Getting your vehicle inspected is one of those once-a-year errands that can’t be put off for long (an expired inspection sticker can result in a ticket). State auto inspections focus on two items – safety and emissions – and your vehicle must pass both to be registered or have its registration renewed.

The safety inspection will examine the following vehicle components:

• Seat belts
• Brakes
• Steering, front end, suspension, chassis, frame, wheel fasteners
• Tires
• Lights (a $3 broken taillight will result in a failed inspection)
• Windshield (including wipers and blades) and other glass
• Horn
• Mirrors

One common reason why a vehicle will fail a safety inspection is window tint, especially if the front windows are tinted. If your vehicle fails inspection for this reason, you’ll have to remove the tint (or get lighter tints) before it will pass. Each state has its own regulations regarding window tint, so make sure you know what’s legal in your neck of the woods.

During the emissions inspection (sometimes referred to as the “smog check”), vehicles are given a gas cap check, visual inspection of the emission control devices and a test of the chemical components of the vehicle's exhaust. Additionally, the emissions inspection will check:

• Positive crankcase ventilation system
• Catalytic converter
• Fuel inlet restrictor
• Exhaust gas recirculation valve
• Thermostatic air cleaner
• Air injection system
• Evaporative emission control

In the event your car fails inspection for an emissions-related problem, you’ll be given an emissions repair form and vehicle inspection report to determine the cause of the problem(s). You can either have the repairs completed by a registered Emissions Repair Facility (ERF) or make them yourself.

Regardless of the reason, you’ll always have a specified period of time – typically 30 to 60 days – to have the necessary repairs completed and your vehicle re-inspected.

Also, just because your car passed inspection in one state doesn’t necessarily mean it will pass in all states, especially when it comes to emissions. Different states have different regulations, and you will need to get your car re-inspected if you move.

One last thing, there’s a myth that if you disconnect the battery before having your car inspected, the car’s computer (ECM, or Electronic Control Module) will be erased and allow the car to pass inspection. Wrong! The diagnostic computers at any and every state inspection facility will automatically detect this and you’ll fail inspection on the spot.