Emissions from a car’s engine need a place to go. The exhaust system helps with the process.
The system 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. It is one component that’s inspected during the Virginia Safety 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.
Exhaust system problems inspectors look for
Virginia safety inspectors make sure that a vehicle’s exhaust system is running properly.
Broken exhaust hangers and missing catalytic converters are a couple of items they look for.
Emission parts — such as catalytic converters — are necessary, in order to pass the Virginia Safety 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.
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.
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.
It’s important that drivers are able to see, even at nighttime and when there’s inclement weather.
To make sure that motorists are traveling safely, inspectors check a car’s headlights when conducting the Virginia safety inspection.
Problems with headlights
Headlights must have proper aim and mounting to pass the annual requirement. Vehicle safety inspectors shouldn’t be able to move the assembly.
They also look for cracks in the lenses and anything that distorts the light’s aiming pattern.
Headlights can also fail if they are discolored or they don’t have the correct candlepower — meaning that they’re too dim or too bright.
A headlight aligner machine can be used to check the candlepower and aiming.
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.
Vehicle safety inspectors check over many parts of a vehicle when conducting the Virginia Safety Inspection.
Overtime, problems can crop up and go unnoticed. During the state inspection, we keep an eye out for potential issues that could become bigger overtime and jeopardize the safety of those on the road.
A vehicle’s windshield, windows and mirrors aren’t exempt from this annual requirement. Below, we give more details about what exactly we’re looking at.
Virginia Safety Inspection: Windshields
Windshield wipers are one of the items automotive technicians check for while inspecting windshields. We make sure that they aren’t torn and that the defroster works the way it should.
To pass Virginia Safety Inspection, there shouldn’t be cracks that go from one part of the windshield to another.
Star cracks, which resemble a spider web, can’t be larger than 1 and a half inches in diameter.
Rocks and debris that fall off moving vehicles or come up from the road can cause star cracks.
Windshield repair
It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company and see if it offers windshield coverage. If you notice a star crack in your windshield, some companies will address the problem at little or no cost.
You need to be able to see out of both sides of the windshield in order to pass inspection.
A windshield will fail state inspection if the tint is too hazy or if it falls below the AS-1 line. If a vehicle doesn’t have an AS-1 line, windshield tinting that features words, letters, numbers or pictures can’t go more than 3 inches below the top of a windshield, unless it’s approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Checking the windows
In addition to the windshield, our state inspectors check the windows.
Like the windshield, they make sure windows aren’t cracked, scratched or broken. Cloudiness, distortion and anything else that obstructs your vision are other problems we look for.
The window on the driver’s side must roll down. That way, if your turn signal is malfunctioning you are able to provide hand gestures out the window when changing lanes.
Mirror problems we look for
The side view mirrors are looked over during state inspection, as well.
Mirrors can’t be cracked or broken and must show one solid view. Additionally, the 200 feet behind you needs to be clearly visible. Truck mirrors are required to extend beyond the body’s edge at least halfway.
If there’s tinting on the back windshield and it’s bubbling it – making it difficult for you to see – that can cause you to fail the Virginia safety inspection.
The mirrors need to be firmly mounted, as well. We recently worked on a vehicle that had a loose side view mirror on the passenger side. We were able to move it up and down very easily. This car would have failed state inspection for that reason.
Windshield, windows and mirrors are just some of the areas that state inspectors check. They also take a look at the tires, brakes, exhaust system, steering and suspension, headlights and other lights, and under the hood.
On top of Virginia state inspections, Steve’s Auto Repair performs Emissions Tests, which are required on vehicles that are parked in certain cities and counties, like Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
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.
State inspections are an annual requirement that help keep drivers safe.
Why would my tires not pass Virginia Safety Inspection?
A tire that is flushed with indicators will fail Virginia state inspection.
There are many reasons why a vehicle’s tires may fail.
Tire problems that won’t pass the Virginia Safety Inspection
Inspectors must follow certain guidelines that are set forth by the state.
When it comes to tires, they will evaluate the tread depth and wearing patterns.
When secondary rubber and steel chords are showing on a tire, it will not pass state safety inspection.
A tire won’t pass if secondary rubber or inner steel chords are showing.
Foreign objects, such as nails or screws, in the tires is another indicator.
Other signs are if the tread is flushed with indicators or if the tread is under 2/32 inches in three locations.
Foreign object damage, such as nails and screws in tire, will fail state inspection
Vehicles that have bent or damaged wheels and rims will fail Virginia Safety Inspection.
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.
