5 Reasons Your Car Will Fail NC State Inspection
Content
The inspection process in the state of North Carolina can be difficult, but it's best to understand what might be preventing your pass. While inspection specifics vary depending on the county you're in (check out our complete inspection guide here), these are the top 5 reasons cars don't pass inspection in NC and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Tire tread
Not surprisingly, your vehicle must be in safe working order in order to pass inspection. One of the key components of this safety are your tires. When your tire's tread is worn out, you won't have the traction to safely steer, slow it down, and stop it. Your tread should be at least 2/32" thick. Before checking, you can check your tread with tire wear indicator strips that mark this minimum tread length for you.
Solution: change tires
The only way to solve the problem of unsafe tire tread is to change the tires. Even though new tires are an investment, they will pay off for the safety they provide. You can find offers and coupons to help you save money on this service. Buying tires online can help you browse through all your options and find the right tires for your vehicle and your budget. Our guide to the online tire finder tool can help guide you through the process.
Problem 2: Faulty turn signals
Traffic regulations require that you use a turn signal to indicate lane changes, turns, and other directional movements while driving on the road. However, your alarm will be ineffective if this feature of your car is faulty. That's why government inspections require service technicians to make sure your turn signals are in perfect working order.
Solution: bulb replacement
A failed turn signal is often the result of a blown bulb, making repairs easy and affordable. Remember that you have turn signals at both the front and rear of your car. During the inspection, a vehicle service technician will let you know which of your warning lights are not working. Then you can replace the turn signal bulb on the spot with the help of this specialist. Otherwise, you can use the user manual to read about this repair and do the replacement yourself. This will restore these safety features to your vehicle and help you pass the MOT.
Problem 3: Headlights
Making sure your headlights are in working order is another important item to pass inspection in the state of North Carolina. Headlights are a key safety feature for driving at night and in various weather conditions. Driving with faulty headlights is not only unsafe, but also illegal. That's why headlights are a key checkpoint in any North Carolina vehicle inspection.
Solution: Headlight Maintenance
It is likely that you know if your headlights will prevent you from passing inspection in the state of North Carolina even before you visit the store. Unlike your turn signals, which you may not notice if they fail, your headlights are a permanent and visible element of your vehicle. Their effectiveness is directly related to your ability to easily drive a car. With that in mind, it's important to fix any headlight problems as soon as they occur (and not just when you need your next inspection). Proper headlight maintenance will help keep you and others safe on the road, and help you pass your next vehicle inspection in North Carolina.
Problem 4: Brakes
Brakes are an important part of any vehicle maintenance. While you may forget to keep an eye on your brake system, an annual inspection will ensure that it is in good condition. This includes your parking brake, foot brake, and more that can prevent you from successfully bringing your vehicle to a safe and timely stop. Damaged brake lights can also pose a road safety hazard, so they can prevent you from passing your vehicle inspection.
Solution: brake maintenance
Brake service can include a range of services to get your brakes in perfect working order. You may need new brake pads, parking brake service, or other repairs. Consult with a specialist to determine what is needed to get your brakes in top condition and how to achieve those results at the lowest cost.
Problem 5: Other validation issues
There are many other obstacles that may prevent you from passing your vehicle inspection, depending on the county where you live. For example, some counties in North Carolina have emission limits that can cause vehicles to fail if they don't meet environmental requirements. Problems with the windshield wipers can also cause inspection concerns. In addition, some counties have tinted glass inspection criteria that your vehicle must meet. This lack of consistency can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly what you need to do to pass the test. Luckily, there are many knowledgeable experts ready to help you along your path.
Solution: Expert opinion
To get an idea of whether your vehicle will meet NC Inspection standards, contact a professional. This specialist will be able to diagnose any issues that stand between you and a successful audit and fix those issues before you go to the DMV.
If you need help or advice for your next check in North Carolina, call Chapel Hill Tire. We have offices in Apex, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham and Carrborough to help you along the way. Bring your car to your next inspection in North Carolina today!
Back to resources
