0428 912 717
Get in Touch

Certified Heavy Diesel Inspections & Pre-Purchase Reports Perth

Service reports, safety inspections and pre-purchase assessments with detailed documentation for compliance and informed purchasing descision.

0428 912 717
Contact us
  • CAT Trained Technicians
  • Mobile & Workshop Repairs
  • MTA Member Lic. No. MRB 5777

Heavy Diesel Inspections, Safety Checks & Service Reports

Carter’s Heavy Diesel provides professional inspections and written reporting for pre-purchase assessments, fleet safety inspections, insurance requirements and compliance documentation. Every inspection is completed by a qualified heavy diesel mechanic and includes a detailed report to support informed decisions and regulatory compliance.

Using advanced diagnostic equipments, Our inspections cover engines, drivetrains, hydraulic, electrical and other safety-critical systems. Mobile and workshop inspections are available for individual owners, businesses, fleet operators and mine site equipment across Perth.

Book an Inspection

What's Included in Heavy Diesel Inspection & Reporting

What's Included in Heavy Diesel Inspection & Reporting

Comprehensive inspections with detailed reporting. For compliance, maintenance and informed purchasing decisions.

Service Reports

Safety Inspections

Pre-Purchase Inspections

Submit an Enquiry

Our Inspection Process

Professional inspections with detailed reporting for compliance and maintenance.

Step 1

Call Or Request An Inspection

Call Brad or schedule your inspection online. Workshop, on-site, or at the vehicle’s location.

Step 2

Booking & Assessment

We discuss your inspection requirements, and arrange a suitable inspection time.

Step 3

Inspection & Reporting

We complete a thorough inspection on-site or at our Welshpool workshop and prepare a detailed report.

Step 4

Report & Recommendations



Receive a complete written report. 

Get in Touch

Why Book Your Vehicle With Carter's Heavy Diesel?

Thorough inspections designed to identify faults, support compliance backed by detailed reporting and qualified heavy diesel expertise.

  • Engine & Drivetrain

Inspection of engine condition, cooling system, fluid leaks, gearbox, differentials, driveshafts and other key drivetrain components.

  • Hydraulic & Electrical Systems

Diagnostic scanning using commercial scan tools, plus inspection of wiring, hydraulic pumps, cylinders and related components.

  • Safety & Compliance Checks

Assessment of brakes, steering, lighting, FOPS/ROPS, fire suppression systems, reverse cameras and other safety-critical equipment.

  • Detailed Written Reporting

All-inclusive same-day inspection reports outlining equipment condition, identified faults, recommended actions and supporting photos where required.

Get in Touch

Heavy Diesel Inspections & Reports FAQs

1. What does a heavy diesel inspection actually cover and check?

For pre-purchase inspections, a full computer diagnostic download of all ECU systems is strongly recommended. Hidden fault codes wiped by sellers will still show in historical data on a quality scan tool. Also, a qualified inspector working to the National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual (NHVIM) will assess all of the following:

  1. Engine: Cold start behaviour, oil condition and pressure, leaks, unusual smoke, fuel system integrity

  2. Air Brake System: Air pressure build-up and hold, brake chamber condition, slack adjusters, S-cams, critical on trucks over 4.5t which use air brakes, not hydraulic

  3. Driveline & Transmission: Gearbox operation (road ranger or auto), differentials, driveshafts, universal joints. All checked for wear, leaks and play

  4. Chassis & Structural Integrity: Frame cracks, cross-member condition, sub-frame integrity, rust and corrosion assessment

  5. Suspension: Leaf springs, air bags, shock absorbers, U-bolts and spring hangers

  6. Steering: Play in steering box, drag links, tie rods, king pins and wheel bearings

  7. Tyres & Wheels: Tread depth, sidewall condition, rim integrity, dual tyre matching, fitment compliance

  8. Lights & Electrics: All lighting, gauges, warning systems, trailer connections and ABS systems

  9. Hydraulics (where fitted): Tipper, crane, PTO, agitator and ram systems inspected for leaks and condition

  10. Exhaust & Emissions: Exhaust routing, DPF condition, smoke assessment

  11. Full Test Drive: Full test drive where applicable

Time varies by vehicle type, its condition, and the scope of inspection. Here are realistic timeframes:

  • Pre-purchase inspection (rigid truck, tipper, bus): 2–3 hours on-site. Allowing for cold start assessment, full underbody check, and test drive
  • Prime mover / road train combination: Up to 3–4 hours. These are far more complex, with more systems, gauges, and components than standard trucks
  • Earthmoving machinery or crane: 3+ hours. Especially if specialist attachments need to be operated

For pre-purchase inspections, reports are typically delivered the same day for morning bookings, or the following morning for afternoon inspections. A quality report includes a written condition summary, prioritised fault list, and photographic evidence. Not just a tick-box form.

No. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood points. 

A pre-purchase inspection is completely different from a roadworthy or DoT registration inspection.

A pre-purchase inspection simply reports the current mechanical condition of the vehicle. 

  1. What is found, 
  2. What is worn, 
  3. What needs immediate repair, 
  4. What will need attention down the track. 

There is no pass or fail. You receive a condition report. You decide what to do with that information. Buy, negotiate, or walk away.

A DoT roadworthy/registration inspection does have a binary outcome: the vehicle either meets WA road safety standards or it doesn’t. If it fails, a defect notice is issued and repairs must be completed before a clearance inspection can be conducted.

Important: Even if a truck passes a pre-purchase inspection with no major faults. You will still need a separate DoT registration inspection through an Authorised Inspection Station to transfer the vehicle licence into your name in WA.

Yes, Carter’s offer mobile heavy diesel inspections are in Perth. Its is the most practical option. Since moving an unregistered or suspect truck across the city carries its own risks and costs.

For pre-purchase inspections: A qualified mobile diesel mechanic can come to the seller’s location. Whether that’s a private property, a depot, a dealership yard, or a mining site. And conduct the full inspection on-site. You do not need to move the vehicle. This also allows the inspector to assess the truck from a cold start. Which reveals far more than an inspection on a warmed-up engine.

For DoT registration inspections: The vehicle must attend an Authorised Inspection Station unless it qualifies for a mobile/on-site inspection by DTMI. DTMI does offer mobile inspections for tractor plant, machinery, oversize and new heavy vehicles that cannot be moved on a standard Movement Permit. But pre-booking is required and approval must be obtained from DTMI.

If your vehicle cannot legally travel to an AIS under its own power. apply for a Temporary Movement Permit through Transport WA before moving it. You must hold a valid WA driver’s licence to do this online.

A yellow sticker (defect notice) in WA means an authorised officer (WA Police or a Main Roads transport inspector), has identified a safety fault that makes your vehicle non-compliant. Here is the exact process:

  1. Minor defect notice: The vehicle may continue to be used under specified conditions and within a set timeframe. The notice states exactly what must be repaired.
  2. Major defect notice: The vehicle is restricted to being moved only as stated in the notice. Usually directly to a repair facility or AIS. It cannot continue normal operation.
  3. Repair the faults: Have the identified defects corrected by a qualified heavy diesel mechanic. Keep all repair documentation.
  4. Present for clearance inspection at an AIS: Take the vehicle to a WA Department of Transport Authorised Inspection Station. The defect notice will state the type of inspection and facility required.
  5. Re-inspection timeframe: Most AIS providers allow 28 days for repairs and re-inspection at the re-inspection fee. After 28 days, a new full inspection fee applies.

Real-time enforcement: WA’s Main Roads transport inspectors now use the NHVR’s national RCMS database. Over 115 fixed cameras across Australia flag vehicles with current defect notices in real time. Running an uncleared defect notice is a high-risk move. Compliance breaches are tracked across state borders.

A professional heavy diesel inspection report is a working document, not a certificate. A quality report from a qualified operator should include:

  • Written condition summary: Overview of the vehicle’s overall state.
  • Prioritised fault list: Safety-critical items separated from recommended repairs and future watch items.
  • Photographs: Detailed images of every fault, wear point, and area of concern. Plus underbody, engine bay, and key components.
  • Diagnostic scan results: ECU fault codes (current and historical) where a computer download was performed. 
  • Repair cost estimates: Giving you real leverage for price negotiation. 
  • Test drive notes: Findings from the road test under operating conditions. 

How to use it: For a pre-purchase, the report gives you 3 powerful options: 

  • Negotiate the price down to account for repair costs. Buyers regularly save more than the inspection cost. 
  • Request the seller fix issues before settlement.
  • Walk away with documented evidence of why. With zero buyer’s remorse. 

For fleet and compliance purposes. Keep reports on file as they create an audit trail that demonstrates your safety duty obligations under WA and NHVL law.