What You Need To Know
Like clockwork, the time to get your vehicle inspected comes along. They are never convenient, but COVID-19 has made them more complicated. The ASE-certified technicians at A & J Automotive in Raleigh, NC, can help guide you through the process. We know each step of what is required to pass the inspection. Car inspections don’t have to be a headache. Help is on the way. Please read on for our handy guide to North Carolina vehicle inspections.
What Is Tested
A car inspection is necessary to renew your tag and tile. An inspection is good for 90 days in North Carolina. All counties in North Carolina are required to get a safety inspection. However, 20 counties, including Durham, must also get an emissions inspection. For both safety and emissions inspections, our shop is ready to test and inspect your car. We are certified by the state as an official inspection center. For a safety inspection, we check the following:
- Brakes
- Lights
- Mirrors
- Belts
- Tires
- Bumpers
- Interior (horns, seat belts)
- Battery
- Engine
- Oil Levels
If we discover a problem with any of these, we will recommend and perform the proper repairs to get your car passing. Our car mechanics conduct thousands of inspections yearly, and they are experts at what they do. Once your car passes, you get the passing sticker.
Our shop is also fully equipped to conduct emissions inspections. An emissions test measures the levels of harmful pollutants emitted from your exhaust pipe. North Carolina counties that do require emissions, they are for vehicles made after 1996. There are some exceptions to having an emissions inspection. Cars older than 25 years old are an exemption. If your car fails an emissions inspection, we will diagnose the problem and recommend a repair plan for you.