Do You Really Need to Take Your Car to a Safety Inspection Station?
If you want to stay legal, you certainly do need to take your vehicle into a safety inspection station, like the one near Springfield, VA. The state requires all owners to go in for a safety inspection before it can be registered. And many, but not all vehicles, are required to get periodic emissions inspections.
And getting your vehicle looked at by professionals does more than just prevent a fine. It is an effective way to find problems with the many systems in your car before they become safety issues. It can also save you money. The sooner you find damage and deterioration, and fix them, the less expensive the repair is.
Here is a closer look at what is involved in a safety inspection, as well as an emissions test.
How Much Does It Cost?
Virginia has kept the cost of a vehicle safety inspection very reasonable. It’s just $16 for types of passenger vehicles, SUVs, trailers, pickups, and motorhomes. It’s even less for motorcycles—just $12.
If the inspector finds a problem with your vehicle, you have 15 days to fix it. Then bring it back in for another inspection—all for just $1.
Emissions inspections are $28 and good for two years. The price applies to whatever type of vehicle you drive that is on the non-exempt list.
Does Every Vehicle Need a Safety Test?
Every vehicle needs a safety inspection before it can be registered by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For an emissions inspection, there are numerous exemptions, including:
- New vehicles for the first two years.
- Diesel-powered vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Vehicles more than 25 years old
- Vehicles using clean fuel
- Certain type of hybrid vehicles
Emissions inspections are required in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford, and for the cities of Fairfax, Manassas Park, Manassas, Alexandria and Falls Church.
To make it easier for you, the DMV sends you a notice that tells you if your vehicle needs emission testing.
Where Do You Get Vehicles Inspected?
You need to take your car or truck to an official Virginia State Inspection Center for both safety and emissions testing. For example, Wiygul Automotive Clinic operates a safety inspection station near Springfield, VA.
These stations must be staffed by technicians certified by the state. Those at the Wiygul Automotive Clinic safety inspection station near Springfield, VA, are also ACE-certified mechanics.
You can get a list of approved inspection stations from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, or check online.
What Is the Purpose of These Inspections?
Though it may seem like just one more piece of government paperwork, there are good reasons for these inspections. The goal of the safety inspection is to make sure your vehicle is safe on the road--safe for you and your passengers and also for other drivers on the road.
The purpose of the emissions inspection is to reduce air pollution. Studies show that cars, trucks, and motorcycles produce the biggest percentage of pollution in the Northern Virginia area. The testing finds sources of pollution in your vehicle so you can get it fixed.
What Happens During an Inspection?
During a safety inspection at a station near Springfield, VA, 12 areas are checked by certified inspectors. These include:
- Your driver’s seat, including seat belts, doors, and airbags
- Headlights, turn signals, the license plate light, and exterior lights
- Brakes and the parking brake
- The window glass, windshield, and defrosters on the front and rear
- The engine, including the hood latch, belts, and fluids
- The tires, rims, and wheels
- Steering system
- Suspension system and floor pan
- Fuel system
- Exhaust system
- Air pollution controls
For emissions testing, the emission system of the vehicle is inspected.
With both inspections, the staff at the safety inspection station and emission station near Springfield, VA, automatically updates your vehicle’s record with the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
What Benefits Do You Get from an Inspection?
The first benefit is you stay within the law and won’t be fined. This in itself saves you money! Also, if you don’t get a safety inspection, you can’t register your vehicle with the state.
If you don’t stay current with your emissions testing, you can’t renew the registration for your vehicle. And you need to renew your registration to legally drive the car or truck.
But you benefit well beyond just staying legal. These inspections identify problems with your vehicle that can make driving dangerous. For example, if your brake system has trouble, you and your passengers, and all the other drivers around you are in danger.
These inspections save you money too. It can be frustrating to fail an emissions test, but it lets you know that you are probably having problems with your fuel or exhaust system. Lower fuel efficiency is costing you money at the pump.
Trust the Inspection Experts
When you go to the safety inspection station near Springfield, VA, you get far more than state-certified inspectors. This inspection center operated by Wiygul Automotive Clinic is staffed by ACE-certified master mechanics. They understand vehicles inside and out.
If your car needs a repair or servicing, these technicians can explain the problem and fix it. You’ll be back on your way quickly and conveniently.
Many drivers have questions about the safety regulations. For example, are neon lights ok? What are the right bumper heights? How dark can I go with window tinting and stay within the law? Just ask the experts from Burke. They are happy to answer your questions.
Burke Centre Automotive handles all types of vehicle repair and maintenance, including:
- State certified emissions and safety inspections
- Brake service and repair
- Preventive, scheduled maintenance
- Muffler and exhaust systems
- Engine repair
- Suspension and alignment
- Electrical system work
Go into the safety inspection station near Springfield, VA, today for complete, state-approved testing, done by ACE-certified mechanics.
