Your SAAQ inspection is approaching and you’re wondering what to check? At Alex Pneu et Mécanique, we regularly see customers who arrive in a panic two days before their appointment with the mandataire. And frankly, there’s no point.
The SAAQ (Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec) inspection is not a trap. It’s simply a standardized check to make sure your vehicle is safe on our roads. We’ll guide you through it. Here’s exactly what you need to check – and how.
What is the SAAQ inspection and why is it important?
The SAAQ inspection is a mandatory technical inspection in Quebec carried out by an authorized agent – like our SAAQ inspection service. It verifies that your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required to drive legally.
Why it’s important :
- Safety: An inspected vehicle is a safe vehicle for you, your family and other road users.
- Legality: Without a valid inspection, you can’t register or renew your vehicle.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your car is in compliance allows you to drive stress-free.
At Alex, we know the SAAQ criteria by heart – we apply them every day. And we know exactly how to prepare your vehicle for success, with no surprises.
Complete checklist: point by point
Here’s what the SAAQ inspection checks. Look at each section with your vehicle and check off the items.
1. Braking system
This is the number one point. No compromises.
What to check:
- Brake pads: If they’re worn or too thin, you won’t get through. A good thickness is about 5mm minimum.
- Brake discs: Check for cracks or excessive wear.
- Brake fluid: Level should be at a minimum. Color should be clear (not black or cloudy).
- Brake hoses: Check for leaks or disintegrating hoses.
- Pedals: They should work properly, without excessive slack.
What we recommend: If your brakes are more than 2-3 years old, or if you’re hearing squeaking noises, a brake change at Alex’s is one hour and peace of mind guaranteed.
2. Lighting
All your lights must be working.
To be checked:
- Headlights: Right and left beam, strong and clear.
- Highbeam: Orange at the front, red at the rear.
- Braking lights: Intense red at the rear when braking.
- Turn signals: Orange, front and rear, flashing regularly.
- Back-up lights: White and functional.
- Rear fog light: If fitted, must be red.
Practical tip: Test in a dark place with someone. It takes 5 minutes and it’s free. Change any burnt-out bulbs before the inspection.
3. Tires and wheels
Your tires are your only contact with the road. The SAAQ takes this seriously.
Check it out:
- Tread depth: Minimum 2/32 inch (1.6mm). Honestly, in Quebec, we recommend changing them from 4/32.
- Even wear: Tires should wear evenly, not on one side more than the other.
- Cracks or dents: Check tire sidewalls for visible damage.
- Wheel nuts: All must be tight and present.
What we recommend: If your tires are wearing strangely, it’s often an alignment problem. Alignment before inspection is both safer and more economical (you don’t waste new tires with misalignment). And if you need to replace tires, our tire change service takes care of everything.
4. Suspension and steering system
Quebec roads are tough on suspension.
To check:
- Shock absorbers: They must not leak. No excessive movement when you press on the roof.
- Springs: Check for strange noises when driving slowly over bumps.
- Stabilizer bars: Look for oil leaks or broken parts.
- Steering play: No excessive slack in the steering wheel. A quarter-turn with no reaction is normal. Half a turn? Problem.
- Ball joints and seals: Check connections, no strange movement.
What we recommend: A suspension and steering inspection at Alex’s takes 30 minutes and shows you exactly where you stand. If something rattles when you turn or your vehicle “falls” to one side, it’s time to act.
5. Electrical and electronic systems
This is an important chapter for the SAAQ.
Check it out:
- Battery: There should be no cracks or major corrosion at the terminals.
- Alternator: Try pulling the drive belt. If it moves too much, it’s a sign of weakness.
- Wiring: Check for burnt or stripped cables.
- Instrument panel lights: No fault lights should remain on when the engine is running.
What we recommend: If any lights remain on, an electronic diagnostic will tell you exactly what’s going on. Often, it’s simple-a weak battery, an odd sensor-but it’s important to know before the inspection.
6. Exhaust system
Emission standards in Quebec are strict.
To check:
- Muffler: No major rust. If it’s dragging on the ground, it’s a problem.
- Exhaust pipe: Check for holes or cracks.
- Catalytic converter: This is under the vehicle. If it’s damaged or missing, you won’t get through.
- Noise: Listen when you start the engine. An abnormal noise? Potential problem.
What we recommend: An exhaust system diagnosis at Alex’s will show you exactly what condition your pipes are in. And if something needs replacing, you might as well know now.
7. Windscreen and visibility
It’s a question of safety and legality.
Please check:
- Windshield: No major cracks in the driver’s line of vision. A small scratch is OK. A big crack? No.
- Windshield wipers: They should work perfectly. No streaks or streaks.
- Mirrors: All must be present and functional.
- Side windows: No excessive forward tinting (light tints are OK).
What we recommend: If you have windshield damage, our partner VitroPlus can take care of it. For tinted windows, check SAAQ regulations before adding a tint-there are strict standards.
8. Structure and bodywork
No major corrosion or structural damage.
Please check:
- Rust: The SAAQ tolerates light rust. But if the metal is disintegrating or holes are poking through the bodywork, it’s a problem.
- Doors: They must open and close properly.
- Hood and trunk: Same thing.
- Headlights and lights: Lenses must not be broken or excessively fogged.
What we recommend: If you have minor rust, our Ziebart rustproofing service can help prevent it from spreading. But if the rust has already spread deeply, it’s a shop job.
9. Required equipment
Some things simply have to be there.
To be checked:
- Seat belts: All seats must have them. They must work (unlocking, easy removal).
- Headrests: Front mandatory.
- Horn: Must work.
- License plate: Legible and securely attached (front and rear).
- Previous inspection sticker: Keep it visible.
What we recommend: Check it all now. It’s free and only takes 5 minutes.
Tips for a successful SAAQ inspection
Before going to the agent
- Clean your vehicle – at least inside and out. A clean vehicle creates a good first impression and shows that you care.
- Take it for a test drive – listen for strange noises, test the brakes, test all the lights. If anything sounds off, there’s a problem to be fixed.
- Check the engine oil – it’s free, it takes 2 minutes, and it shows you’re looking after the vehicle.
- Have your documents ready – registration certificate, proof of ownership.
During the inspection
- Be honest with the inspector. If something has gone wrong, say so.
- Listen to the recommendations. If something needs to be fixed, do it quickly.
- Ask questions if you don’t understand.
If you fail
Don’t panic. It’s often simple to fix. The inspector will tell you exactly what needs to be fixed.
Why choose Alex Pneu et Mécanique as your SAAQ Agent?
We know the SAAQ criteria because we apply them every day. At Alex, we never sell you a service you don’t need. We tell you plainly:
- What’s OK
- What should be corrected before inspection
- What MUST be repaired
And if you need complete preparation before the inspection, our SAAQ verification service (click here to find out more) can carry out the inspection directly on our premises. 45 years of experience, a team you can trust, seamless from start to finish.
Be ready, be confident
The SAAQ inspection is not something to fear. It’s simply a check that your vehicle is safe. With this checklist and a little preparation, you’ll pass without stress.
And if you have any doubts about any of these points, just give us a call. A quick consultation at Alex Pneu et Mécanique (Plateau Mont-Royal, since 1980) costs you nothing-and it could save you time and money.
Schedule your SAAQ inspection today. Simple service is good service. That’s been our philosophy since 1980.