Does Your Vehicle Meet Maryland’s State Standards?
Meeting Expectations
Did you know that more than a third of US states require some sort of vehicle safety inspections, and about 75 percent have emissions checks? Not surprisingly, Maryland has both. Our state mandates a passing emissions score every two years, and you’ll need a safety inspection to register your car. Without these, you can’t operate legally. What’s more, if there’s a safety issue, you’ll want to catch that early so that you and others aren’t compromised. When you’re ready for inspection or need repairs to get your vehicle ready, count on the ASE certified technicians at Dynamic Automotive in New Market, Maryland.
What’s Required on the State Inspection?
When you purchase a used car or transfer an auto into Maryland, you’ll need to get a safety inspection to obtain a registration. Inspection points span multiple categories, with each section including various checkpoints. For example, one major inspection requirement is reliable brakes. Technicians will check for the minimum brake pad thickness of at least 2/32″, test the parking brake, note the stopping distance, and examine other mechanical components such as the drum/discs, linkages, lining, and hydraulic parts. Also, the technician will take note of the condition of the wheels, suspension, steering, tires, lights, fuel system, and electrical elements. They will also check windshield wipers, seat belts, and mirrors, and all-important safety components. Finally, the person inspecting will check the exhaust system to be sure all parts are present and working as they should. This will occur again every two years.
Requirements You Can Keep An Eye On
While a licensed inspection station must sign off on state requirements, there are some items that you can keep a check on yourself. That’s important because these elements often crop up as deficient on the inspection checklist even though they could have been noticed earlier. In fact, they’re not even major issues, nor are they expensive to repair. For instance, keep watch over your lights. Frequently documented issues include a headlight that doesn’t work or a bad bulb in a turn signal. Something as minor as a bad bulb can present a problem on inspection day. If you see a bad light, we can easily fix that for you if you aren’t comfortable tackling that yourself. Furthermore, periodically (frequently) look at your tires. Don’t assume they’re okay because nothing is flat. You need a minimum of 2/32 tread depth in order for the car to pass inspection. Finally, keep your windshield wiper blades fresh so there’s no surprise at the inspection or during a heavy rainstorm. If you can see issues such as tears and chips, it’s time for new ones. For help correcting problems and or getting an inspection, see Dynamic Automotive.
