How can I prepare for my vehicles state inspection? (Delaware and Pennsylvania explained)
Your state inspection involves many different systems and components on your vehicle that affect its safety, which is why it's important to have your car pre-inspected at a qualified, licensed service center, such as Paul Campanella’s Auto and Tire Centers.
A typical Delaware automobile state inspection consists of a safety inspection covering such items as tires, brakes, windows; an exhaust emissions inspection that analyzes the vehicle's exhaust, and a test of the fuel system for leaks.
A typical Pennsylvania automobile state inspection consists of a bit more. A PA inspection consists of four parts—
- Exterior Inspection:
Check your doors, windows, and wiper blades, exterior lights, and blinkers to ensure that they work properly, they don’t have any damage or need to be replaced. They also check your bumpers for stability and to identify any dangerous damage
- Interior Inspection:
Your steering wheel and steering column are inspected to ensure that your wheels turn as they should, and they'll operate the horn and check its sound. The next step is your brakes, including brake pads, brake pedal (to make sure it does not go to low to the floor), and then your parking brake.
- Engine Check:
From here, your inspector will open the hood and inspect your engine and components, including exhaust, fuel, transmission, battery, coolant, and your emissions system
- Chassis:
These are the areas located on the underside of your car including shocks, coil springs, axel, and frame. They will then conduct a final check of your exhaust system and tire tread depth, wear, and punctures.
- Final Test Drive:
The inspector will take your vehicle for a test drive to make sure it drives well, and your gauges operate properly.
We offer a full safety inspection for every car that comes in the door. If you come to Paul Campanella’s Auto and Tire Center, we won’t let you down and will make sure you pass your state inspections with flying colors!
Some additional tips to keep in mind when it comes to passing your state inspections include:
- Make sure your engine is thoroughly warmed up before you arrive, so it is operating at peak efficiency.
- Turn off all accessories (air conditioning, heater, radio, etc.) before entering the inspection facility.
- Fast idle your engine for 30 seconds just prior to entering the inspection facility.
- Make sure that all front seat occupants have their safety belts fastened. All children must be secured in a child restraint seat or safety belt.
- Know the location of your vehicle's hood release lever.
- Provide the key for fuel caps that lock.
