Why I Hate State Inspection
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 592
Likes: 56
From: Pennsylvania
Why I Hate State Inspection
So I got my truck back from inspection today, and I saw on the bill they had given me a new wiper blade. I figured that was alright, since the rubber on my original driver's side blade was getting bad and I figured they had just replaced that. Turns out they replaced the entire blade assembly, and at that point, my truck's wipers were mismatched and ugly. So, I left the inspection garage to go to school, about three miles down the road. It was raining, so I turned on my wipers... and POP. The new one snaps. There's a piece of my hood, so I pull off the road, grab it, and go the rest of the way to school. I pull in the parking lot, and my power steering pump fails. Not a good solid fail, but it worked intermittenly, making steering impossible. I managed to park, and I did whatever it is I did in the school for about three hours. I get back out, and I drive home. My pump works fine now, but the wiper is still broken.
So, a) Why did my power steering do that? and b) Where can I find original wiper blades and/or arms? The junkyard obviously would have them, but are there any companies out there that make new "original" blades?
So, a) Why did my power steering do that? and b) Where can I find original wiper blades and/or arms? The junkyard obviously would have them, but are there any companies out there that make new "original" blades?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,756
From: Virginia
I never leave my vehicle for inspection without my being there. The places in the more poplulated towns seem to think that is SOP for an inspection, but I go out into the rural areas and find a station that will take me with a little bit of waiting usually. And they never have permission to replace anything. I will take a rejection sticker and do it myself before I let them change anything.
Here in Virginia, a garage that does state inspections has to have a dedicated bay and a employee for inspections. It's against the rules to have to wait for an inspection because they are doing an oil change or something.
I would check the belt tension on your power steering pump.
Here in Virginia, a garage that does state inspections has to have a dedicated bay and a employee for inspections. It's against the rules to have to wait for an inspection because they are doing an oil change or something.
I would check the belt tension on your power steering pump.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
One thing good about Kalifornia.....they only do the smog check. No frickin' wiper blade, brake, headlight, turnsignal.. none of that crap.
I'd take the truck back with the broken blade.....tell them to give the original back, which I believe is required by law in some states, and a replacement for the broken POS.......
And then tell them it started raining and the wiper broke and you almost hit a child crossing the street because you couldn't see.......
I'd take the truck back with the broken blade.....tell them to give the original back, which I believe is required by law in some states, and a replacement for the broken POS.......
And then tell them it started raining and the wiper broke and you almost hit a child crossing the street because you couldn't see.......
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
On a simular note, try finding just wiper blade refills in any of the auto stores around here. They make you buy the whole blade.
Which does not make me very "happy".
What about the classic cars with the original blades? Something needs to be done about this in my opinion.
Which does not make me very "happy".
What about the classic cars with the original blades? Something needs to be done about this in my opinion.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 592
Likes: 56
From: Pennsylvania
Clicked the first link that showed up at the top of the page on this site, it was for the National Parts Depo. I looked at their online catalog, and they have original-type blade assemblies for about $9 and (exactly what I wanted in the first place) rubber refills for about $7. How reliable is their quality of parts? I haven't always heard great things about some of the different advertisers on this site.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
In my experience, NPD is pretty dang good! I got some clutch linkage components from
'em once, parts that weren't even listed in the catalogs but they have 'em, found by calling
'em up and talking.
Another place I recommend is Rock Auto (also a sponsor here), I buy lots o' stuff from
them and they're also really helpful on the phone. I like them cuz they're a small, family-
owned business.
Calling up either of them doesn't get you to India.
-ct
'em once, parts that weren't even listed in the catalogs but they have 'em, found by calling
'em up and talking.
Another place I recommend is Rock Auto (also a sponsor here), I buy lots o' stuff from
them and they're also really helpful on the phone. I like them cuz they're a small, family-
owned business.
Calling up either of them doesn't get you to India.
-ct
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,493
Likes: 16
From: Kuna ID
Some parts stores may carry new arms, the one I work at is starting to stock them. My next set of wiper blades will be motorcraft. My 2000 mustang came with a new set when I bought it and 2 winters later they still work like new. I usually have to change part store wipers twice a year.
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 5
From: Wiltshire, United Kingdom
LMAO So you guys are subject to the great pigeon english call centres too? Wow, half of India must work in call centres.
What is this state inspection then - similar to our MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests?
This is what we are anually subjected to (in a nutshell) -
BRAKES
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> DOORS
Both front doors must be capable of being opened from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely.
Tailgates, bootlids etc.
All these items, including the tailboards and dropsides of trucks must be capable of being secured in the closed position.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> EMISSIONS
<hr color="#791513"> FUEL SYSTEM
Any fuel leak will result in a fail. Checked under the bonnet and throughout the run of the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine.
