In this article, you will learn everything you need to know to make sure your car passes inspection in North Carolina, including understanding North Carolina's vehicle inspection requirements, preparing your vehicle for inspection, and finding a certified mechanic for the inspection process. With this information in your pocket, your vehicle will be ready for inspection in no time.
Things to Know Before Your Car Inspection
1. What Happens During an Inspection
The inspection of your car will likely include checking all of the vehicle's major components and systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and emissions systems. Additionally, it is important to check the vehicle's tires for the proper air pressure, tread depth, and wear patterns.
Furthermore, any safety features, such as lights and windshield wipers, should be examined to ensure that they are functioning properly. Finally, the technician should also inspect the vehicle's fluid levels, including brake fluid, oil, and coolant, as well as the vehicle's air filter and spark plugs. By following these steps, one can ensure that their vehicle is properly prepared for inspection and is safe to drive.
2. The Brakes
When it comes to brakes, inspectors will make sure that all brakes, including the parking brake, are operating normally. Many times when cars go in for inspection, they are told they may need a simple adjustment of the parking brake.
Sometimes more extensive damage may exist, which could require you to replace the parking brake shoes or a broken cable. Before you head into your inspection, take a close look at your parking brake to make sure it is working properly.
3. The Tires
Another common failure of car inspections comes from tires. Tires are one of the most important safety components in your vehicles, and inspectors are likely to scrutinize them heavily. According to North Carolina laws, all tires must be in good condition and must have at least 2/32 inches of tread depth remaining.
Vehicles that fail to meet this standard may not pass the inspection, which is why it is crucial that you take a look at your tires before heading to an inspection. You may also not pass due to cuts or snags that expose cords or bumps or knots made visible by the tread, so look for those as well.
4. Windows and Wipers
During one stage of your inspection, technicians will check your windows and windshield wipers to ensure they are in compliance with North Carolina state laws. When it comes to windows, the main thing technicians will be looking at is the tinting. Any window light transmittance of 31% or less will fail inspection.
Windshield wipers will be inspected to confirm they are operating properly. A working wiper should move freely and should be able to be controlled by the vehicle’s driver.
They will also check to ensure your wipers are powerful enough to clear rain, snow, and other possible materials without being damaged. Lastly, they will take a look at the blades by inspecting for cuts, tears, or missing rubber.
5. The Horn
Your horn is one aspect of inspection many new car owners overlook. Before the inspection, look for any exposed or frayed wires around the horn. You will also want to ensure that the horn is audible from at least two hundred feet from the vehicle, without making an unusually harsh noise.
It’s Almost Inspection Time!
The state of North Carolina has strict guidelines in order to make sure that all cars are safe and operate within legal standards. In order to ensure that your car is up to the standards and will pass its yearly inspection, you should take it to a certified auto shop and have them inspect it before the actual inspection date.
Make sure to bring all of your service records so the auto shop can make sure that everything has been taken care of, such as oil changes and tire rotations. Doing all of these steps will help ensure that your car safely passes its yearly North Carolina inspection.
If you have more questions about the North Carolina standards and when your vehicle needs servicing, this helpful article outlines some of the most important things to keep in mind. Now you are ready to go get your car inspected; good luck on the roads. Reach out to us for your next inspection.