To ensure that vehicles run as clean and safe as possible, most countries have laws that mandate and regulate periodic vehicle inspections. In the United States, the laws governing inspections are controlled at the state level; 17 states require yearly or biannual safety inspections, and others require an inspection whenever ownership of a vehicle changes. In total, 31 states require some form of periodic inspection, which also often includes emissions testing.
The exact details of a safety inspection will vary from state to state, but most safety inspections cover the same components of your vehicle. The inspector isn’t likely to check the cleanliness of your cabin, but you should expect him or her to give your car a thorough pat-down on all of its key safety features. Typically, the following components will be inspected:
Clean air regulations require that vehicles undergo periodic emissions testing to ensure that their pollution control systems are working correctly. There are three ways that vehicles are tested; the age, category, and other details of the vehicle determine which procedure is used. Regardless of vehicle details, however, emissions tests are usually broken into three steps.
The first stage of the emissions test is the same for all vehicles. Typically, the inspector asks you to wait outside of your vehicle while he performs a visual check on your car. In this check, he will verify that all components of your pollution control system are present and that there are no major leaks or other safety hazards, such as bald tires, that might make the rest of the test unsafe. Finally, the inspector will reference your VIN to determine the emissions standards for your vehicle.
The second stage of the test will measure your vehicle’s emissions, and the exact procedure will change depending on your vehicle.
The final stage of the emissions test ensures that your gas cap doesn’t allow vapors to escape from your fuel tank. The inspector removes your gas cap and connects it to a specially designed tool that measures the cap’s performance. If your cap can withstand the mandated pressure levels and your vehicle has passed the rest of the emissions test, you will be given a passing grade on your emissions test.
Several conditions can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test. Some of these issues are simple and relatively inexpensive to address. Other conditions may require more substantial repairs before your vehicle can successfully pass a tailpipe test.
The consequences of failing an emissions test vary based on the state. Typically, emissions tests are required in conjunction with vehicle registration; if your car fails emissions, your registration may be denied. You’ll have a grace period in which you can have your car repaired and re-tested; failing to do so may cause your vehicle’s license plates to expire and make it illegal to drive.
If you know or suspect that you’ll need to have your car inspected before your next registration renewal, don’t wait until you receive your inspection letter. Check with your local DMV to determine the requirements for your car to pass inspections. Perform an inspection yourself using the DMV’s checklist and address any issues before you go for your official inspection.
Begin by fixing any issues that you can find with a simple visual check. Have any chips or cracks in your windshield repaired, or replace the windshield if the damage is too great. Remove any obstructions that could impair your vision. You’ll also want to check your owner’s manual for recommended tire and wheel sizes and make sure that your wheels are compliant. If your tires are approaching the end of their life, purchase new tires before your inspection.
After you’ve addressed any obvious issues, have your car’s engine serviced. Change the oil and the air filter, and check for any signs that your spark plugs are malfunctioning. If your car has an onboard computer, you can also take it to an auto parts store and have them connect an OBD reader to your car to check for any fault codes or other errors that might indicate a problem with your emissions control system.
Vehicle inspections may be a hassle, but they ensure that every car on the road is as safe and clean as possible. Failing to pass an inspection can restrict your ability to drive, so find out whether your state requires inspections before you receive an unexpected inspection notice. Keeping your car in good condition and performing regular maintenance can ensure that you never have to fear an inspection and emissions test.
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