• The fuel filler cap must fasten securely
• The seal in the cap must not be torn, deteriorated or missing
• No other defect should be present which could cause fuel to leak out.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> HORN
<hr color="#791513"> LIGHTS
<hr color="#791513"> MIRRORS
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> REGISTRATION PLATES AND VIN* (Vehicle Identification Number)
For registered vehicles the plate must be:
• Present
• Secure
• Not faded, dirty or obscured
• Be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SEAT BELTS
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SEATS
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> STEERING
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SUSPENSION
<hr color="#791513"> TYRES/WHEELS
<hr color="#791513"> VEHICLE STRUCTURE
What is this state inspection then - similar to our MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests?
This is what we are anually subjected to (in a nutshell) -
BRAKES
Inside the car
Anti-lock braking system (if fitted) Warning lamp is checked for:
• Function.
• Sequence of operation. Footbrake
• Reserve travel on the footbrake so that it does not go down to the floor
• Pedal rubber not worn to excess
• Correct operation of the servo assistance system.
Anti-lock braking system (if fitted) Warning lamp is checked for:
• Function.
• Sequence of operation. Footbrake
• Reserve travel on the footbrake so that it does not go down to the floor
• Pedal rubber not worn to excess
• Correct operation of the servo assistance system.
Reserve brake
This could be a handbrake or a footbrake.
Checked for reserve travel so that it does not reach the stops on application.
The mountings will be checked for security and /or corrosion.
This could be a handbrake or a footbrake.
Checked for reserve travel so that it does not reach the stops on application.
The mountings will be checked for security and /or corrosion.
Under bonnet checks
• Master cylinder and servo unit are checked for fluid leaks with the engine on and the brakes applied.
• Servo unit will be checked to ensure it is operating correctly.
• Visible metal or flexible brake pipes will be checked for corrosion, condition, breakages or leaks.
• Master cylinder and servo unit are checked for fluid leaks with the engine on and the brakes applied.
• Servo unit will be checked to ensure it is operating correctly.
• Visible metal or flexible brake pipes will be checked for corrosion, condition, breakages or leaks.
Under Vehicle checks
With an assistant applying load to the
footbrake:
• Flexible brake pipes and any other metal brake pipes visible beneath the car are checked
• Disks and drums checked for condition and contamination
• Brake back plates and calliper securing devices are checked for condition and security
• Condition of the brake pads will be checked if visible
• An assistant operates the handbrake while the condition of the linkages and/or cables is checked.
• On some vehicles there will be a brake compensating valve beneath the car which will need to be inspected for fluid leaks
With an assistant applying load to the
footbrake:
• Flexible brake pipes and any other metal brake pipes visible beneath the car are checked
• Disks and drums checked for condition and contamination
• Brake back plates and calliper securing devices are checked for condition and security
• Condition of the brake pads will be checked if visible
• An assistant operates the handbrake while the condition of the linkages and/or cables is checked.
• On some vehicles there will be a brake compensating valve beneath the car which will need to be inspected for fluid leaks
Brake performance check
The performance of the front and rear brakes will be checked for efficiency and balance using specialised equipment.
The performance of the front and rear brakes will be checked for efficiency and balance using specialised equipment.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> DOORS
Both front doors must be capable of being opened from the inside and outside and all doors must latch securely.
Tailgates, bootlids etc.
All these items, including the tailboards and dropsides of trucks must be capable of being secured in the closed position.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> EMISSIONS
These are checked using specialised equipment, the details of the check depending on the year that the vehicle was first used on the road. Excessive smoking is a reason for failure. Diesel emissions are checked by using a smoke meter.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION<hr color="#791513"> FUEL SYSTEM
Any fuel leak will result in a fail. Checked under the bonnet and throughout the run of the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine.
• The fuel filler cap must fasten securely
• The seal in the cap must not be torn, deteriorated or missing
• No other defect should be present which could cause fuel to leak out.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> HORN
• Operation.
• Control should be easily reached by the driver.
• Volume must be sufficiently audible to pedestrians and other vehicles.
• The tone should not consist of a sequential multi-tone.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION • Control should be easily reached by the driver.
• Volume must be sufficiently audible to pedestrians and other vehicles.
• The tone should not consist of a sequential multi-tone.
<hr color="#791513"> LIGHTS
All required lights are checked for:
• Operation.
• Condition.
• Security.
• Operation.
• Condition.
• Security.
Side lights and headlamps:
• Acceptable make/model.
• Dip and aim must be within specified perameters Stop lights, indicators and hazard lights*
• Acceptable make/model
• Lights,indicators and hazard lights must not interfere with each other whilst in operation.
• Indicators, stop lights and hazard warning lights function. Rear fog lamps**
• Must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle.
• Tell-tale must work.
• Must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured.
• Must be red.
• Acceptable make/model.
