Buying a Used Car? Everything You Should Know about Safety Certification and Emission Testing!

Each year, over one million used vehicles gain new owners in Ontario. While the used auto you’re about to buy may have been emission-tested and safety-certified, that doesn’t guarantee it’s in tip-top condition.

What is a Safety Standard Certificate (SSC)?

An SSC is a certificate issued by a Ministry of Transportation-approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) once a vehicle has passed a safety inspection. However, this inspection covers only the minimum safety requirements for vehicles in Ontario.

Is an SSC a warranty on my vehicle purchase?

No, an SSC is not a warranty or guarantee on the general condition of the vehicle. The SSC simply means that on the date the certificate was issued, the vehicle met the minimum safety standards required under Regulation 611 of Ontario's Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

What might not be covered?

The vehicle may not be outfitted with new brakes or new tires. But even when they are, many dealers provide only the lowest cost brakes and tires with their vehicles.

Go to a dealer such as Prudent Value Cars who uses premium brakes and new  tires.  It is safer and more economical to pay a bit more and be assured that over the next two years your maintenance costs won’t amount to anymore than the price of an oil change.

What should I do?

You should take the vehicle to a certified mechanic that you trust and have that mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy it. Also, be sure to ask the dealer if there is a warranty over a period of time --  like a  a couple of weeks or a month -- in which you can see if there are any mechanical problems. A few dealers, such as Prudent Value Cars, offer a month warranty on all mechanicals.

What about the Ontario emissions standards program, Drive Clean?

This is Ontario's mandatory vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program. It was established because vehicles are a major source of smog and several other toxic contaminants. The e-test definitely helps protect your health. It is essential to pass before you are able to renew your registration and licence plates. You’re required to have an emissions test every two years if the vehicle is seven years or older based on the model year (Pre-1988 models are exempt.)

An emissions test is also required when buying or selling used vehicles that have a model year older than the current calendar year. This helps ensure that consumers do not end up buying a used auto with emissions problems.

The test usually includes your carburetor, spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve, fuel filter and ignition system. So, in order to pass the e-test, be very sure that your auto is well maintained.

For more information about  PRUDENT VALUE CARS,  visit our web site: www.prudentvaluecars.com
There’s a big difference between PRUDENT VALUE CARS and most other dealers.  PRUDENT goes well beyond the minimum safety standards in Ontario.  PRUDENT installs new premium-quality brakes and new all-season tires. 

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