The Science of Car Inspection
The Science of a CarDr.com Inspection provides you with the True Facts of the Vehicle. We use a Comprehensive 4 Step Vehicle Inspection Process to deliver a vehicle inspection report to you.
Used car inspections should start with the Vehicle Damage History, this highlights the potential elements to scrutinize in detail during the inspection. At CarDr.com, the inspection itself is performed by a qualified inspector using a comprehensive process and our Inspection App. Our app records the inspection data, pictures, DTC error codes and idling/driving OBD (On Board Diagnostic) data form the vehicle. CarDr.com's AI then compares all the collected points to similar vehicles, and assigns the car a "True Grade"
Our Vehicle Inspection Steps are:
- Car Damage History: Identify potential past problems such as Total Loss, Structural Damage, Airbag Deployment, Odometer check, etc...
- Physical Inspection: 150+ touch point inspection performed by a qualified inspector using the patent pending CarDr.com Mobile Inspector app
- OBD Diagnosis: DTC/ML Error Codes + OBD Monitors + OBD data capture
- AI-Based Vehicle Health Scoring & Comparison To Peers: Reliability Grade + Determine if the inspected vehicle is a good value
Vehicle History
Vehicle Damage History is important to understand to help detect prior issues. Our car damage history sources include CarFax and other sources. Vehicle damage history reports are a key part of a used-car purchase – they share the vehicle's past service, accident and repair history. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit key to the car history report, much like the car’s Social Security number
Physical Inspection
A comprehensive 150+ checkpoint App based inspection is conducted using the CarDr.com Inspection App which ensures that nothing is left un-inspected. The APP has a scientific flow and process - that helps us cover most parts that can be covered in a parking lot inspection.
During the used car inspection, the inspector may take the car out for a short (roughly five minutes) test drive as well as a test while idling. During these tests, our inspectors will listen and feel for drive train, suspension, transmission and ride quality.
OBD data is also collected by the inspector APP during the drive - this data can point out key issues - like if the Engine Load, given the throttle position and RPM is too high or Engine Coolant temperature is not where it should be. We try our best - but please be mindful this is a parking lot inspection and sellers/car dealers can try many sketchy things. However, given the multiple check points by CarDr.com – from OBD data, History, Inspection and IBD - we hope to help you catch most. This process robustness makes us proud to call our service “The Science of Car Inspection”.
The Physical Inspection of the Car by CarDr.com App covers 500+ touch points including - Driver Side Front Panel, Driver Side Front Door, Driver Side Rear Door, Driver Side Rear Panel, Rear Windshield, Rear Trunk, Rear Bumper, Passenger Side Front Panel, Passenger Side Front Door, Passenger Side Rear Door, Passenger Side Rear Panel, Front Windshield, Front Hood, Front Bumper, Top/Roof, Headlight Left, Headlight Right, Exterior Paint Condition, Frame Damage, Rust, Tail Lights, Directional Lights Left, Directional Lights Right, Sunroof, Door Mirrors, Side Moldings, Convertible Top, Body Seals, Rocker panel, Back-up Camera, Wiper Blades, Wind Shield Washer, Body Alignment, Antenna, Body repair, Steering Wheel, Sun Visors, Horn, Cruise Control, Seat Condition, Heated Seats, Seat Belts, Clock, Radio/Nav, Inner Door Panels, Interior Trim, Power Locks, Window Switches, Window Function, Center Console, Dashboard, Dashboard Warning Lights, Stereo Sound Level, Air Conditioning, Heater, Rear Defroster, Carpet, Floor Mats, Cigarette Use, Unusual Odors, Cup Holders, Upholstery, Headliner, Blower Motor, Dash Gauges, Odor, Interior Grade, Air Filter, Battery Condition, Charging System, Cooling Fan Condition, Radiator Cap Sealing, Hoses ,Radiator, Engine Coolant, Coolant Leaks, Belts, Power Steering, Steering Fluid, Engine Oil, Engine Fluid Leaks, Engine, Transmission Fluid, Transmission Leaks, Brake System, Brake Fluid Leaks,Transfer Case Leaks, Differential leaks, Exhaust System, CV Joints & Axles, Shocks & bushings, Ball Joints & Tie Rods, Key Fob, Tire Manufacturer/Brand, Left Front Tire, Left Rear Tire, Right Rear Tire, Right Front Tire, Spare Tire, Wheels, Wheel Lug Nuts, Under carriage, Accessories, Engine Starting, Engine, Transmission, Clutch, Differential Performance, Transfer Case Performance, Wheel Bearing Performance, Brakes, Parking Break, Suspension Performance, Steering,Tire Pressure System (TPMS), Manual Gear's Shift & Computer Diagnosis & On Board Diagnostics (OBD).
