VSSI: Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection. Once known as a Brake and Lamp inspection, VSSI is a California state program designed to ensure the roadworthiness of a vehicle. During the course of this inspection, we need to access lights, sensors, and equipment in every corner of the vehicle, including in the trunk, so it is important that your car be cleaned, organized, and free of clutter prior to your brake and lamp inspection. Here is a general overview of what this inspection entails: Braking System: Beyond just performing a stopping test, this is a full brake inspection during which we will remove all four wheels, measure all brake linings, rotors, drums, check function of parking brake, inspect brake lines and master cylinder for leaks, inspect wiring of Anti-Lock Braking System wiring, test all sensors, and inspect all braking-related hardware. Lights: All lights attached to and visible on the vehicle must function, including brakes lights, headlights (high/low beams), fog lamps, side marker lights, turn signals, reverse indicators, hazards, etc. There must be no cracked or broken lenses and headlights must be aimed properly. Windshield: No cracks, delamination or deterioration of the glass front or rear that would restrict the driver's vision. Windshield wipers (front and rear): Windshield wipers front and rear must adequately clear moisture and grime from the glass. Wiper blades must not have any visible defects. Seats: Seats must be securely fastened to the vehicle and hold a fixed position when not being adjusted. Seatbelts: Seatbelt fabric must be free of cuts, frays, and tears. Buckles must function as intended by the manufacturer by latching and unlatching easily. The automatic retracting mechanism along with locking mechanism must also function. Warning indicator must illuminate when a seatbelt is unbuckled while the car is on and it must clear once the seatbelt is latched. Mirrors: Must be attached securely and hold positions when adjusted. Glass should be clear and not cracked, and the mirrored surface should exhibit no deterioration. Child Seat LATCH System: If vehicle is equipped with LATCH, we have to verify that it is securely fastened, and exhibits no damage. Supplemental Restraint System: The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)/Airbag light must illuminate at start up and then clear. Airbag covers may not exhibit any evidence that would indicate that the airbag had been previously deployed and repaired. Wheels: No stress cracks, chips, or bends anywhere on the rim. Sizes must match, or if not matching be appropriate for the vehicle. All lug nuts and studs must be present and in good working condition. Tires: Must be in good condition with tread depth greater than 2/32nd of an inch and not exhibit any major crack, holes, or other damage. Directional tires must be on the correct side of the vehicle. Spare Tire and wheel requires the same inspection as the other tires and wheels. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): The TPMS light must illuminate at start-up and then clear, indicating that the TPMS is functional. Light must not remain illuminated or blink. If vehicle is equipped with a TPMS sensor in the spare tire, it must also function. Steering and Suspension: The inspection of the steering and suspension systems is a physical and visual inspection that will include all bushings, bearings, ball-type socket joints, arms, rods, struts, bars, subframes, belts, power assist fluids, steering gears, steering columns, shocks, struts, springs, linkages, and steering and/or suspension related sensors, switches, and wiring. Loose or failing components will be considered a failure. Traction Control Systems must function as intended by the manufacturer. The light must illuminate and clear out. Body Structure: Hoods, doors, trunk, fenders and bumpers must be present and in normal working order. Hood must have a 2-stage latch that functions in both stages. Doors with 2-stage latches must function in both stages and must open from both inside and outside door handles. Trunk/Liftgate/Hatchback must open and close freely without binding. Frame: The frame plays an important role in safety and uses crumple/crush zones designed to absorb energy in accidents. When inspecting vehicles equipped with a frame, inspect the frame for collision damage, repairs that were not performed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, and structural rust.