Calgary Driving
Just Picked Up Your Car from the Calgary Impound Lot? What to Check Before You Drive Far
By the JCo Auto Service Team · Reviewed by our Red Seal journeyman mechanic
Published September 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
After picking up your car from the impound lot, do a quick walk-around and listen for anything new before you drive far. If anything seems off, JCo Auto is right across the street at 347 39 Ave SE — walk in Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
A 10-point walk-around
A car that's been sitting can develop small issues. Before you head out on a long drive, take five minutes to check these things:
- Tires — look for low pressure, flat spots, or damage
- Warning lights — note any that stay on after starting
- Leaks — check under the car for fresh fluid spots
- Brakes — do they feel firm, or soft and low?
- Steering — does the car pull to one side on a straight road?
- Fluids — oil, coolant, and washer fluid levels
- Battery and starting — does it start easily and run smoothly?
- Lights — headlights, brake lights, and turn signals all working?
- Wipers and washer — clearing the windshield properly?
- Any new noises — clunks, squeals, or rattles on a short test drive
When to get a professional inspection
If anything on that list doesn't look or feel right, don't guess. A small problem is cheaper to catch now than after a long drive. A Full Vehicle Inspection gives you a clear report of what needs attention now and what can wait.
If the brakes feel off, a brake inspection is a smart move before you put highway kilometres on the car.
How to find JCo Auto from the impound lot
We're right across the street from the Calgary City Impound Lot, at 347 39 Ave SE, just off Macleod Trail. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or call ahead at (403) 287-0337 and we'll take a look.
If you picked up your car after hours, you can drop your keys in the after-hours key drop at the side of the building, by the bay door, and we'll look at it first thing.
Full Vehicle Inspection
Walk-ins welcomeWalk-ins welcome Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Calling ahead is advised.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment to get my car checked?+
No. Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Calling ahead is advised so we can get you in quickly.
Where is JCo Auto relative to the impound lot?+
We're right across the street from the Calgary City Impound Lot, at 347 39 Ave SE, off Macleod Trail. Walk in Mon–Fri 9–5.
Can you inspect a car I just picked up?+
Yes. Bring it in and we'll do a full inspection, then give you a clear report of what needs attention now and what can wait.
Related services
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Ready when your car needs us
Walk in Mon–Fri 9–5, call (403) 287-0337, or book online in under a minute.