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Digital inspections provide details about health of vehicle

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated October 9, 2024

Do you ever wonder about the repairs your car needs, or what an autoshop is recommending?

When having your vehicle serviced, you may have some unanswered questions or would like to see any problems that are mentioned for yourself.

Steve’s Auto Repair provides digital vehicle inspections that offer additional information about the health of a vehicle. They can be sent to our customers over email or text.

The form is filled out as our technicians perform courtesy checks. During this process, all areas of a vehicle are looked over.

We began using digital inspections in 2019. Before that, we would write down notes and fill out a check list.

What digital inspections include

Through digital inspections, the technicians are able to provide more details and take photos of vehicles they work on. 

These photos can be of components that are in good shape. They might also indicate recommended repairs and services.

Measuring tire tread on a BMW.

Measuring tire tread on a BMW

While performing courtesy checks, we might see a leak, discolored coolant, worn shocks and struts, corrosion on batteries, or other concerns. These discoveries can easily be shared with the customer, even when they aren’t at or near the shop.

Videos may be uploaded, as well. Sometimes, videos better illustrate what we are noticing, such as a suspension part that’s moving or a noise.

In addition to providing recommendations and diagnosis, technicians have the ability to write out a description or add an animation about parts. For example, if you don’t know what a power steering belt is, there could be an animation that explains how it works.

Benefits of using this tool

Using digital inspections has been beneficial for our auto repair shop and customers.

With this tool, we are able to point out potential problems, prepare customers for any services their vehicle may need in the future, and inform drivers about what we found when performing diagnostic testing.

Customers who keep the link to the inspection can always go back and look at it. So, they don’t have to worry about losing a paper copy or it becoming stained.

Automotive technician taking photos for a digital inspection.

Automotive technician taking photos for a digital inspection

Legibility is another benefit. Employees and customers are able to read what the technician wrote. For those who speak English as a second language, digital inspections can help break down language barriers.

Details can be provided in a timely manner, so customers don’t need to wait until they arrive at the shop to receive updates. Plus, more information can be conveyed than when our technicians filled out courtesy check sheets.

Nowadays, fewer people are waiting around for their car. Instead, they are going to work, running errands, and spending time with family. Rather than bringing customers to their car to show them exactly what’s going on, we can bring the car to them.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Does my car need an emission test?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated May 9, 2025

Many people are familiar with the Virginia State Inspection. But did you know that your vehicle may also need an emissions inspection?

Cars emit fumes into the atmosphere. The emission test monitors them and makes sure that too much unburned fuel isn’t being released.

Managed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Vehicle Emissions Testing is performed every 2 years. In some parts of the state, an emission test isn’t required.

According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, the inspection must be conducted on vehicles housed in many cities and counties across the region, including Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Steve’s Auto Repair and Tire is an emissions testing location.

What we check during the emission test

The emission test isn’t just a chance to make sure your emissions system is functioning properly. 

This process also serves as another safety check for your car. Our emissions inspectors look for a few problems. 

For example, if the vehicle has bald tires or any major leaks it will be rejected for testing. This includes oil leaks, coolant leaks, and audible exhaust leaks.

We also confirm that the catalytic converter is installed and other components aren’t missing. This includes the gas cap and O2 sensors. The PCV system and exhaust system need to have all of their parts.

Our technicians keep an eye out for smoke, as well.

Check engine light on a Kia Optima.

Check engine light on a Kia Optima

A car can fail the emission test if the check engine light is on, because it means that there’s a code (or multiple) in the system.

So, if this symbol appears on your dashboard, check engine light diagnostics will be needed to pass the inspection.

How we perform emissions inspections

What does an emission test look like?

An emissions test begins with a pre-test, where our automotive technicians perform a visual inspection of the vehicle. We look for bald tires, leaks and other safety concerns.

Then, our inspectors verify information, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the mileage, and the car’s weight.

We need to make sure the check engine light isn’t on or doesn’t come on during the emission test.

Performing an emission test on a Chevrolet Blazer.

Performing an emission test on a Chevrolet Blazer

An OBD II connection device is used on cars that were manufactured after 1996. For older vehicles, we place a sniffer tool in the tailpipe, and it reads the chemicals being emitted. The chemicals need to be within a certain range that’s based on the make and model.

When using the sniffer tool, our technicians are mainly checking for hydrocarbons and NOx.

We don’t test gasoline powered vehicles that exceed 10,000 pounds and diesel powered vehicles that weigh more than 8,500 pounds.

If you’re not sure whether your car needs an emissions inspection or you still have questions about this service, reach out to a local auto repair shop that performs emissions testing.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Is your car’s state inspection due?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Is the due date for your car’s state inspection sticker or emission test coming up?

Now is a good time to bring it in and have them completed.

