Prior to the transfer of a title from one owner to another, an inspection must first be performed to ensure any car is in working order and meets safety/operational requirements. As an authorized inspection station in the state of Maryland, we perform inspections all the time! If you are planning to have your car inspected, here is an outline of the parts and functions you can expect to be checked.
Wheels and Tires
Tread depth and tire condition observed. Wheel, nut, studs, and lug condition observed as well as wheel toe and fender clearance.
Steering
Steering wheel and steering column condition are inspected. Detection of jamming, binding, and excessive free play are all noted. Vehicle must be road tested to confirm these findings.
Brakes
General brake condition and parking brake functionality tested. Stopping distance noted in road test to confirm brake safety.
Fuel System
Choke, throttle, and accelerator operation inspected. Fuel tank condition inspected and observed for leaks.
Suspension
Condition of all critical suspension parts inspected, including ball joints, wheel bearings, struts, shock absorbers, springs, and torsion bars.
Exhaust
Muffler, piping, and resonator inspected to confirm sufficient condition, lack of leaks, and correct mounting.
Electrical
Horn functionality and condition of battery cables, wiring, and switches observed.
Lighting
Stock headlights checked for sufficient illumination and functionality. Fog lights inspected for proper power and direction. Any add-on lights inspected for legality in the state of Maryland.
Miscellaneous
There are also several general checks made around the car. These include things like the inspection of the car’s speedometer/ odometer, proper mirror functionality, windshield wiper condition, hood/ trunk functionality and rust checks, and gear indicator functionality.
Courtesy Checks
There are a few complimentary checks we like to take care of for our customers for choosing us for their Maryland Inspection. Tires and brakes are passable at 2/32 of an inch, which is when they should actually be replaced. We’ll be sure to let you know if you should consider a replacement. In addition, fluid checks are not listed as a required check during the inspection, but we’ll be sure to have a look and let you know if the vehicle could benefit from any replacements.
So, What if My Vehicle Doesn’t Pass its Inspection?
If you don’t receive your Certificate of Inspection, the bonus of having your car inspected with a trusted mechanic is that we can usually deliver an inhouse solution that addresses the reason for failure. When a vehicle fails inspection, you have 30 days OR 1,000 miles to get the work completed to avoid having another inspection done. Naturally, we’re happy to make time to service your vehicle to avoid reinspection costs. However, you can have it serviced wherever you want! While we don’t have to do the work, we do legally have to be the shop who reinspects the vehicle if we conducted the initial inspection. Once the inspection is completed and passed, you have 90 days OR 1000 miles to get the paperwork done. If you exceed those parameters, the inspection needs to be done again.
One final thing to keep in mind is that it is very rare for Maryland to allow an extension for cars with 30-day tags. As such, don’t wait until the last minute for your inspection!
Are Emissions Tested During a Maryland State Inspection?
Nope! Emissions are checked every two years, and the MVA will send you a notification when it’s time for testing. For Maryland State Inspections, the vehicle must have all of the manufacturer installed emissions related components present and properly functioning to pass, but testing is not done at this time. If your car does fail its emission test, however, we are authorized to repair it!
If you have any questions about an upcoming inspection, feel free to give us a ring! We have a lot of experience with the process so any questions you have, we can answer!
Schedule Your Maryland State Inspection with Churchill Auto Care
If your vehicle needs a Maryland state inspection or simply some routine maintenance, give us a call! We offer excellent service at a fair price for all of your automotive maintenance and repair needs. The inspection process could take up to 2 hours, so appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, please visit our site, give us a call or text us at 301-620-7620!