What shows that the tie rod is in proper condition during inspection?

The presence of no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter pins indicates that the tie rod is in proper condition during inspection because these fasteners are critical for the secure attachment of the tie rod to other components in the steering system. If any of these parts are missing, it could compromise the entire steering mechanism, leading to potential failures that could cause loss of control of the vehicle. A complete fastener assembly ensures that the tie rod remains securely in place, functioning correctly, and contributing to the overall safety and reliability of the vehicle's steering system.

The other answer choices, while they might address different aspects of vehicle maintenance, do not directly correlate to the critical structural integrity and security of the tie rod itself during inspection. Thus, focusing on the presence of essential fasteners is key to determining the tie rod's proper condition.