The Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has called on vehicle owners to regularly submit their vehicles for automated inspections, emphasizing the importance of early fault detection to prevent sudden breakdowns and road accidents.
Engr. Val Chime, Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer in Enugu State, made the appeal on Friday during a press briefing in Enugu.
He encouraged vehicle owners to take advantage of the newly commissioned automated inspection facility in Emene, Enugu metropolis, installed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
Chime drew an analogy between human health and vehicle performance: “As humans need periodic medical checkup for sound health, so vehicles need periodic automated inspection to perform optimally for many years.”
He explained that the inspection schedule is mandatory for:
Commercial vehicles – every six months
Private vehicles – annually
The VIO boss praised the Emene inspection centre, describing it as “excellent and time-saving”, with automated checks completed in just minutes.
“Once you have got your vehicle’s roadworthiness certificate, you are at liberty to use the facility free-of-charge; and ask the professionals in the facility questions about your vehicle and other driving/road user issues,” Chime stated.
He emphasized that the facility bridges the diagnostic gap left by traditional vehicle mechanics.
“The facility is strategically installed by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, to close the knowledge gap of regular or local mechanics in detecting hidden vehicle faults.”
Chime further noted: “The facility also ensures that hidden faults, which human eyes and physical touch by the regular mechanics cannot detect, are made known computer-wise.”
Many vehicle owners have benefited from the facility, he said, uncovering long-standing issues missed by their mechanics.
“When this fault is spotted by the help of computers; the facility professionals will also recommend the best way to fix or repair the dysfunctional part of the vehicle,” he added.
In some cases, motorists initially penalized for roadworthiness violations return to the facility and leave satisfied.
“The owner comes around to appreciate the VIO for such a facility,” Chime said.
“After taking their vehicles through the automated vehicle inspection, they are appreciative of the holistic computerised diagnoses on the vehicles and expert advice offered to keep their vehicle in perfect condition.”
Beyond inspection, Chime reminded drivers that being roadworthy also involves carrying the proper documentation. “Each driver must possess a valid Driving License,” he said.
He listed additional mandatory documents and items that must be present in every vehicle:
Vehicle License Renewal
Proof of Ownership Certificate
Certificate of Insurance (compulsory third party)
C-Caution (warning triangle)
Fire extinguisher
Jack
Spare tyre
First aid kit
Wheel spanner
Water, hydraulic and transmission fluids
Torchlight
Spare fan belt
Tow rope and wedges
