5 of the Best Car Inspection Services in Winnipeg
Your driving licence isn’t the only thing you need to be able to go to different places. You’ll also need a Certification of Inspection (COI) to register your vehicle and operate your car legally within Manitoba.
To get your COI, you’ll need to have your car inspected by professionals. So, for you, we looked into the best car inspection service Winnipeg has to offer.
The Average Price of Car Inspection Services in Winnipeg
The current average price range for car inspection services is around $100 to $200.
Selecting the Best Car Inspection Services in Winnipeg
In choosing the best car inspection service providers in Winnipeg, we’ve considered the following criterion:
1. Frank’s Motors
CRITERIA | RATING |
INSPECTION SERVICES | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
QUALITY OF WORK | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
> Competent and thorough | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
> Value for money | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
MECHANIC AVAILABILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available even after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CLIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Frank’s Motors offers minor inspections first before doing any form of repair and maintenance to cars.
What’s great about Frank’s is that its inspection services are open to non-members, which we think is convenient for first-time car owners or anyone in need of prompt vehicle maintenance services.
We’re also pleased to learn that Frank’s mechanics use the latest diagnostic equipment to inspect cars thoroughly and make accurate conclusions.
If you’re interested in more perks, you may want to consider Franks’ Preventive Maintenance Programme (PMP).
The PMP includes scheduled inspections, customisable appointments, discounts, car finding aid, and washing and vacuuming services, which we think make up a super-packed deal worth investing in.
Of course, much like any programme, note that there are caveats in the inclusions. For example, some of the discounts don’t cover all inspection services.
You might have to pay full price, especially if the necessary solution isn’t covered by the PMP’s discount policy, which we think defeats the whole purpose of the discount offer.
We’re also a tad disappointed that getting an out-of-warranty car inspected and serviced at this company is tricky as it will likely recommend clients to take the car to its dealership for inspection instead.
Apparently, Frank’s currently prefers to do inspection services for new cars with new warranties.
Pros
- Offers quote calculations for free
- Inspection services are open to non-members
- Uses the latest diagnostic equipment
Cons
- PMP inclusions have exceptions
- Doesn’t usually accommodate off-warranty vehicles
Customer Reviews
It gives me confidence to know my vehicles are well maintained
“I recently had some substantial repairs to my vehicle and I was really impressed by how they did their best to save me as much money as they could. Another very important aspect of the service is they keep me informed of what they are doing and I always feel like the best plan of attack is arrived at in a mutual fashion. I trust these guys with my vehicle and my wife’s vehicle. It gives me confidence to know my vehicles are well maintained.” – Jim Johnston
Didn’t try to upsell, but recommended what needed to be done
“Very good service, they quickly knew what the problem was and addressed it quickly, didn’t try to upsell but recommend what needed to be done. Also did a really good job with the car wash, and will be back for future service.” – Kefir Bertulli
2. Lanpro Auto Care Centre Ltd
CRITERIA | RATING |
INSPECTION SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
QUALITY OF WORK | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
> Competent and thorough | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Value for money | ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 |
MECHANIC AVAILABILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available even after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CLIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
LanPro Autocare Centre takes pride in providing “peace of mind” through its car inspection services.
We were impressed by their checklist for inspection – apparently, the company checks every nook and cranny of the vehicle, especially those prone to breakage and issues. This helps the mechanic provide the best options for the client.
If you’re worried about the expensive cost, LanPro offers discount coupons to anyone who will sign up for its programmes. Just keep in mind that the coupons may change depending on the season or the bundle they feature.
An added perk for members is that they enjoy discounts or free services on their birthdays, which is always a good way to gain customer loyalty, in our opinion.
Another plus is that they’ve extended their services to Saturdays. This is great news for working professionals who are more hands-on with their autos.
We have to admit that we don’t find their discounts as exciting as the other shops, though. The most members can get is $25 off, even for major repairs and maintenance services that cost hundreds of dollars.
Just a little word of caution though: there are instances of the mechanics not providing diagnostic reports to clients after the inspection process.
While these seem to be one-off incidents, we hope that management can keep a stricter eye on this to prevent slip-ups in the future.
