Let’s be honest, we’ve all been here. You wake up, rollout of bed, grab your coffee, eat breakfast and then like a slap in the face the stress hits you of having to go to the DMV for a vehicle inspection.

We get it. We’re in the same shoes. Everyone dislikes going to the DMV, sitting in those long lines as you watch the time tick away.

But unfortunately, it’s one of those things you must do, like renewing your driver’s license or paying bills. But the last thing you want is to go in expecting instant approval and walk out with a list of things to fix before you can legally drive again.

So, how do you avoid that headache? Simple. A little preparation can go a long way. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your car passes inspection the first time.

1. Check Your Lights (All of Them!)

Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, side marker lights and even the little license plate bulbs are some of the most common reasons cars fail inspection. The good news? They’re also one of the easiest fixes.

Before your appointment, turn on all your lights and walk around the car (or have a friend help). Most bulbs are inexpensive and take minutes to replace. If anything’s out, just stop into your local auto parts store or repair shop and they will have your lights replaced faster than you can finish your cup of coffee.

2. Test Your Brakes

Brakes are one of the most important safety checks during an inspection. If they feel soft, make a grinding or squeaking noise, or you notice a longer stopping distance, get them looked at before you go in. Our repair shop can tell you if you need new brake pads or if there’s a bigger issue.

Also, don’t forget the emergency brake! It needs to engage properly for your car to pass.

3. Make Sure Your Tires Have Enough Tread

Your tires might not look bald, but if they’re below the legal tread depth (usually 2/32 of an inch), they won’t pass. A simple trick? Grab a penny and insert it into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are too worn.

Also check for uneven wear, bulges, or cracks. These canbe walking red flags, just like your ex.

4. Windshield Wipers & Cracks in Glass

If your wipers are falling apart or leave streaks, replace them. They’re cheap and easy to install. Most major corporations like Wal-Mart, local repair shops and auto parts stores have them readily available, and can you help find the right size within seconds.

As for your windshield, small chips (and no we don’t meanDoritos) might not be a problem, but cracks, especially those in the driver’s line of sight, can cause a failure. If you’ve been putting off a repair, now’s the time.

5. Fix Any Warning Lights on Your Dashboard

Check engine light on? That’s an automatic failure in many states. The same goes for other warning lights related to emissions, airbags, or ABS (anti-lock braking system). If a light is on, get it diagnosed before inspection.

Sometimes a loose gas cap can trigger a check engine light, so try tightening it first!

6. Check Your Fluid Levels

Low oil, transmission fluid, coolant, or even windshield washer fluid can sometimes cause an issue. Top them off before your appointment. If you notice leaks under your car, get them checked out.

7. Make Sure Your Horn Works

It sounds silly, but if your horn isn’t working, your car might not pass. Give it a quick honk before heading in.

8. Confirm Your Registration & Insurance Are Up to Date

You can have the safest car on the road, but if your registration or insurance isn’t current, you won’t pass. Double check your paperwork before your appointment.

9. Keep Your Exhaust System in Check

If your car sounds louder than usual (even with Taylor Swift blasting) or you notice strong exhaust smells, you might have a leak in your exhaust system. Many states require emissions testing, so if your car is putting out more pollution than it should, it won’t pass.

10. Give It a Quick Clean

This won’t necessarily make or break your inspection but a cluttered or dirty car, especially one that smells musty, could leave a bad impression. Plus, some inspectors might refuse to check a car if it’s too messy to access certain parts (like seatbelt buckles).

Final Thoughts

State inspections aren’t meant to be a hassle. They’re there to keep unsafe cars off the road. But with a little prep, you can make sure your car is good to go before you even show up.

If you’re unsure about anything, a trusted repair shop can do a pre-inspection check to save you time and frustration. Because let’s be real, no one wants to make two trips to Starbucks let alone this.

Got an inspection coming up? Take 10 minutes to check these things now, and you’ll be set.