Ontario Safety Standards I Industry Leader in Innovative Energy Solutions

1. Does Ontario Safety Standard Certificate Offer Any Warranty Coverage on a Used Vehicle? With the recent economic climate changes many Canadians today are looking for an affordable transportation. This translates to an explosion of used car market in Toronto. While the used car market is booming many Ontario Safety Standards today are still confused about the difference between Ontario safety standard certificates versus a comprehensive warranty. The safety standards certificate is issued in pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act and Regulations; it is only used by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to determine if the vehicle you are buying is "roadworthy" or in another word "safe" to drive on the road. It is a required documentation along with the emission test to acquire or renew your license plate on a vehicle. This certificate expires within 36 days from the date of issue; it will offer limited protection against 36 safety related items such as:

2. - Bodywork or under body - Bodywork hinges and latches - Bodywork - sheet metal and bumpers - Seat and Seat Belt Assemblies - Windshield Wiper, Washer and Defroster - Lamps and Reflectors - Headlamp aim This certificate was designed to determine whether the vehicle you are purchasing is safe or not to operate on the road within the province of Ontario. It is not a warranty on your vehicle in anyway. Many used car dealerships today carry comprehensive warranty program from various service providers, but you should not confuse that with the safety standard certificate. As matter of fact a vehicle without engine or transmission can pass safety if the required safety components are functioning properly. Do not mistake this certificate for warranty, however within 36 days of your certificate if any safety related items have malfunctioned, you can ask the selling dealer to repair them and issue you a new safety certificate. A comprehensive warranty on a used vehicle usually comes in two main categories. Power train warranty or Comprehensive warranty, power train warranty usually covers items such as your engine or transmission this will include all internal parts, seals and gaskets. A comprehensive warranty is usually more expensive but it will also cover parts of the vehicle against any manufacture defects for a pre- determined length of time or mileage. These types of items are usually sold separately from the vehicle itself, it can cause you anywhere from few hundred to few thousand dollars depending on the term and type. In a nut shell don't mistaken a safety certificate as any form of guarantee from your selling dealer. If you have a manufacture's defect on your vehicle after the purchase, it is better for you to negotiate a cheaper repair with your selling dealer rather than insisting on free repair because there is no legal ground for you to stand on.