Pros
- Comprehensive inspection service checklist
- Offers discount coupons
- Open on Saturdays
Cons
- Some incidents of not submitting diagnostic reports
- Meagre discount offers
Customer Reviews
Quick, thorough, and fantastic
“I’ve used their service in the past and it was fantastic. Today I had a vehicle get inspected prior to buying and was once again very pleased with their work, quick and thorough. They even printed out a list and estimated repair costs for the issues that were found(maybe they all do, I have no idea it was the first time doing so). I’ll definitely use them in the future!” – Mat CYSTM
[Inspection] work was done quickly and accurately
“I took my vehicle in for its scheduled oil change and overall inspection. Work was done quickly and accurately. Everyone is very friendly and easy to deal with. They even washed my car! Excellent place and I would not go anywhere else. Thank you!” – Maureen Harrison
3. Erickson Motors
CRITERIA | RATING |
INSPECTION SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
QUALITY OF WORK | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
> Competent and thorough | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
> Value for money | ★★★☆☆ 3/5 |
MECHANIC AVAILABILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available even after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CLIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
What we like about Erickson Motors is that its inspection services are available all year round, making it convenient for people to access this service whenever they need it.
The company’s fall and winter services come in bundles–an advantage to these seasonal packages is that the inspections come with a solid lineup of services that help maintain cars and ensure they run smoothly and properly.
Another strong point of Erickson’s fall and winter inspection deals is that they already come with Quaker oil change services wherein clients can get their oil changed and replenished for up to five litres.
The current bundle costs $78 to $100, which may seem steep, but we think they’re reasonable.
Car inspection services alone already cost at least $100 while oil change prices range from $43 up to $50; clients will be saving around $40 with the seasonal packages.
We’re also giving plus points to Erickson’s for also accommodating various modes of payment, like credit cards, cash, cheques, and wire transfers.
It also helps that Erickson’s Motors is accredited by Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), reflecting its credibility as a prime auto repair shop and car inspection station in Winnipeg.
We’re just disappointed that the company doesn’t service all car models. Clients will need to confirm first via phone call if their car is suitable for inspection to avoid wasting time and fuel.
We’re also bummed to hear from a few former clients that some of the technicians aren’t that thorough with their work. Apparently, their cars weren’t checked thoroughly and some issues weren’t mentioned in their reports.
Hopefully, management can address these incidents, as these can really hurt their stellar reputation.
Pros
- Offers cost-efficient bundles for fall and winter services
- Approved by the BBB and MPI
- Accepts multiple payment modes
Cons
- Doesn’t service all car models
- Some reports on needing to improve workmanship
Customer Reviews
Great service and very friendly employees
“Incredible service!! My girlfriend and I were road-tripping from Toronto to Vancouver and ran into some car troubles in Winnipeg. They had a busy day but managed to squeeze us in regardless. They had us in and out in an hour flat. Great service and very friendly employees. Saved our butts!!!” – Ned Gordon
Best place in Winnipeg to service your vehicle
“Harold and James are the best! Knowledgeable, honest, and caring. Always take the time to explain things. The front staff is great, especially Krista. Won’t go anywhere else.” – Lily D.
4. Nott Auto Care
CRITERIA | RATING |
INSPECTION SERVICES | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
QUALITY OF WORK | ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5 |
> Competent and thorough | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Value for money | ★★☆☆☆ 2/5 |
MECHANIC AVAILABILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available even after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CLIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Winnipeg’s harsh winters call for extra-TLC for those cherished autos. We’re thankful that Nott Auto Care offers winter auto repair and inspection services to all types of car makes and models.
The auto repair shop’s winter vehicle care programme includes checking batteries, oil and filters, hoses, belts, brakes, and suspensions.
Winter tire installation is also part of this pogramme. We appreciate the auto shop for carrying diverse types of winter tires suitable for all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and front-wheel drive vehicles.
In terms of appointment booking, we have to give it to this company for providing a platform that allows easy and fast booking processes.
Nott’s website features a ‘Book Service Appointment’ tab where clients can fill out a form with their car model and make, and desired services and schedule.
