Why Do Some States Have Car Safety Inspections?

Back when the automotive revolution began, car safety was not the biggest concern. Inventors worked tirelessly to make a practical form of transportation that simply ran well. Although they succeeded with this notion, particularly thanks to gasoline engines, there came a time when seat belts barely existed and passenger seating was only a suggestion. Fast forward a century later and we’re at the vanguard of car safety. Driver assist technologies, back-up cameras, and just about every feature that goes into the manufacture of a vehicle upholds an unparalleled standard of safety. After everything considered, it doesn’t hurt to stay on the lookout for underlying safety risks with annual or biannual car safety inspections.

Read ahead to learn more about car safety inspections, which states require them, and why it’s good to have your vehicle checked out anyway.

What are car safety inspections?

Car safety inspections take a thorough look at your vehicle to make sure incremental parts and safety standards are functioning correctly. According to car technicians, an average vehicle has 30,000 working parts, many of which involve safety. It is the technicians job to spot any inoperable hazards that could directly impact a driver’s well-being.

Consumers often surrender their trust to the automakers that car safety standards are always up to par. However, car safety inspections offer that extra reassurance that your vehicle is made to last. Here are the most common safety concerns that come up during car safety inspections.

Failing headlights

Headlights and other lights are some of the biggest red flags for poor car safety. During a car safety inspection, a technician will check to make sure every light function is operating, nor cracked or failing due to environmental factors. Usually, a dim or yellowish hue is an indicator that headlight functions need some attention.

Brakes

There are 11 parts that make up a car braking system. Each part, from the brake pads to brake booster, work collaboratively to keep your brakes responsive to the driver’s actions. Since many of these parts are hidden, a driver might not notice what damage is occurring or how badly their safety is at risk. Car safety assessments will check all brake system operations.

Suspension + steering

Your suspension system is crucial in maintaining the agility of your ride. With proper suspension, your vehicle will experience good handling and better steering control. When your shock absorbers wear over time, you may not notice it. For this reason, a car safety inspection is a must.

States that require car safety inspections

Out of the 50 U.S. states, there are 15 that mandate either annual or biannual car safety inspections. The remaining 35 states do not require inspections, however, it is highly recommended to have a trusted technician perform an evaluation.

• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

If you live in one of these states, make sure to stay on top of your annual or biannual car safety inspections. It will not only keep your vehicle’s health in check, it will also maintain your safety while driving. If you don’t live in one of the previously mentioned states, consider this a reminder to take better care of your car. Give it some extra love this year with a proper inspection.

Overview

Overall, the way you minimize safety hazards is by keeping a close eye on them. Don’t wait for another recall. Don’t assume that everything is performing its best. Car safety inspections offer car owners a better insight into how well their vehicle is holding up over time. In addition, it gives drivers the added relief that their car is not a safety risk passengers. Ultimately, a clean bill of health for your ride is the optimal goal.

Want to learn more about car safety? Check out our article on regenerative braking and how it differs from conventional braking systems.