IS YOUR CAR PREPARED FOR ITS ANNUAL INSPECTION?

Is Your Car Prepared For Its Annual Inspection?

Most states in the U.S. require annual vehicle inspections to ensure safety on the roads. As a vehicle owner, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for its annual inspection to avoid failing the inspection.

At Chloe’s Auto Repair, we’ve compiled some of the things you should check so you can be sure your vehicle is ready for its annual inspection.

Mirrors

Both rearview and side mirrors must be mounted securely and in good condition. They should not be cracked, cloudy, or broken. A cloudy or broken mirror will reflect distorted images and compromise your safety on the road.

Horn

Your horn must be heard from a distance of 200 feet and cannot have any unusually loud sounds. It must also be in good shape and securely mounted.

Steering

Proper steering is crucial for safety. The components of your steering system, including the steering belt, power steering pump, and steering shaft and column, should be in good shape. Your mechanic should check the steering fluid level, inspect the steering wheel belt to ensure it’s not frayed or loose, and check for leaks in the hoses. If you experience difficulty steering the wheel, you hear odd sounds when you turn the steering wheel, or your vehicle continually pulls to one side while driving, have your steering system checked.

Headlamps

Make sure your headlamps are working properly. They must not be cracked, cloudy, scuffed, or have other imperfections that could reduce the amount of light emitted. Any faulty bulbs should be replaced; otherwise, you’ll get stuck with a rejection sticker.

Seat Belts

Visually inspect your safety belts to ensure they are firmly mounted and the check buckle is in good condition. Check for wear and tear, loose connections, and any defects that could affect your seat belts’ effectiveness.

Windshield

Visually inspect your windshield for cracks, chips, white haze at the edges, or fogging. Windshield imperfections will cause your vehicle to fail the annual car inspection because any damage risks your safety.

Exhaust System

Your mechanic must inspect the exhaust manifold, muffler, tailpipe, clamps, brackets, and all other components of the exhaust system. They should check for cracks, improper alignment, burned gaskets, and leaks.

Brakes

Check if all the components of your vehicle’s braking system are in good condition. This includes brake pads, master cylinder, fluid reservoir, rotors, and other braking system parts. If the brake pedal vibrates when pressed, you hear a high-pitched screeching noise when you apply the brakes, or your car takes longer to stop, get your brakes checked by a trusted auto repair shop.



Tires

Visually inspect your tires to ensure they are in great condition. The tire pressure must be sufficient, the wheels must be aligned correctly, and there should be no uneven tread wear, bumps, cracks, cuts, or bulges. If your tires have less than 1/16 of an inch of tread left, the sidewalls are cracked, or there are bulges or bubbles on the sidewalls, you may need tire replacement. If in doubt, consult with an auto repair shop.

Schedule Car Inspection with Chloe’s Auto Repair

If you’re looking for a reliable auto repair shop that provides reliable car inspection, look no further than Chloe’s Auto Repair.