Fasteners – such as nuts, bolts, screws and rivets – are essential structural components of vehicles, and their failure can have severe repercussions for driver safety. Many of these metallic items are also unavoidably exposed to harsh operating conditions, meaning they are liable to corrode over time. The exact composition of alloys used in these fasteners affects their inherent resistance to factors like heat, friction, chemicals or moisture, highlighting the importance of composition analysis to ensure that they meet design specifications. Unfortunately, conventional laboratory analysis methods used in quality assurance processes are destructive and time consuming, leading to slow turnaround times and processing delays. In contrast, handheld X-ray fluorescence can provide high quality results in real time and on site. This article discusses how this technology is helping vehicle and fastener manufacturers to meet rigorous safety requirements and, ultimately, ensure consumer safety.