Alternatively, this auto shop’s Facebook page also has a similar form that allows clients to book their appointment slots conveniently.
Another highlight of Nott Auto Care is that it offers a VIP Club–members are given at least 10% discounts on labour charges, up to $100 off on new sets of tires, and free wheel alignment inspections.
We think that the VIP membership is a great deal given that labour fees and replacements add to the hefty costs of car inspection services and other repairs.
That said, we’re just a bit iffy that the inclusions to this company’s inspection services are fewer compared to other auto shops in this article.
We’re also a tad disappointed that clients can only ask for quotes for most services via phone call or Nott’s contact form.
Pros
- Services all makes and models
- Convenient appointment booking platform
- VIP members get more perks
Cons
- Fewer inspection service inclusions
- No online quote request available for inspection services
Customer Reviews
A positive experience overall
“Recently took my Macan in for regular servicing. I was convinced that the brakes needing replacing due to occasional squeaking, but Nott advised that there was plenty of life left in the brake pads (thankful for the integrity and professionalism!). Mia was quick to respond to my questions and concerns, and was very accommodating to my schedule. The experience was very positive in all respects. Thanks!” – Dawn Power
Professional staff who have great eyes for detail
“I want to start off by saying ‘thank you’ to the wonderful team at Nott Auto Repair for their fabulous customer service and care. I went in to check an engine light on a BMW I recently purchased and left with so much more knowledge and insight on the different features of my car. They took the time to listen to and adrdres my concerns with professionalism and a great eye for detail. I highly recommend their services to anyone whose car is in need of repair.” – Melissa Goulbourne
5. River Park Automotive
CRITERIA | RATING |
INSPECTION SERVICES | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
QUALITY OF WORK | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
> Competent and thorough | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Value for money | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
MECHANIC AVAILABILITY | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Responsive | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
> Available even after hours | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
CLIENT SATISFACTION | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
River Park Automotive offers government-certified inspection services, which increases our confidence in their expertise. It’s accredited by the BBB, MPI, and the Sales and Service Safety Association (S2SA).
From what we’ve heard, mechanics provide fair but investment-worthy prices for their services. Clients we’ve spoken to appreciate their thorough inspection services and diagnostic reports.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that River Park Automotive currently doesn’t service taxis and large vans with nine seats or more.
On a brighter note, we do like how River Park takes care of its clientele.
If you’re a regular customer, you’ll have the advantage of priority appointment booking for services such as simple oil changes, safety inspections, engine oil leaks, and scheduled maintenance.
Regular clients can also request for breakdown services, blind estimates, lighting issue checks, and flat tire replacements, although response may take at least three to five days.
However, it’s unfortunate that new clients aren’t given the same treatment. Apparently, new clients may have to wait for days to weeks to get their confirmed appointment slots.
They also won’t get to request for blind estimates as the service is currently only for regulars.
We think it’s high time they focus on customer acquisition just as much as retention, as they’ll always need the new business to ensure their growth.
Pros
- Regular clients get priority for services
- Accredited by the BBB, MPI, and S2SA
- Known for and investment-worthy service prices
Cons
- Does not accommodate taxis and vans with nine seats or more
- Long waiting times for new clients
Customer Reviews
Services are prompt and thorough
“Amazing service once again from Rick and the crew at River Park. Rick…we know you told us the stars aligned but you were steering the ship! Thank you for the prompt repair and great service allowing us to make it safely home to Ontario.” – Heather Elsey
Honest, trustworthy, reliable, and very well-equipped
“Always trust Rick, Pete, and Jay with my vehicle, and have never been disappointed! This shop is one of the few independent shops left that are honest, trustworthy, reliable, and very well equipped to handle almost anything you can throw at them. Been dealing with them for years, and their work and service is second to none! The whole crew there is solid, and I recommend them to everyone I talk to who needs a good mechanic shop. Keep on killin’ it boys!” – Herman Rabkin
FAQs on Car Inspection
And there you have it – our impartial review of the best car inspection services in Winnipeg!
For other services for cars and vehicles, we recommend looking into these other reviews: