Katsastaa

Katsastaa is a Finnish verb meaning to inspect or to examine. It is most commonly used in the context of vehicle inspections, which are a mandatory part of car ownership in Finland. The word derives from the noun katsastus, which refers to the inspection itself.

During a katsastus, a vehicle is checked for roadworthiness, safety, and environmental compliance. This includes examining the brakes, lights, tires, emissions, and structural integrity of the vehicle. The inspection is typically carried out by authorized inspection stations. If a vehicle passes the katsastus, it receives a sticker indicating its compliance. If it fails, the owner must repair the identified issues and have the vehicle re-inspected.

Beyond vehicle inspections, katsastaa can also be used in a more general sense to mean to inspect or review something thoroughly. For example, one might katsastaa a document, a project, or even a person's performance. In these contexts, it implies a careful and systematic examination to assess quality, correctness, or suitability. The specific meaning is usually clear from the surrounding context. The process of katsastaa emphasizes a thorough evaluation and verification.