Inspection Time
It’s easy to take your vehicle for granted! We rely on them to get us from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and comfortably. Getting into your vehicle and having several dashboard lights illuminated is the last thing you want to think about. Just like any machine, your vehicle needs to be properly maintained. And inspections are an optimal way to know if your vehicle is in working order. Whether you’re looking for a state inspection or just want a general “check-up” on your vehicle, Pat’s Auto Service Center knows service like no other shop.
What is an Inspection?
Think of an inspection like getting a check-up at the doctor’s office. You want to make sure everything is as it should be. State inspections are especially important, as they’re required to renew your registration with the Division of Motor Vehicles. To quote the DMV, “A motor vehicle registered in North Carolina must pass an annual safety inspection before its registered owner can renew its vehicle registration. They can be conducted no more than 90 days before the license plate and registration expires.” It also helps the state to ensure that the vehicle that you’re driving is safe to operate for you, your passengers, and other drivers.
Emissions
Certain emissions regulations must be adhered to per North Carolina state policy. These emissions regulations are usually performed at the same time as a safety inspection. An emissions inspection is done to keep to air standards in compliance with state law and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Currently, 19 counties are designated as “emissions counties.” This includes New Hanover, Wake, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Davidson, Franklin, Durham, and Cumberland counties. It’s important to check if your vehicle is registered with one of these 19 counties. Exceptions to this rule include vehicles that are 20 years or older, Diesel-operated vehicles, and antique autos.
Why is an Inspection Important?
Without a North Carolina State Inspection, you will not be able to get new tags for your vehicle. Driving on expired plates and tags is not recommended and can result in massive fines, not to mention illegal. A safety and emissions inspection (if in a required county) must be done by a licensed mechanic. During this inspection, the licensed inspector will look over your vehicle and check the basic functions and safety components. This can include the headlights, signals, parking brake, tires, horn, wipers, steering mechanism, tires, taillights, exhaust system, and window tinting. If there are any problems in need of addressing, it will be up to the inspector to pass or fail the vehicle.
Aside from renewing your tags and plate, an inspection is important because it keeps your vehicle safe and operable. An inspection can uncover any possible problems that can be repaired or addressed before they get too serious. Shop manager Dwight Roberts states that an inspection, “Keeps the driver of the vehicle aware of any safety issues that can leave them stranded or endanger themselves and their passengers.”
Pat’s Auto Service Center is Your Official Inspection Station
Need a North Carolina State Inspection or a multipoint safety inspection? The professionals at Pat’s Auto Service Center have your back. With no less than four licensed inspectors on site, the crew at Pat’s is here to help. We’re your official inspection station and can help you find any problems with your vehicle before they become an issue, renew your plates, and get you back on the road as soon as possible. When you need to make sure your vehicle checks out okay, trust the shop with over 55 years of business.
