During a safety inspection, what must be checked concerning body panels?

During a safety inspection, it is essential to ensure that body panels are free from excessive rust and corrosion. This is crucial because rust and corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle, which may lead to unsafe driving conditions. Body panels that are overly corroded can weaken the vehicle's body, potentially resulting in issues related to collision safety, and may also affect the vehicle's ability to protect its occupants in the event of an accident.

Inspectors look for signs of severe rust that could lead to perforation or damage that affects safety. Ensuring that body panels are structurally sound is a key part of the overall safety evaluation of the vehicle. Although other aspects of body panels may be significant in different contexts, the focus of safety inspections is primarily on structural integrity and safety rather than aesthetics or original manufacturing details.