You must be a car owner in Pennsylvania; therefore, you must have heard about the annual emissions and safety check inspection. Although they may appear as another form of job, such inspections are an important part of ensuring the safety of yourself, your car and the environment. Whether you are a first-time resident or require a little brush up, having some idea of what these checks entail and why they are necessary can save you time, money and headache down the line.
Mechanic conducting engine diagnostics via laptop
This blog will examine the need, procedure, and significance of emissions and safety inspections in Pennsylvania and advice to help one pass the check examination with a breeze.
What Makes the State of Pennsylvania Demand Such Inspections?
The Pennsylvania department of transportation (PennDOT) requires each car to be inspected annually due to two main reasons:
- Safety
In order to have all the cars in the road in a safe condition. This minimizes possibility of causing accidents due to the brake failure, burnt out tires, dysfunctional lights or other mechanical problems.
- Emissions
In order to minimise the pollution causing smog and depletion of the environment. The automobile which fails to comply with the emission standards may cause pollution to the air.
These checks are particularly significant where there are dense populations like in Reading, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh where crowding in vehicles and emissions may be more detrimental to the environment.
What Is Included in a Safety Inspection?
This implies that during the safety inspection, a certified technician will scrutinize the important systems of your car. Some of the most important areas that were inspected are the following ones:
- Brake system (brake pads, rotor, hoses)
- Tires (tyre thread, side wall damage)
- Steering and suspension
- Exhaust system
- Light and signals
- Windshield washers / windshield wipers
- Horn
- Mirrors
- Seat belts
- Fuel system
- Chassis and frame
- Warning lights on dashboard
The aim is to know any component that can derail the prospects of your vehicle to run safely.
How is an Emissions Test Conducted?
The emissions inspection is to determine the rate of pollution that your vehicle generates. The kind of emissions test your automobile needs is determined by its model, year of manufacture and the type of fuel it uses. Typical test techniques are:
- OBD-II Test: This is used on 1996 or later gasoline powered automobiles. This test is used to diagnose the presence of the emissions-based trouble codes in your vehicle.
- Tailpipe Emissions Test: With the older cars that do not utilize the OBD-II system. Emissions are taken by having a probe into the exhaust.
- Visual Inspection: To check whether there are missing or tempered emissions control parts (e.g. catalytic converter, gas cap, etc.).
These individual counties that are prone to large volumes of air pollution like the Berks County are more likely to face harder emissions testing.
What is the Frequency of Such Inspections?
Most vehicles, in Pennsylvania, must undergo emissions and a safety inspection once a year. The inspection timing is however associated with the renewal of registration of your vehicle. That means:
- The expiration date of your inspection falls at the end of the month printed on your windshield sticker.
- You are supposed to have your vehicle checked up to ninety days before your registration expiration date.
Any failure to inspect or delaying of this procedure may lead to fines or license points and the most obvious thing is the dangerous way of driving.
What Occurs in Case of Failed Inspection?
In case he or she does not pass the safety or emissions test, the mechanic will then give a written report of failure to explain why he/she failed. You will be asked to get the required repair and come back to a re-inspection.
The re-inspection is normally free or much cheaper when you recheck in the same station within a give number of days (usually 30 days).
Some of the most common causes of vehicle failure are:
- Worn brake pads
- Exhaust leaks
- Cracked windshields
- Faulty check engine light
- Bad oxygen sensors and loose gas caps
Inspection Survival Guide
Do you want to make a smooth sailing inspection with no hitches? These are some handy tips:
- Repair Dashboard Warning Lights
When your check engine light is on, you are most likely not to pass the emissions test. Get a diagnosis scan prior.
- Test Tire Tread
Experiment with a penny as it applies to your tread depth. You might have worn tires on your vehicle, especially when you can view the top of Lincoln cropping out.
- Check All Signals and Lights
Inspect the headlights, brake lights, reverse lights and turn signals to ensure they do not have any burned out bulbs.
- Performance Get Routine Maintenance
Regular oil changes, fluid top-offs and brake checks may reveal an existing problem before inspection day.
- Never Wait at the Last Minute
Leave yourself some buffer weeks just in case your vehicle is in need of repairs.
What Berks Auto Repair in Reading, PA Can Do
Car inspection does not always need to be a pain. We make the process at Berks Auto Repair in Reading, PA, as simple, fast and free of stress as possible. We carry out both, emissions and safety checks, using our certified technicians, and we will lay out any necessary repair without an upsell of unnecessary work.
Why Berks County drivers have confidence in the work of our organization:
- Honest assessments
- Fast service
- Professional service suggestions
- Affordable pricing
- Customer friendly services to families
If you are a first-time inspection or it is just that time of year when you are supposed to get an inspection full time, we are ready to assist.
Final Thoughts
Emissions and safety inspections in Pennsylvania are not only checking the box, but it is also about ensuring your own and all your passengers are safe, and you have a reduced environmental impact as well. Being updated and taking timely initiatives will keep you safe and legal and save you big bucks.
Berks Auto Repair in Reading, PA is also a good place to visit when your inspection due time arrives. We will make sure that you comply with all the needs of the state and maintain your vehicle in the best shape possible- no matter what the road ahead of you is up to.
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