Equipment Manufacturer” refers to the “brand name” manufacturer of the vehicle. |
OEM Standard | The manufacturing methods, component or assembly quality, and performance level, set by the manufacturer of a vehicle, or vehicle component, to ensure a vehicle is able to safely perform at its intended level, and to ensure the vehicle complies with the relevant (or ) requirements. It includes component quality, performance levels, repair methods, durability, safety, and the service methods outlined in the warranty and service literature provided for the use and maintenance of a vehicle. Parts supplied by OEM, and established aftermarket manufacturers of parts intended for direct replacement of OEM parts, are generally considered to meet OEM standard. |
Pressure Vessel | A tank or container designed to hold a gas or liquid at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. |
Reject If | A condition if present at time of inspection, or if present after repairs, results in a failed inspection. |
Replicar | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations section 7.01(5)(a). |
Replikit | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations section 7.01(5)(b). |
Right Hand Drive Vehicle | A right hand drive vehicle has the steering wheel on the right side, and is designed to be used in countries where people drive on the left hand side of the road. |
Rust Jacking | A build up of rust that results in lifting, separation or bulging of components originally designed to remain in contact with each other, (i.e.: brake linings, suspension, frame and body components). |
SAE | Society of Automotive Engineers |
Salvage Vehicle | As defined in the Motor Vehicle Act section 17.1(1). |
School Bus | Means a “yellow and black school bus”, as defined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations section 11.01(1) |
Spalled | Splintered or chipped. |
Three-Wheeled Vehicle | A vehicle, other than a competition vehicle, a , a restricted-use , an antique reproduction vehicle, a trailer or a vehicle imported temporarily for a special purpose, that: a) is designed to travel on three wheels in contact with the ground, b) has no more than four designated seating positions, and c) has a GVWR of 1,000 kg or less. |
TIG Welding | Tungsten Inert Gas welding |
TSD | Technical Standards Document (federal) |
VIN | Vehicle Identification Number |
2. Categorization of Fluid (Liquid) Leaks
Every reference to a fluid (or liquid) leak listed as a reject condition is categorized with respect to the level of severity of the leak. The level of severity is categorized as either level 1, level 2, or level 3, and each category is defined below. A vehicle with a leak that meets the defined level, or leaking more severely than this level, will cause the vehicle to fail inspection.
Level 1 leak | means seepage of fluid that is not great enough to form drop. |
Level 2 leak | means seepage of fluid that is great enough to form drops, but not great enough to cause the drops to fall during inspection. |
Level 3 leak | means seepage of fluid that forms drops, and those drops fall during inspection. |
3. Inspection Classes
To ensure clarity and ease of use, an Inspection Class column is provided beside each inspection item and its rejection criteria. This column identifies the applicable class or combination of classes to which the item and criteria apply.
Pursuant to Section 217(1)(b) of the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA), the Director designates facilities for the following class of inspections:
Class 1 | Light Motor Vehicle with of 5500 kg or less |
Class 2 | Heavy Motor Vehicle with of 5501 kg or more |
Class 3 | and |
Class 4 | |
Class 5 | |
Class 6 |
4. Workplace Safety
Some of the inspection procedures described in this standard require the use of tools and equipment, and may involve safety hazards. It is assumed that the individual performing inspections according to this standard is fully familiar with all relevant workplace safety requirements and protocols.
No specific safety warnings are provided within this document. All relevant and appropriate safety precautions are the responsibility of the inspector/mechanic/technician and the workplace where the inspection is conducted.
5. Inspection Methods
The inspection of vehicle components and systems conducted to determine compliance with this standard consists mainly of visual inspection activities.
The items that require inspection on any particular vehicle are based on the specific components and systems that were required by regulations, (e.g.: or the BC Motor Vehicle Act and Regulations) applicable to the vehicle at the time it was manufactured, are ordinarily present on a vehicle; were present on a vehicle when that vehicle was manufactured, or are required for normal and safe vehicle operation.
6. Illustrations, Text Boxes and Diagrams used in the Standard
In an effort to improve the consistency and uniformity of the inspection process a series of illustrations, text boxes and diagrams are used in this version of the standard. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between the diagram, text box or illustration and any other enactment, the other enactment prevails.
Info panel(s):
Are used throughout the Standard as a reminder, outlining Authorized Inspector’s responsibilities when conducting inspections. These are displayed with the “i” symbol and appearing at the beginning of each section.
Additional Inspection Procedure(s):
Whenever inspection of an item requires more than a visual inspection, additional inspection procedures are specifically provided for each item. These are displayed with the heading “Additional Inspection Procedure(s)” appearing before or after the text describing the necessary steps, or at the beginning of each subsection (if they apply to all items of that subsection).
Optional Inspection Procedure(s):
Whenever inspection of an item allows for multiple methods of inspecting, a text box with the heading “Optional Inspection Procedure(s)” will be displayed before or after the text, describing the procedure.
Note(s):
In many cases additional information is provided to clarify the inspection procedure or assist in consistent interpretation of the standard. These are displayed with the heading “Note:” appearing before or after the text, or at the beginning of each subsection (if they apply to all items of that subsection).
Hazardous Condition(s):
A condition that is so dangerous or unsafe that it requires corrective action before the vehicle can return to service and be permitted to operate. A vehicle with a hazardous condition is considered too unsafe to be driven and, in British Columbia, driving a vehicle with a hazardous condition is prohibited. These are displayed with the heading “Hazardous Condition(s)” appearing before or after each subsection.
Right Hand Drive Vehicles Additional Inspection Requirements:
When inspecting Right Hand Drive Vehicles many items and methods of inspection require extra attention or are in addition to all items and methods outlined in this Vehicle Inspection Manual. These are displayed with the heading “Right Hand Drive Vehicles Additional Inspection Requirements” appearing before or after an inspection item, or at the beginning of each subsection (if they apply to all items of that subsection).
Neighbourhood Zero Emissions Vehicles (NZEV)
These are displayed with the heading “Neighbourhood Zero Emissions Vehicles (NZEV)” appearing before or after an inspection item, or at the beginning of each subsection (if they apply to all items of that subsection).