NC Security Checklist | Chapel Hill Sheena

If you have an annual MOT coming up, you may be thinking about your car and trying to decide if it has any problems that might prevent it from passing. Take it easy with this comprehensive vehicle inspection checklist from local Chapel Hill Tire mechanics.

Vehicle Check 1: Headlights

Properly working headlights are essential for maintaining visibility at night and in inclement weather, and for other drivers to see you. Both of your headlights need to be serviceable and efficient to help you stay safe and pass your inspection. Common problems include burnt out light bulbs, dim headlights, discolored headlight lenses, and cracked headlight lenses. They can often be repaired with headlight restoration or bulb replacement services.

Car Check 2: Tires

Over time, the tire tread wears out and loses its ability to provide the necessary traction. A worn tire tread can lead to handling and braking problems that get worse in inclement weather. Tire condition is required to pass safety and emissions checks. Watch the wear indicator strips or manually check the tire tread to make sure it is at least 2/32" high.

In addition to tread depth, you may fail the test if your tires have any structural problems, including cuts, exposed cords, visible bumps, knots, or bulges. This can be caused by long wear or specific wheel problems such as bent rims. If any of these problems are present, you will need new tires to pass the inspection.

Vehicle Check 3: Turn Signals

Your turn signals (sometimes referred to as "direction signals" or "indicators" during inspections) are essential to informing you of your upcoming actions with other drivers on the road. Your turn signals must be fully functional in order to pass inspection. This test process checks the turn signals at the front and rear of your vehicle. Common problems that lead to failure include burned out or dim bulbs, which are easily repaired by replacing turn signal bulbs. 

Vehicle Check 4: Brakes

The ability to properly slow down and stop your vehicle is key to being safe on the road. Both your foot and parking brake are tested during the NC test and they both need to be working properly for you to pass. One of the most common brake problems that will prevent you from getting your inspection done is worn out brake pads. This problem can be easily fixed with proper brake maintenance.  

Car Check 5: Exhaust System

While NC emissions checks are relatively new, exhaust system checks have been around for many years as part of the annual inspection. This step of the vehicle inspection checks for removed, broken, damaged, or disconnected exhaust system parts and emission control devices. Depending on your vehicle, this may include a catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipe, air pump system, EGR valve, PCV valve, and oxygen sensor, among others. 

In the past, drivers often tampered with these devices in an attempt to improve the speed and performance of the vehicle. This practice has become much less popular over the years, so this check will only likely result in you failing your vehicle inspection if any element of your exhaust system fails. However, if you choose to tamper with your emission control devices, it could earn you a $250 fine in addition to refusing to check the vehicle. 

Car check 6: brake lights and other additional lighting

Listed as "additional lighting" by the DMV, this inspection component of your vehicle includes inspection of brake lights, tail lights, license plate lights, reversing lights, and any other lights that may need service. As with headlights and turn signals, the most common problem here is dim or burned out bulbs, which can be fixed with a simple bulb replacement. 

Vehicle check 7: Windshield wipers

To improve visibility in inclement weather, windshield wipers must work properly. Blades must also be intact and functional without any noticeable damage in order to pass inspection. The most common problem here is broken wiper blades, which can be quickly and inexpensively replaced.  

Car Check 8: Windshield

In some (but not all) cases, a cracked windshield can cause a North Carolina inspection to fail. This is often the case if a cracked windshield interferes with the driver's view. It can also result in a failed test if the damage interferes with the proper functioning of any other vehicle safety device, such as windshield wipers or a rear-view mirror mount.

Vehicle check 9: Rear view mirrors

North Carolina Automotive Inspectors check both your rearview mirror and your side mirrors. These mirrors must be properly installed, secure, efficient, easy to clean (no sharp cracks), and easy to adjust. 

Vehicle Check 10: Beep

To make sure you can communicate with other drivers on the road, your horn is tested during the annual vehicle inspections. It should be audible 200 feet ahead and should not make harsh or unusually loud noises. The horn should also be securely attached and securely connected. 

Vehicle inspection Check 11: Steering system

As you might have guessed, proper steering is essential to car safety. One of the first checks here involves steering wheel "free play" - a term used to describe any extra movement required from the steering wheel before it starts turning your wheels. A safe handlebar does not exceed 3-4 inches of free play (depending on your wheel size). Your mechanic will also check your power steering system for signs of damage. This may include a power steering fluid leak, loose/broken springs, and a loose/broken belt. 

Car Check 12: Window Tinting

If you have had tinted windows, they may need to be inspected to make sure they are NC compliant. This only applies to factory tinted windows. The examiner will use a photometer to ensure that the hue has a light transmittance greater than 32% and that the light reflectance is not 20% or less. They will also make sure that the shade is properly applied and colored. Any professional tint for your windows must follow government regulations, so this is unlikely to result in you failing the test.

Motorcycle Safety Check

NC safety inspection instructions are roughly the same for all vehicles, including motorcycles. However, there are some minor (and intuitive) tweaks for motorcycle inspections. For example, instead of two normally functioning headlights when inspecting a motorcycle, naturally, only one is required. 

What happens if I don't pass the inspection?

Unfortunately, you cannot renew an NC registration if the verification fails. Instead, the DMV will block your registration application until your vehicle passes. Luckily, these inspections are performed by mechanics who know a thing or two about repairs. You can resolve any issues to make sure you pass the test with flying colours.

Unlike an emissions test, you cannot apply for a waiver or receive an exemption from passing a safety test. One exception does apply to NC vehicles: vintage vehicles (35 years and older) are not required to pass an MOT in order to register a vehicle.

Chapel Hill Tire Annual Vehicle Inspections

Visit your local Chapel Hill Tire Service Center for your next vehicle inspection. Chapel Hill Tire has 9 offices in the Triangle, conveniently located in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex and Carrborough. We offer annual safety checks as well as any vehicle maintenance you may need to pass the check. Our mechanics also offer emission checks if you find this is required for your registration. You can make an appointment here online or call us today to get started!

Back to resources