Inspector performing a vehicle inspection using CarDr.com APP
OBD Scan Inspection
OBD is the abbreviation of On-Board Diagnostics. OBD is a systematic evolution of the modern automobiles. This system monitor’s whether the car's exhaust exceeds the standard at any time from the running status of the engine. Once the standard is exceeded, a warning will be issued immediately. When the system is faulty, the fault (MIL) light or the check engine (Check Engine) warning light is on and the power train control module (PCM) stores the fault information in the memory. The fault code is read from the PCM using our Inspector app via our state of the art OBD Scanner. According to the prompt of the fault code, the maintenance personnel can quickly and accurately determine the nature and location of the fault.
Our Inspector APP scans the OBD and retrieves real-time 4,000+ DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) + over 221 OBD parameters (PID's) + OBD Monitors. Using these OBD PID's we are able to put our finger on the vehicle’s pulse, read its heartbeat and see how its vitals change during a test drive. Your used car inspection report will include information such as coolant and engine oil temperature, engine load and throttle position. With these data points, you can tell how hard your car has to work at getting up to speed, if it needs help staying cool and what types of repairs might be needed—whether immediately or down the road.
The OBD Parameters Scanned include: Engine load, Engine RPM, Vehicle speed, Throttle position, Coolant temperature, Fuel trim, Fuel pressure, Fuel system status, Intake manifold pressure, Intake air temperature, MAF air flow rate, Air status, Oxygen sensor status, Runtime since engine start, Distance with MIL on, Fuel tank level input, System vapor pressure, Absolute load, value, Hybrid battery pack life, Engine oil temperature, Engine fuel rate, Torque, VIN & Various DTCs.
The CarDr.com Inspection APP also reads the OBD Monitors / Emission Monitors/ Readiness Monitors: so you know if the vehicle will pass the state emission tests.
OBD Monitors
The purpose of readiness monitors is to self-diagnose the car’s emission control systems. The monitors are also known as Emissions Monitors as they watch the car’s emission related systems. OBD2 Readiness Monitors are a vehicles powerful self check diagnostics.
Vehicles may perform up to 11 system tests or routines. The output of readiness monitors tell the CarDr.com App whether the car’s computer has completed the tests successfully.
OBD Data
On Board Diagnostics (OBD) Adapter
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Comparison
The AI compares the inspected vehicle against millions of vehicles on all inspected parameters including Engine RPM, Engine load, Coolant temperature, Fuel pressure, Throttle position & Vehicle speed. By drawing these comparisons using millions of data points with the AI, we can tell you how this vehicle performs for it's "relative age and mileage" to how it should be performing.
When we compare OBD scanner data points, such as engine load, we can tell how efficient a vehicle is, while other parameters such as coolant and engine oil temperature can be directly indicative of potential issues, such as radiator blockage or thermostat failure. Similarly, if fuel trim is different, you may have some clogging in the fuel system.
AI-based used car comparison is one of the unique features of CarDr.com’s used car inspection reports. The AI then generates a grade to help you understand the vehicle better.
CarDr.com's Vehicle Reliability Score and AI Suggested Fair Market Value.
Excellent Reliability Score
Good Score
Fair Score
Poor Score
Bad Score
OBD Data Comparison
AI Peer Comparison
Final Used Car Inspection Report
Our Vehicle Inspection Report is a simple to read comprehensive summary of facts about the car and a very helpful CarDr.com AI Reliability Score
It's a report that can help you understand the reliability score and value of your purchase.
Don’t pay more for a lower quality used car, get the full story—from the vehicle itself. Even if someone tampers with the odometer readings (how far the car has been driven), our OBD scanning tell you:
- Real Odometer: what the real odometer reading is according to the Vehicle Engine Control Module
- Check Engine light: how many miles since the check engine light came on.
We hope you can learn the current repair needs, directly helping to set your expectations for the purchase price and perhaps help you determine if you are getting a fair value.
CarDr.com's Comprehensive Inspection Report - Based on On Board Diagnostics, Mechanical, Exterior and Interior
Order Visibility and Transparency
Vehicle Inspection Report typically within 8 business hours.
The most overlooked part in the Auto industry is transparency and technology to improve the customer's experience. At CarDr.com once you place an order, it is assigned to certified inspectors based on their proximity and schedule - that matches the seller’s. All parties are informed of the Inspection schedule - to reduce delays.
Every Inspection begins with the Inspector scanning the Vin code and plugging in the OBD reader that connects to the CarDr.com Inspector APP. CarDr.com is updated real time as the inspection progresses and the Driving test is performed. The status is shared from order to assignment to completion in near real time. Giving you the best service and NOT a "Will do when able" like most of our competitors.
The sophistication of the Inspector APP which standardizes the process, to the Error Code retrieval form the OBD and the driving OBD data ( which is unparalleled to a real time status update makes CarDr.com the most innovative Car Inspection service in the market by far.
We love cars and hope you do as well. Even if you don’t, however, we still strive to enrich your used car purchasing experience with information at your fingertips. We wouldn’t buy a lemon, and don’t want you to—Information is power and our car doctors are happy to provide you with a wealth of information to make your purchase.
