PA Vehicle Inspection Tips

PA Vehicle Inspection Tips

Getting your vehicle inspected is something everyone in Pennsylvania must do to keep their car in good standing with the State. The inspection is a critical part of keeping everyone on the road safe. Not only that, but it’s a great way for auto owners to regularly get their vehicles checked for any necessary work that needs to be done. These routine checkups can result in expanding the lifespan of your vehicle by years and reduce the overall cost of car ownership by correcting small problems before they compound and become major hazards.

Before you take your vehicle in for inspection, here’s a few tips you need to know:

What They Will Check During Your Vehicle Inspection

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires inspection stations to examine a number of different things, while crosschecking the VIN of your vehicle against the vehicle’s registration and other records. On the most basic level, every inspection station must check a variety of simple functions including the windshield wipers, electrical system and warning lights, windows and mirrors, and seat belt equipment. Once these simple checks are completed, it’s time to get into the more complex inspection:

1. Suspension: Shock absorbers can’t be leaking, mounting bolts have to be in good shape, and ball joints can’t move faster than the manufacturer’s specifications.
2. Brakes: Your vehicle’s hydraulic hose will be checked, along with the wheel cylinder, calipers, and the size of the drum and disk thickness.
3. Body and Chassis: Your vehicle’s chassis must be in pristine condition with no cracks or extensive damage. The fenders, hood, and all latches must open and close securely.
4. Exhaust and Fuel: Your vehicle must return to idle when you step off the accelerator, the gas cap must open and close properly, and the exhaust system should suppress noise and should not allow any gas to be released into the cabin.

PA Vehicle Inspection for New Residents

Moving into Pennsylvania from another State? There’s a simple process you must follow in order to transfer your car and get it into good standing:

1. Get your License: The first step is getting a Pennsylvania driver’s license. New PA citizens must get their driver’s license within 60 days of establishing residency. However, you’ll want to get this done much sooner to complete the next step.
2. Register your Vehicle: Though you may have a 60 day window to get your license, you only have a 20 days to register your vehicle with valid PA identification after establishing residency. To transfer your title and register your vehicle, you must bring the following to an authorized agent:
   1. A valid title of each vehicle you wish to register in your name.
   2. Proof of PA insurance. A declaration page of an insurance policy will suffice if you do not want to wait for your insurance card to arrive.
   3. A tracing or verification of each vehicle’s VIN by an authorized inspection mechanic, notary public, or issuing agent.
   4. Appropriate title, lien, registration fee, and sales tax (if applicable). All checks or money orders must be paid to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Once all this is done, new residents can finally get their Pennsylvania vehicle inspection done. Authorized auto care shops like BBack Car Care in Doylestown, PA.

Before Taking your Vehicle in for Inspection

The main reason people dread getting their vehicle inspected is because unexpected problems may be uncovered, resulting in a hefty repair bill before it can pass inspection. However, with proper care and maintenance throughout the year, the chances of unexpected problems may be decreased. Making sure your gas cap fits properly, driving on tires with adequate tread, getting regular oil changes, checking for fluid leaks, and more can be the difference between a small repair bill now, and a large one down the road.

BBack Car Care is your one-stop-shop for any of your vehicle’s inspection needs, located right in Doylestown, PA. Family owned and operated for 30 years and winner of 7 straight Best of Bucks awards, our mechanics will guide you through your vehicle’s entire inspection and explain every step of the process. Make your appointment now to get your vehicle inspected!