A successful safety inspection is an essential part of responsible and legal driving. For that, your ride must maintain its grade and should live up to the code. So, before you grab the keys and head out for your safety inspection test, discover these 15 reasons that can contribute to the failure.
Fluid Leakage
Get it fixed before even considering getting a safety inspection, as it can result in an instant failure. If there is evidence that your vehicle is fond of leaking fluids, whether brakes, engine and transmission oil, or even antifreeze from the underbody, you will be qualified for a re-inspection. So, make sure to get all of the leakage sorted out.
Worn Tires
Robust tires keep your vehicle under control on the tarmac. Worn-out ones are equivalent to poor grip, which ultimately means you end up in a sticky situation. Inspectors will use a depth gauge to measure tire depth and check for side wall and thread area rots. If they identify any issue with the tires, your car will be labeled as “Unsafe to Operate” on the spot.
Brake Issues
A brake-test machine will look for your braking effort and detect imbalance. If the inspectors suspect you are compromising on your vehicle’s stopping power, they will advise you to fix them first, failing the inspection process. Moreover, issues like rusted brake lines, rotors, and damaged hoses will result in rejection.
Poor Steering Response
How can you be safe on the streets if your vehicle is a headache to control? A car that fails to maintain stability while going straight and handles poorly on turns is the best car for inspectors to reject. Get your wheel alignment done and the steering system restored to pass the inspection.
Cracked Windows or Windshield
Driving with cracked glasses is not a good idea, let alone for a safety inspection. Any crack that exceeds 2.5 cm or is a 12.5mm star-shaped fracture is prohibited and the whole glass must be replaced.
Decals
Even if your whole car is as clear as a sunny day, these stickers can cause rejection. Decals related to the Army, Air Force, or anything else that reflects a connection with US forces are prohibited on vehicles, and their presence cannot be tolerated on a personal vehicle. So it’s better to get them removed if you have them.
Exhaust Noise
Are you a fan of loud exhaust notes? Well, ensure they don’t ruin your neighbor’s sleep, as the inspectors might not welcome it. If you have slapped an aftermarket exhaust upgrade on your car, ensure the noise it makes does not exceed 95 decibels. Noise apart, your exhaust must also be held tightly with no leakage, and if it likes to emit excessive black or blue clouds of smoke, get it resolved before applying for an inspection.
Non-functional Wipers
If your windshield wipers are only there for the show, you’ll likely fail the inspection. Don’t be lazy and skip this part just because the rainy season is far away. Replace worn-out wipers and ensure that the system works just as new to maintain visibility.
Window Tints
Aftermarket tints are strictly prohibited on the windows, especially on the driver’s side. They are challenging to drive with, even in the daytime, let alone at night. Due to this safety concern, your vehicle might be considered unideal for the roads. However, if you are really a fan of tinting your windows, then look for your state’s tint laws and get the allowed percentage and shades.
Malfunctioning Horn
A horn alerts pedestrians and nearby cars that you are approaching. However, if it refuses to work when needed most, it could lead to a series of safety risks, which makes your car worthy of being rejected during an inspection.
Faulty Headlights/Tail Lights/Blinkers
All of these are crucial for not only lighting up the way at night but also communicating with fellow drivers down the road. Headlights, especially, should be aligned correctly, safely mounted, and perfectly functioning. Also, ensure any of these lights are not cracked; otherwise, you might fail the inspection.
Incorrect License Plate Mounting
First of all, make sure your license plate is installed before an inspection, and if it is already, then keep an eye on its alignment. It must be clearly visible and should sit in the place prescribed by the law and the manufacturer itself. The rear plate must be centered under a light to become a highlight in the dark. Both of these plates should be held using bolts, screws, and brackets. Cheaping out with wires or zip ties can lead to a failed attempt at inspection.
Bad Suspension
A suspension ensures that you glide smoothly over bumps and potholes and is also a crucial component of your car’s handling. Worn-out shocks and struts can be the main culprits when it comes to compromising safety. Ensure you keep the suspension in good working condition with regular professional checkups. Otherwise, inspectors will have a valid reason to fail your inspection.
Weak Parking Brake
So you are planning to skip this part just because your regular brakes are working fine? Parking brakes keep your car in place and stop it from rolling. However, if they fail to do their job, it could lead to potential accidents. So, make sure the parking brake of your car works effectively.
Defective Airbags
Even a small whiff of your airbag malfunctioning, such as a faulty sensor, can appear alarming to the inspector. Seek professional help before having an inspection to confirm that your vehicle’s airbags are deployed-ready in case of an accident.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
