What is a Safety Certificate?

A Safety Standards Certificate is a document issued by a repair facility that is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, which certifies the road worthiness of a vehicle at the time of inspection. First introduced in 1974 the Ontario Government developed a basic list of safety related items hopping to minimize the repair cost for a ownership change it was not intended to be a high revenue source for repair shops. The original Safety Standards Certificate checklist is periodically updated to reflect changes in vehicle design and technology.The Safety Standards Certificate (also referred to as a DOT or mechanical fitness inspection) is often confused in the market place with a vehicle guarantee of condition. A Safety Standards Certificate is for inspected items (for example, the headlights) worked on the day of inspection; it does not guarantee that the headlights will work even one day after the inspection. The list of items on the Safety Standards Certificate includes such things as bodywork, seat belts, mirrors, headlamps, reflectors, brakes, steering, tires, wheels, suspensions, horn and fuel system components. Technically, a vehicle could require major mechanical repairs and still easily pass a certification. A Safety Standards Certificate typically costs between $60 and $90, (PLUS any necessary repairs) and is valid, for transfer purposes, for 36 days (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) from the inspection date.

Both the repair facility that issues a Safety Standards Certificate, and the auto technician who signs it, must be registered with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Some rogue garages and technicians have been known to sign certificates, for a fee, without actually inspecting vehicles, or ignoring defects. Penalties of $50 to $500 can be brought against those convicted of performing sub-standard inspections. Not that common today with enforcement and the minimum list of safety items required to pass. It does not usually cost a large amount to get a vehicle with in Ontario Standards. To the most part higher costs are relate to brake work and tires both traditionally part of regular maintenance and easy to justify. How ever their are exceptions with new technology like HUD lighting as a example a bulb and ballast alone can cost over $200 dollars low profile tires and performance related brake or suspension components can be surprising expensive. Common sense should play a big factor in your purchase if your looking at higher end vehicles expect to pay more for both parts and labor. It is always a good idea to have the vehicle pre-inspected before taking delivery most repair facilities will work with you to help find other issues not related to the basic safety inspection, so you know what you are dealing with and can budget for future repairs. This can also give you the option not to buy the vehicle by making it a condition of the sale or to find a selling price that reflex's the vehicle true value.

Always remember as a potential used car purchaser just because a vehicle has been certified it does not mean that it is a guaranty of the over all condition. A legitimate Safety Standards Certificate means that a vehicle has met a minimum standard. The vehicle may still require significant mechanical work that could be costly to repair related to basic operating systems like engine, transmission, accessories or air conditioning.

If you are looking for a guaranty most franchised dealer already offer some form of coverage for the first 30-90 days, always ask for details. Review the option of an extended warranty the cost can very from vehicle to vehicle depending on make and model and can be very reasonable.  Newer vehicle may carry the balance of a manufactures warranty in some cases up to 5 years or 160000KM from the date of the new vehicle delivery. You should confirm the conditions and terms of the warranty usually in the glove box or talk to the service department so if there is a problem you know you are covered. K-W Mitsubishi  Kitchener Mitsubishi