• Dip and aim must be within specified perameters Stop lights, indicators and hazard lights*
• Acceptable make/model
• Lights,indicators and hazard lights must not interfere with each other whilst in operation.
• Indicators, stop lights and hazard warning lights function. Rear fog lamps**
• Must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle.
• Tell-tale must work.
• Must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured.
• Must be red.
Number plate lamps
All original lamps must be fitted and working.
Rear reflectors
There must be two reflectors fitted reasonably symmetrically, securely attached and not obscured.
* Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1986, but if fitted, must be tested.
** Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1980.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATIONThere must be two reflectors fitted reasonably symmetrically, securely attached and not obscured.
* Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1986, but if fitted, must be tested.
** Must be fitted to all vehicles first used on or after 1st April 1980.
<hr color="#791513"> MIRRORS
Not all mirrors on all vehicles are subject to Test, depending on the age of the vehicle. Those mirrors which must be checked must be:
• Secure
• Visible from the drivers seat
• Not distorted or damaged so as to seriously impair the drivers view to the rear.
• Visible from the drivers seat
• Not distorted or damaged so as to seriously impair the drivers view to the rear.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> REGISTRATION PLATES AND VIN* (Vehicle Identification Number)
For registered vehicles the plate must be:
• Present
• Secure
• Not faded, dirty or obscured
• Be composed with correctly formed letters and spacing
The VIN number must be
• Permanently displayed
• Consistent · Legible.
• Permanently displayed
• Consistent · Legible.
* Required on all vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1980.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SEAT BELTS
Most vehicles after 1965 must have seat belts, irrespective of that requirement, all seat belts fitted to any vehicle must be inspected for:
• Security of seat belt mountings and locking stalks
• Security and operation of the locking/release mechanism
• Condition of webbing
• Retraction of the belt (it is permissable to manually feed it in).
Notes:
1 For technical reasons the inertia locking mechanism is not checked.
2 On some vehicles the belt is attached to the seat, in which case the security of the seat to the vehicle would also constitute part of the seat belt check.
• Security and operation of the locking/release mechanism
• Condition of webbing
• Retraction of the belt (it is permissable to manually feed it in).
Notes:
1 For technical reasons the inertia locking mechanism is not checked.
2 On some vehicles the belt is attached to the seat, in which case the security of the seat to the vehicle would also constitute part of the seat belt check.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SEATS
• The driver's and the front passenger's seats must be secure
• All seat backs must be securable in the upright position.
• All seat backs must be securable in the upright position.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> STEERING
Inside the car checks
• Steering wheel and steering column:
• Steering wheel condition
• The steering wheel must be securely attached to the steering shaft
• The upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
• The steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
• Clamping bolts security
• The split pins and locking nuts
• The 'free play' in the steering
• Flexible couplings and universal joints.
Under the bonnet checks
Vary according to the vehicle;
Some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models. However in all cases checks
will be made for:
• The security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
• Any discernible play in the steering joints
• Swivel joints which form part of the steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet will obviously be inspected.
More.. | Top of Page
• Steering wheel and steering column:
• Steering wheel condition
• The steering wheel must be securely attached to the steering shaft
• The upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
• The steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
• Clamping bolts security
• The split pins and locking nuts
• The 'free play' in the steering
• Flexible couplings and universal joints.
Under the bonnet checks
Vary according to the vehicle;
Some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models. However in all cases checks
will be made for:
• The security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
• Any discernible play in the steering joints
• Swivel joints which form part of the steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet will obviously be inspected.
More.. | Top of Page
• Whilst the vehicle stands on special Swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked to ensure that wheels and tyres do not foul of either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses.
• Wheel bearings are checked.
• Steering rack gaiters/front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined.
• Metal and rubber bushes are checked as
• Wheel bearings are checked.
• Steering rack gaiters/front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined.
• Metal and rubber bushes are checked as
Under vehicle checks
• All the steering joints.
• Power steering systems.
• Security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to tightness of the nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached.
• Also, split pins/locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices relate to steering components. Some cars have an element of rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car. The front suspension is checked, but also the rear for:
• Excessive wear to Wheel bearings.
• Condition of front drive shafts/CV joints.
• All the steering joints.
• Power steering systems.
• Security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to tightness of the nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached.
• Also, split pins/locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices relate to steering components. Some cars have an element of rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car. The front suspension is checked, but also the rear for:
• Excessive wear to Wheel bearings.
• Condition of front drive shafts/CV joints.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION
<hr color="#791513"> SUSPENSION
Under bonnet checks
• Upper suspension joints
• Any other suspension components which
can be inspected from beneath the bonnet
• Upper suspension joints
• Any other suspension components which
can be inspected from beneath the bonnet
Under vehicle checks
Both the front and rear suspension are checked to ensure.
