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✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
✓ ASE-certified technicians
✓ Female-led, family-owned
What we do
WHAT A DOT INSPECTION AT WESTCO INCLUDES
One visit covers the inspection, the paperwork and any repairs needed to pass, so the truck goes back to work instead of to another shop.
01
DOT inspections
Annual DOT inspections done in-house for $99.99, so fleet and commercial vehicles do not need to go anywhere else.
✓ Brakes and steering and suspension
✓ Lights and tires and other required items
✓ Repairs to pass done in the same shop
✓ Records for your fleet files
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FLEET ACCOUNTS
One schedule for the whole fleet.
✓ Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins and Isuzu NPR
✓ Inspections lined up with routine service
✓ Dealer-level programming in-house
✓ Records kept for your fleet files
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REPAIRS TO PASS
If something fails, we show you what and why, then fix it here.
✓ Digital report with photos
✓ Brakes, tires fluids and suspension
✓ Photos of every failed item
✓ Repairs to pass done here
DOT INSPECTIONS · COLORADO SPRINGS
WHAT IS A DOT INSPECTION, AND DOES MY TRUCK NEED ONE?
A DOT inspection is the annual federal periodic inspection required for commercial motor vehicles under 49 CFR 396.17. We do these in-house on all types of trucks. We don't inspect semi trailers.
THE BASICS
What is a DOT annual inspection?
It's a once-a-year safety inspection of a commercial vehicle against the federal minimum standards in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396.
HOW IT WORKS
The rule: 49 CFR 396.17 says every commercial motor vehicle a motor carrier controls must pass a periodic inspection of every component in Appendix A at least once every 12 months.
Who can do it: the carrier can inspect its own vehicles, or use a commercial garage like ours. Either way, the inspector has to meet the qualifications in 49 CFR 396.19.
Appendix A vs. Appendix G: older paperwork and many websites still call the standard 'Appendix G.' FMCSA moved it to Appendix A to Part 396 in 2021. It's the same standard under a new name.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We inspect every Appendix A item that applies to your vehicle, write up the results, and give you the report and decal for your records.
WHO NEEDS IT
Does my truck count as a commercial motor vehicle?
Under federal rules, probably, if it runs in interstate commerce and has a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 lb or more. Colorado's line for intrastate-only work may be different, so check your own situation.
THE THRESHOLDS
Federal definition (49 CFR 390.5): a vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to carry passengers or property is a CMV if its GVWR, GCWR, gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight is 10,001 lb or more. Certain passenger and hazmat vehicles also count.
Trailers count toward the combination: a pickup pulling a trailer can go over 10,001 lb GCWR even when the truck alone doesn't.
Colorado intrastate: Colorado has its own motor carrier rules for intrastate-only work, with their own thresholds and exceptions. Confirm your status with Colorado State Patrol Motor Carrier Safety.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We can inspect your truck whether you're required to or just want the peace of mind. Your regulatory status is between you and the State Patrol or FMCSA.
Colorado Springs: lots of local contractors run a 1-ton pickup with a gooseneck or equipment trailer. Add up the truck's GVWR and the trailer's rating before you assume you're exempt.
PAPERWORK
What paperwork do I get, and how long do I keep it?
You get a written inspection report and a decal. Federal rules say to keep the report for 14 months from the inspection date.
WHAT THE RULES SAY
The report (49 CFR 396.21): it names the inspector and the motor carrier, gives the date, identifies the vehicle, lists the components inspected and the results, and certifies the inspection.
Retention: keep the original or a copy for 14 months from the inspection date, where the vehicle is housed or maintained.
On the vehicle: proof of inspection has to be on the vehicle. A decal works if it shows the date, the carrier's name and address, the vehicle, and that it passed.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Every report comes with photos. Fleet accounts can have us keep a record of each unit's inspection history so due dates don't sneak up on you.
THE INSPECTION
WHAT GETS CHECKED ON A DOT INSPECTION?
We go through every Appendix A group that applies to your truck.
APPENDIX A TO PART 396
Which systems does the federal standard cover?
The standard is organized into inspection groups. Most trucks use all of the main ones; a couple only apply to vehicles with that equipment.
THE GROUPS
Brake system: service and parking brakes, adjustment (pushrod stroke), air or hydraulic leaks, hoses and lines, drums, rotors and linings, low-air warning, compressor and ABS where equipped.
Coupling devices: fifth wheels, pintle hooks, drawbars, safety chains and their mounts.
Exhaust system: leaks ahead of or below the cab, and exhaust parts close enough to burn wiring, fuel or brake lines.
Fuel system: leaks, tank mounting and fuel caps.
Lighting devices: every required light and reflector, working and the right color.
Safe loading: cargo securement, and anything that could fall or shift.
Steering mechanism: wheel free play, column, gearbox, pitman arm, tie rods and drag links, power steering.
Suspension: axle parts, springs, U-bolts, torque and radius arms, air suspension.
Frame: cracks, sagging, loose or missing fasteners, and tires or wheels rubbing the frame.
Tires: tread depth (4/32" on steer tires, 2/32" on the others), cuts, bulges, exposed cord, flats and leaks.
Wheels and rims: cracks, loose or missing lugs, and damaged rims.
Windshield and wipers: cracks in the driver's view, and working wipers.
Where equipped: motorcoach seats and rear impact guards.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We photograph anything that fails or is close to the limit, so you can see exactly what we saw.
FAILURES
WHY DO TRUCKS FAIL DOT INSPECTIONS?
