Perform a comprehensive state safety inspection of the vehicle, checking all safety-critical systems including lights, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and emissions components to ensure compliance with state requirements.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface with adequate lighting
2. Set parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Start engine and allow to reach normal operating temperature
4. Verify VIN matches registration documents
5. Clear work area around vehicle for complete exterior inspection

Procedure

1. 1

   Exterior Lighting Check
   Verify operation of all exterior lights. Check headlights (low and high beam), turn signals (front and rear), brake lights, reverse lights, license plate lights, and hazard flashers. Inspect lenses for cracks or damage. Verify proper aim of headlights.
2. 2

   Horn and Windshield Systems Check
   Test horn for proper operation. Check windshield for cracks or chips in driver's field of view (larger than 1 inch within wiper coverage area typically fails). Verify windshield wipers operate at all speeds and blades make proper contact without streaking or tearing. Test windshield washer spray and verify fluid level is adequate.
3. 3

   Interior Safety Systems Check
   Verify all seatbelts (front and rear) retract properly, latch securely, and show no fraying or damage. Check operation of all door latches and ensure doors open from inside and outside. Verify rearview and side mirrors are present and securely mounted. Check parking brake holds vehicle on incline and releases fully.
4. 4

   OBD-II Emissions System Check
   Connect OBD-II scanner to diagnostic port under driver's side dash. Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or active malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Verify all emissions monitors are in 'Ready' status - on 2011-2014 F-150, catalyst, EVAP, oxygen sensor, and misfire monitors must show ready. Clear any pending codes only if non-emissions related and re-verify.
5. 5

   Tire and Wheel Inspection
   Inspect all four tires plus spare for minimum tread depth (2/32 inch minimum in most states, 4/32 inch recommended). Check for uneven wear patterns, sidewall damage, bulges, or exposed cords. Verify tire sizes match and are appropriate for vehicle. Check and record tire pressures - front should be 35 PSI, rear 35 PSI for standard configuration. Inspect wheels for cracks or damage.
6. 6

   Brake System Inspection - Visual
   Lift front of vehicle using proper jacking points and support on jack stands. Remove front wheels. Inspect brake pads for minimum thickness (3mm minimum), rotor condition (scoring, hot spots, minimum thickness stamped on rotor). Check brake lines and hoses for leaks, cracks, or damage. Repeat process for rear wheels and inspect rear brake pads/rotors or drum brake components.
7. 7

   Brake Performance Test
   Reinstall all wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Lower vehicle. Test brake pedal feel - should be firm with no excessive travel or spongy feel. Pedal should not sink when held under pressure. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir - should be between MIN and MAX marks. Perform road test verifying straight-line stopping with no pulling to either side.
8. 8

   Steering and Suspension Inspection
   With vehicle raised on jack stands, grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and check for vertical play indicating worn ball joints. Grasp at 3 and 9 o'clock and check for horizontal play indicating worn tie rod ends. Inspect steering linkage, tie rod ends, and ball joint boots for tears or damage. Check shock absorbers for leaks. Inspect control arm bushings for deterioration. Verify power steering fluid level and check for leaks at pump and rack. Repeat inspection on rear suspension components.
9. 9

   Exhaust System Inspection
   With vehicle raised, inspect entire exhaust system from manifolds to tailpipe. Check for holes, loose connections, rust-through, or damage. Verify exhaust hangers are intact and muffler is securely mounted. Listen for exhaust leaks at manifold gaskets and connections. On 4WD models, ensure exhaust clears transfer case and has no contact points that could cause rattles.
10. 10

    Underbody and Frame Inspection
    Inspect frame rails and crossmembers for rust, cracks, or damage. Check fuel tank and fuel lines for leaks, damage, or excessive corrosion. Verify fuel filler cap seals properly. Inspect differential covers for leaks. Check transfer case (4WD) for leaks at seals and case halves. Inspect driveshafts for damaged boots or loose U-joints.
11. 11

    Final Road Test and Documentation
    Lower vehicle and perform final road test. Verify steering operates smoothly without excessive play or binding. Test brakes at various speeds confirming straight-line stopping. Listen for unusual noises from drivetrain, suspension, or exhaust. Verify all dashboard warning lights extinguish after startup except those that should remain (low fuel, etc.). Document all findings and note any items requiring attention or causing inspection failure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all wheels are properly torqued to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in star pattern after any removal
2. Verify all inspection covers, panels, or components temporarily removed are properly reinstalled
3. Top off any fluids found to be low during inspection

Verification

• All exterior lights function properly and lenses are intact
• No active diagnostic trouble codes and all emissions monitors show ready status
• All tires meet minimum tread depth and pressure specifications
• Brake system operates properly with firm pedal feel and straight-line stopping
• No fluid leaks present from any vehicle systems
• Steering and suspension components show no excessive wear or damage
• Exhaust system is secure with no leaks or damage
• All safety equipment (seatbelts, mirrors, wipers) function correctly

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