Modification Without Approval
You are inspecting a passenger car that has been modified with a raised suspension and larger wheels. The owner says the modifications were done by a reputable workshop and that they improve off-road capability. The car's suspension has been raised by 50mm, and the wheels are two inches larger in diameter than the original specification. The owner has not provided any engineering certification or approval for the modifications. The inspection standards require that any modification affecting the vehicle's compliance with the relevant vehicle standards must be approved by a signatory or the jurisdiction. The owner argues that many people do this modification and it's 'perfectly safe'. You notice that the speedometer reading may be affected by the larger wheels, and the raised suspension may affect the vehicle's stability and headlight aim. The car is otherwise in good condition. The owner is a regular customer and you have a good relationship with him.
1. How should you handle this inspection, and what are the key considerations?
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The key consideration is whether the modifications are approved and whether they affect the vehicle's compliance with the standards. The raised suspension and larger wheels are modifications that can affect safety: speedometer accuracy, headlight aim, braking performance, and stability. Without engineering certification, you cannot be satisfied that the vehicle complies. You should fail the inspection or decline to pass it until the owner provides evidence of approval. You should explain the requirements to the owner, including that he needs to obtain an engineering certificate or approval from the jurisdiction. You should also check whether the speedometer is accurate (it may under-read with larger wheels) and whether the headlight aim is within limits. Even if the owner argues it's common, you must apply the standards. Your relationship with the customer is irrelevant to the decision. You should document the modifications and the reason for failure.
2. What would you record on the inspection report, and what advice would you give the owner?
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On the inspection report, you should record the specific modifications (raised suspension by 50mm, larger wheels) and note that they are not approved. You should record that the vehicle fails because it does not comply with the standards due to unapproved modifications. You should also note any related defects, such as speedometer inaccuracy or headlight aim, if you checked them. You should not issue a pass certificate. You should advise the owner to obtain engineering certification from a recognised signatory or approval from the jurisdiction. You can explain that once approval is obtained, the vehicle can be re-inspected. You should also advise that the modifications may affect insurance and registration. You should give the owner a copy of the report and keep a record. If the owner disputes, you can refer him to the AIS administration.