Most failures come from a short list of things, and most of them are fixable the same day.
WHAT WE SEE MOST
What are the most common reasons a truck fails?
Lights, brake adjustment, tires, leaks and steering play. Hardly anything exotic.
TOP 5
Lights: burned-out marker, clearance or brake lights, corroded trailer plugs and broken lenses.
Brake adjustment: on air-brake trucks, pushrod stroke past the limit. On hydraulic trucks, worn pads and shoes, leaking calipers or wheel cylinders, or a parking brake that won't hold.
Tires: steer tires under 4/32", others under 2/32", sidewall cuts, bulges or exposed cord.
Leaks: air, brake fluid, fuel, and exhaust leaks near the cab.
Steering play: worn tie rod ends, drag links or steering boxes.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Before your inspection, walk around the truck with the lights and flashers on, and look at the tires. That alone catches a lot of failures.
Colorado Springs: mag chloride on winter roads is hard on trailer wiring, light sockets and brake parts. Corroded connections are a common light failure on local trucks.
REPAIRS
What happens if my truck fails?
We show you what failed with photos, give you the repair estimate, and fix it in the same visit when we can.
HOW WE HANDLE IT
Photo proof: you see the actual failed part, not just a line on a form.
Same-visit repairs: lights, brake parts, tires, leaks and steering parts can often be fixed while the truck is already here.
Warranty: repairs we do come with our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty.
Your call: nothing gets repaired without your approval.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Once the repairs are done, we finish the inspection and give you the passing report and decal.
FLEETS
CAN YOU HANDLE DOT INSPECTIONS FOR MY WHOLE FLEET?
Yes. We set up fleet accounts for Colorado Springs businesses that need a few trucks or a lot of trucks inspected and kept on schedule.
FLEET ACCOUNTS
What kinds of trucks do you inspect?
All types of trucks, from pickups to heavy trucks. We don't inspect semi trailers.
WHAT WE INSPECT
Box trucks and cab-overs: Isuzu NPR, Ford and Chevy cutaways, and similar.
Service and utility bodies: contractor, plumbing, electrical and utility trucks.
Pickups that tow: 1-ton and 3/4-ton trucks pulling equipment or gooseneck trailers.
Diesel trucks: Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We keep track of when each unit is due, work around your schedule, and keep inspection records on file so an audit isn't a scramble.
SCHEDULING & RECORDS
How does fleet scheduling work?
You tell us which units and when. We stagger inspections so your whole fleet isn't parked at once.
FLEET ACCOUNT
Scheduling: we book trucks around your routes and slow days.
Records: a photo report for each unit, kept on file, which helps you meet the 14-month retention rule.
Same-visit repairs: failed items get fixed while the truck is here whenever we can.
One shop for everything: the same techs handle brakes, diesel engine work and routine maintenance on your fleet.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Call (719) 591-7743 to set up a fleet account.
LIMITS
What don't you inspect?
Semi trailers. We inspect all types of trucks, but we don't do DOT inspections on semi trailers.
GOOD TO KNOW
Bumper-pull and gooseneck trailers behind pickups are a different case. Call us first and we'll tell you whether we can inspect yours.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
If you're not sure whether we can take your vehicle, call us before you book.
BOOK AN INSPECTION
SCHEDULE YOUR DOT INSPECTION
Tell us the vehicle and the type of inspection you need. Not sure whether you need a DOT inspection? Call (719) 591-7743 and we will help you find out.
INSPECTION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK
Straight answers from our techs
DOES MY TRUCK NEED A DOT INSPECTION?
It depends on how the vehicle is used and registered. Commercial trucks and vans operating in commerce often need an annual inspection. We’re not lawyers, but call us and we will help you find out.
Common reasons
Commercial use · Company name on the door · Towing for work · Fleet vehicle
What we do
We perform the annual DOT inspection in-house and can do any repairs needed to pass in the same visit.
Colorado Springs: Fleet vehicles working the I-25 corridor stack up miles fast. Scheduling DOT inspections with routine service keeps them on the road.
WHAT DOES A DOT INSPECTION CHECK?
Brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, the frame, fuel and exhaust systems and the other items on the required list.
What we check
Brakes · Steering · Lights · Tires
What we do
We inspect every required item, show you what fails, and fix it here so you are not sent somewhere else.
Colorado Springs: Mountain grades wear brakes and tires fast, so check them before inspection day.
HOW MUCH IS A DOT INSPECTION AT WESTCO?
$99.99 for the annual DOT inspection. If something fails, we show you what failed and why before any repair work starts.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Inspection · Photo report · Paperwork for your files
What we do
We inspect it in-house, give you the paperwork for your files, and handle any repairs needed to pass.
HOW OFTEN DOES A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE NEED A DOT INSPECTION?
At least once every 12 months for vehicles that fall under the federal inspection rules. Call us and we will help you find out if yours does.
WHEN IT'S DUE
Every 12 months · New fleet vehicle · Fleet records
What we do
We schedule DOT inspections alongside routine service, so fleet trucks are not down twice.
CAN YOU INSPECT MY WHOLE FLEET?
Yes. We inspect fleet trucks and vans in-house, including Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins and Isuzu NPR trucks.
WHAT WE WORK ON
Work trucks · Vans · Pickups · Isuzu NPR
What we do
We inspect each vehicle, give you the paperwork for your files, and fix what fails here.
Colorado Springs: Fleets working the I-25 corridor stack up miles fast. Schedule DOT inspections with routine service.