It's that time of the year. You glance at the sticker on your windscreen (or the notification on your phone) and your heart skips a beat. The month of the Mandatory Periodic Inspection (IPO) has arrived.
Suddenly, you go into paranoia mode. The engine seems to be making a different noise, you think the car pulls slightly to the right, and you start praying to every saint that you won't leave half your salary at the mechanic's.
Relax, my friend. The IPO isn't the bogeyman they make it out to be. In fact, most "fails" happen for reasons so ridiculous that they could've been sorted at home, in 5 minutes.
To avoid breaking a sweat in the inspection centre's waiting room, here's the master's checklist for passing the first time:
1. The Classic Blown Bulb 💡
Believe it or not, the biggest cause of an inspection fail is a simple €2 blown bulb. Before going, park the car against a wall at night or ask a friend to stand behind it and check. Test EVERYTHING:
- Low and high beams
- Indicators (front, rear and side, if you have them)
- Brake lights (don't forget the 3rd light, if it exists)
- Reverse lights
- Fog lights
- Number plate lights
Yes, even the tiny number plate light can give you a headache and earn you a straight fail.
2. The Coin Trick on Tyres 🪙
Driving on "bald" tyres is a recipe for disaster (and a straight fail). Take a 1-euro coin and slot it into the tyre grooves. If you can see the gold rim of the coin, the tread is too worn out and it's time to buy new rubber. Also check that the tyres on the same axle are exactly the same brand and size!
3. Water on the Windows (Sounds Stupid, But It Happens) 💧
The inspector will pull the lever to wash the windscreen. If no water comes out because you forgot to top up the washer fluid tank, or if your wipers are so dried out that they only scratch the glass, you'll get an immediate note on your sheet. Buy a bottle of windscreen washer fluid at the supermarket and top it up.
4. The Triangle and the Vest (The Treasure Hunt) ⚠️
"I have that in the car... I think!" You don't think — you need to be sure. The inspector will ask to see your warning triangle and reflective vest. Check that they are accessible in the boot or the cabin. If your car has a spare wheel, make sure it's there and properly inflated!
5. Seat Belts Clean and Working 💺
Pull all the seat belts in the car (yes, even the rear ones nobody ever uses) firmly. They have to lock instantly. Also check that they latch properly into the buckle. If your seat belt buckle is buried under the kid's seat, dig it out before the inspection.
You Took Good Care of the Car. And When It's Your Holiday Time?
You passed the IPO with flying colours, your car has the green slip and is ready to devour kilometres for another year. You take good care of your machine.
So why abandon it on the street when you go on a trip?
When you go on holiday, don't leave your car parked in some empty lot or a dark street near the airport, at the mercy of pigeons, scorching sun or unwanted "bumps".
Take your car straight to the airport's Departures. The Multipark crew handles your machine with the same care as you do. We collect the key and park the car in our secure, fenced and monitored facility.
You'll fly with a clear head and your car will rest in a 5-star "hotel". On your return, we'll be waiting at the terminal door with the car ready to roll.
Your car passed inspection. Now, Run your Valet Parking simulation at Multipark and make sure it gets a good holiday too!