Why you should get your state inspection now

Last month, Governor Ralph Northam directed the Virginia Department of State Police to not enforce state inspections for 60 days. The Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) has closed its customer service centers until at least May 11 and extended certain credentials, according to the DMV website. 

Once given the OK to return to work, many Virginia residents will rush to the DMV to have their tags renewed, which will require an updated emission test. They will also head over to an auto repair shop for their Virginia Safety Inspection.

You can avoid the rush and bring your vehicle to have the emission test and state inspection completed.

Customers who don’t want to come inside can drop it off by using our “After Hours” slot. They can also call us at (703) 670-8005 and a staff member will come outside for the keys and information.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Virginia Safety Inspection: Checking the exhaust system

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Updated August 16, 2024

Emissions from a car’s engine need a place to go. The exhaust system helps with the process.

It runs from a manifold on the engine through a catalytic converter and a muffler to reduce the engine noise and push exhaust to the back of the vehicle. 

A variety of problems can appear across these different components and others that make up the system. We keep an eye out for safety issues when performing the Virginia State Inspection.

Our technicians also check the exhaust during oil changes. While working on a vehicle, they are able to take pictures and write notes through digital inspections. An inspection report is then sent to customers, who can view them via email or text.

What inspectors look for

Virginia safety inspectors want to make sure that a vehicle’s exhaust system is running properly.

Exhaust system.

Exhaust system

Loose, broken and missing exhaust hangers and brackets are some items they look for.

Emission parts — such as catalytic converters — are necessary, in order to pass the Virginia State Inspection. They decrease air pollution by changing the exhaust emission a car produces.

Inspectors also ensure that bolts on the intake manifold aren’t broken, which can result in exhaust leaks.

Exhaust clamps, flex pipes, mufflers, exhaust pipes, O2 sensors and tailpipes are on the checklist, as well. The opening for the tailpipe shouldn’t be pinched.

All exhaust system parts must be secured.

We worked on a Ram 1500 that was in need of exhaust repairs. The truck had a loose and rusted exhaust clamp and two exhaust hangers that were broken off where the exhaust pipes split. One hanger that had broken off at the exhaust pipe had created a hole.

A vehicle will fail the Virginia State Inspection if it has any exhaust leaks. More information about fixing exhaust leaks can be found in this article we wrote.

Other exhaust system problems

Certain vehicles have flex connections and spring bolts at junctions. If they become rusted or don’t move, it might cause pipes to break. The spring bolts breaking could lead to the exhaust falling down and dragging on the ground or getting ripped off.

Rusty exhaust hanger on a Jeep Compass.

Rusty exhaust hanger on a Jeep Compass

One problem that drivers don’t always see may occur when backing into a parking spot. If they hit a curb protector or concrete barrier, it can catch the exhaust pipe and bend it.

This restricts the exhaust, which might give you some engine running problems. It can also impact your gas mileage, because you’re pressing the gas more to push the exhaust out.

Some people like the look of chrome tips or carbon fiber tips, which are sometimes held on with two or three screws. The tip could fall off, due to the screws rusting.

Other exhaust system problems include the exhaust hangers rusting as well as the hangers and rubber insulators breaking.

Exhaust system maintenance

Exhaust leak on a Honda Element.

Exhaust leak on a Honda Element

As part of our oil change process, we make sure the exhaust isn’t hanging down or starting to develop rust holes.

A lot of mufflers have a drain hole that can be mistaken for an exhaust leak. This hole helps release moisture. If you see a hole somewhere else, that’s probably a problem.

Another unique feature on some vehicles is a shield that’s welded or bolted on catalytic converters. Over time, the shield may rust and start rattling. You might be able to address this problem by putting a clamp around it.

However, you don’t want to rip the shield off to get rid of the noise, because it acts as a heat barrier between the bottom of the car and the catalytic converter or a hot part of the exhaust. So, it’s a good idea to replace them or make sure they’re secure.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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How can you see what’s wrong with your car while it’s at the repair shop?

In Inspection by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

A few months ago, Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire began using digital vehicle health inspections.

Through the digital inspections, our technicians are able to write notes and upload photos about vehicles. Our customers are then able to see them in an inspection report they can access through their email or texts.

The inspection reports include information about the vehicle, diagnosis and tests, and recommendations.

Depending on the problem, we have a section that explains the purpose of certain components. For example, if there’s a power steering issue, we can add in a video that explains what power steering does.

Switching to digital inspections

Before going to the digital inspections, the technicians would fill out a courtesy check sheet and check some items that would fall under the Virginia Safety Inspection.

We decided to change our process, because the digital inspection allows us to take pictures and videos if something is wrong. We’re then able to send it to the customer, so they can see exactly what we’re talking about.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.