Vehicle Inspections:Ensuring That Your Car Passes!

Most states require an inspection of your car or truck every twelve months or whenever a vehicle is sold to another person. Not only do inspected vehicles reduce pollution, but they also ensure that your cars will keep running safely and efficiently. Vehicle inspections can be costly, especially if something is wrong and you wait until last minute to have your car or truck inspected. For this reason, it is important to understand what is checked during a yearly inspection. Knowing the trouble areas can help you to prevent having to get a quick repair and then return for second inspection.

Brakes

During an inspection, brakes are inspected. Brake pads, drum linings, master cylinders, and pedals must all be working properly. The emergency brake must also be working effectively. When engaged, the emergency brake light must come on and then go off when released. The emergency brake cable must also retract properly when released.

Brake fluid must not be leaking from any part of the brake system and the fluid level must be correct. The car will be tested to ensure that it brakes properly without swerving to the left or right with a sudden stop.

Exhaust

The dashboard cannot be showing any check engine lights. The exhaust system must pass a rigorous test that ensures the exhaust is properly filtering the exhaust fumes.

Horn

The car or truck's horn must work.

Lights

All lights must be working. This includes headlights, high beams, directional lights, back-up lights, and parking lights.

Recalls

Many states require that the auto mechanic or Department of Motor Vehicles employee who is performing the inspection check for recalls. If you have not had necessary recall work completed, your car or truck's inspection can fail.

Seat Belts

All seat belts must lock correctly into their buckle. The belts must be free of rips and tears. Often cars built before certain years are exempt from this requirement.

Steering

The steering system must be working properly. Fluid levels must be correct and there cannot be any leaks in the system. No components of the steering system must show signs of excessive wear. This includes the wheel fasteners, shocks, springs, linkage, and belts.

Tires

Tires must be free of bumps, cracks, and bulges. They must also have a certain percentage of tread remaining. Your spare is exempt from this ruling, though it is better to make sure your spare is inflated properly in case an emergency happens.

Windows and Mirrors

The windows, including the windshield, must have no cracks. Wiper blades must be operational. The rear view and side view mirrors must be installed and free of damage.

By checking most of these items yourself, you can prevent an inspection failure from occurring. Lights are easy to check and replace. Preventative maintenance can keep many of the more costly problems from occurring.

Larger problems may require an auto mechanic, but you can get it done in advance of your inspection saving costly emergency repairs. If you do fail an inspection, most states allow you a certain time period to have the problems fixed. However, not every garage will be able to meet your rushed schedule.