Vehicle inspections are an important part of getting registration in the area where you're going to use your car. You have to get inspections for new vehicles you want to be registered and you may even need an inspection if you are dealing with repairs. Being aware of what your mechanic might be looking for can help prevent surprises.

What is a Vehicle Inspection?

A vehicle inspection is just that. This process involves going through the entire vehicle and looking for what might be wrong or that might need to be repaired or replaced. Your mechanic is going to go through your vehicle with a fine-tooth comb to ensure your vehicle is not only working well but that it is also within legal limits for the area. The mechanic will look for things like emissions which 34 counties in California require you to have your vehicle inspected for exhaust emissions before passing an inspection according to Emissions.org. They may check things like your towing hitch as well.

What Do Inspections Include?

Inspections include a range of different facets that are looked at. Your mechanic is going to look at the engine, the towing hitch, the safety standards and safety regulations like seat belts and airbags, light and signaling, and more. Your mechanic has a checklist of the things they have to look at in order to pass a car.

You might need your vehicle to be inspected if you are having it registered in a new state, if you are having it tagged where it was not before, or if you are selling the vehicle to another person. You can fail an inspection for the smallest of things like a broken towing hitch. Taking the time to talk with a mechanic and find out just what they are looking for can help to assuage your fears and make it easier to have your vehicle inspected and to relax while it is going on. Inspections are important and can make a big difference.