• No split pins or nuts missing, no components broken or bent
• Road springs function effectively, no excessive wear
• Suspension joints function effectively, no excessive wear
• Shock absorbers must not leak and must be secure (the vehicle will be 'bounced' by the Tester to check that they damp the springs adequately).
Both the front and rear suspension are checked to ensure.
• No split pins or nuts missing, no components broken or bent
• Road springs function effectively, no excessive wear
• Suspension joints function effectively, no excessive wear
• Shock absorbers must not leak and must be secure (the vehicle will be 'bounced' by the Tester to check that they damp the springs adequately).
Suspension is checked for wear by the assistant applying loads in various ways with the wheels jacked up whilst the Tester observes the result from beneath the vehicle.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION<hr color="#791513"> TYRES/WHEELS
Tyre condition
A failure with respect to tyre wear will result where:-
The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising:
• Central 3/4 of the breadth of tread
• Entire outer circumference of the tyre.
A failure with respect to tyre wear will result where:-
The grooves of the tread pattern are not at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band comprising:
• Central 3/4 of the breadth of tread
• Entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Tyres must be correctly matched with regard to:
• Type
• Size
• Structure
• Location on the vehicle with respect to the axles.
• Type
• Size
• Structure
• Location on the vehicle with respect to the axles.
Also examined:
• General condition of tyre
• Condition of valve
• General condition of tyre
• Condition of valve
Tyres fail if they have serious cuts, bulges or other damage. The wear on the tyre is checked with a tyre tread depth gauge to ensure compliance. The tyres are examined to ensure that there is no fouling with any part of the vehicle.
Note:
The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.
The condition of the spare tyre is not part of the MOT.
Wheel condition
Inspection to reveal:
• Damage
• Distortion
• Cracks
• Distorted bead rims
• How securely attached to the vehicle
• No wheel-nuts or studs missing
Inspection to reveal:
• Damage
• Distortion
• Cracks
• Distorted bead rims
• How securely attached to the vehicle
• No wheel-nuts or studs missing
An externally fitted spare wheel or spare wheel carrier must not be so insecure that it is likely to fall off.
Top of Page | FURTHER INFORMATION<hr color="#791513"> VEHICLE STRUCTURE
Body condition and security
• The vehicle body must not insecure or displaced so as to constitute a risk of loss of control of the vehicle when driven, or a danger to other road users.
• There must be no dangerous sharp edges or projections caused by corrosion or damage
• The vehicle body must not insecure or displaced so as to constitute a risk of loss of control of the vehicle when driven, or a danger to other road users.
• There must be no dangerous sharp edges or projections caused by corrosion or damage
Corrosion
A vehicle can fail with respect to corrosion for:
• Excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area' - within 30 cms of certain components, e.g. brakes, steering, suspension, seat belt mountings etc.
• Excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area', but which is likely to adversely affect the vehicle's brakes or steering.
A vehicle can fail with respect to corrosion for:
• Excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area' - within 30 cms of certain components, e.g. brakes, steering, suspension, seat belt mountings etc.
• Excessive corrosion in a 'prescribed area', but which is likely to adversely affect the vehicle's brakes or steering.
Note
'Excessive corrosion' can mean a hole or a significantly weakened structure.
<hr color="#791513"> 'Excessive corrosion' can mean a hole or a significantly weakened structure.
WINDSCREEN
The inspection has to ascertain all items affecting the driver's view of the road: the condition of the windscreen, the wipers and washers.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,025
Likes: 2,756
From: Virginia
What is this state inspection then - similar to our MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests?
This is what we are annually subjected to (in a nutshell) -
This is what we are annually subjected to (in a nutshell) -
For all you "anti-government" guys who think inspections are contrary to some basic "liberty", if you notice all rules and laws are a reaction to something happening. If you have ever worked at a factory for along period of time like I have where they have a "book of rules", you can watch it get thicker and thicker, year by year, because of people trying things they shouldn't be doing.
To keep people from running on bald tires, with doors that won't shut and frames that are rusted out with no brakes, they had to do something to keep these crazy people from killing someone besides themselves. If they were the only people on the road, it really would not matter would it?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
Move to Indiana we have nothing for vehicle inspections - pay your yearly registration and you are good to travel the hiways and byways of the midwest. Just pray to God the guy comming the other way doesn't swerve into your lane because of worn out steering - that will ruin your day.
Oh - I forgot - we do have mandatory insurance; but, it's not checked when you renew your plates.
Oh - I forgot - we do have mandatory insurance; but, it's not checked when you renew your plates.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
Likes: 1
From: Effingham,IL USA
I'll bet yer power steering went out because your belt is a little loose, and it got wet. My 83 F100 used to do the same thing when it rained. It wood loose all assist in the middle of a turn when it was rainin- that was annoying! Make sure the belt is tight and that its not oil soaked- a slipping belt = no assist.