Car Safety Archives - HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Blog

Virginia state inspection: Windows, windshields and mirrors

In Car Safety, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireOctober 12, 2022

Safety is the main concern when a Virginia state inspection is being performed.

Issues can occasionally arise for various reasons – whether it’s age, impact, or lack of maintenance. Inspectors are there to make sure that all parts of a vehicle check out OK.

Windows, windshields and mirrors are some of the areas that are looked over during the Virginia safety inspection, which must be conducted each year.

We also make sure there aren’t any problems with the headlights or brakes.

Windows and the Virginia state inspection

Car windows are the first topic we’ll talk about. It’s important that a driver’s sight isn’t obscured when they are looking out.

This means, the windows aren’t allowed to be broken, or have cracks or scratches. Additionally, the driver’s view can’t be warped or cloudy.

The driver side window needs to roll down, as well. Why? Well, if a vehicle’s blinker isn’t working the way it should, the driver will be able to let others on the road know they are merging or switching lanes, by opening the window and using hand gestures.

Cracks in the windshield

Is there a crack in your windshield? Did a rock or some sort of debris come up from the road and leave a mark? These are some items that inspectors keep an eye out for.

Windshield with cracks that extend across it or star cracks bigger than 1 and a half inches around will fail state inspection.

A star crack on the windshield of a Volkswagen.

Having cracks develop in a windshield can happen to anyone, especially for those driving through construction areas or on the highway. In fact, I just acquired my second star crack when driving on I-95 a few weeks ago.

If any appear on your windshield, contact your insurance company. They may provide windshield coverage and fix it for free or cover some of the costs.

Cracks aren’t the only problem that may hinder a person’s ability to see. So can tinting and letters. The tint shouldn’t go under the AS-1, be cloudy, or bubble up on the rear windshield.

Any letters, numbers or images on a windshield aren’t allowed to be more than 3 inches from the top.

There are also windshield related components that inspectors look into, like making sure the defroster is functioning and that the windshield wipers are in one piece.

Secure mirror mountings

Visibility is a concern in regards to car mirrors, as well. Drivers are expected to have a full view of the 200 feet behind themselves. This view can’t be broken up by cracks. The mirrors on trucks should go halfway from the edge of the body.

Making sure motorists can see out the mirrors isn’t the only focus of our state inspectors. They also confirm that the mounting is secure. Mirrors must not move or be held on through various means. For example, duct tape shouldn’t be holding the side view mirror or mirror mounting together.

In this article we have covered some problems that can prevent a car from passing the Virginia safety inspection. If you notice any of these issues with your vehicle, we recommend bringing it to a local auto repair shop or a mechanic near you.

Not only will addressing these issues now eliminate the headache of getting them fixed at state inspection time, it also improves your safety on the road.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Headlights: What’s checked during the Virginia Safety Inspection

In Car Safety by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireSeptember 29, 2020

It’s starting to become darker earlier. With the nights lengthening, it’s even more important that drivers have functioning headlights.

Headlights are among the parts that are looked over during the annual Virginia Safety Inspection. Brakes are another component.

Problems with headlights that state inspectors look for

In addition to making sure the assembly doesn’t shift, inspectors ensure there aren’t any cracks, which can alter the aiming pattern.

Why do we focus on this?

When you’re stopped at a traffic light or traveling down the highway, the headlights must be aligned in a certain way so you don’t blind oncoming traffic.

If a headlight is pointed up or to the left too much, it could impair the vision of other drivers and cause an accident.

We also check for headlights that are foggy or those that are too dim or too bright.

Our technicians can determine the candlepower and aiming with a headlight aligner machine.

The lifespan of a headlight depends on the type and how often it’s used.

If you choose to replace yours, verify that it’s approved by the SAE with the correct number. This will determine if the headlight can be used on the road.

Cheap headlights that fit your vehicle are available for purchase online; however, they might not be allowed for highway use. If not, you could get a ticket. Headlights that aren’t SAE approved also won’t pass the Virginia Safety Inspection.

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Car doesn’t start? Dashboard lights on?

In Car Safety, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireAugust 7, 2019

Your vehicle’s dashboard contains a number of tools that share important information with you – are there any problems or is everything running smoothly?

It also houses an array of dashboard lights that have various meanings. These alerts can warn you if something is malfunctioning and the vehicle needs to be checked by a mechanic.

You may not be able to determine what a warning means at a glance, especially if it’s your first time seeing it or it doesn’t appear often.

Below is a guide for what each of the symbols indicate and any steps you should take.

What the different car dashboard lights mean

Check Engine Light: The check engine light turning on can be an indicator of numerous problems. If the vehicle has a flashing check engine light, it shouldn’t be driven and needs to be brought to a mechanic or car repair shop as soon as possible. A check engine light that is remaining solid doesn’t require immediate attention, but we suggest you schedule an appointment for the near future.

Battery Alert Light: Has your battery alert light illuminated? It could be that enough power isn’t making it to the battery. This can happen if you need a new battery or alternator, or there are electrical issues.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light: The purpose of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is to make sure that a vehicle’s brakes don’t lock up during emergencies. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light can clue you in when the system isn’t working correctly.

Oil Pressure Alert Light: If your oil pressure alert light appears, it’s a good idea to check your oil. (You can read about and see our video on how to check your oil in this blog post. This symbol lets you know that the engine is experiencing a decrease in oil pressure.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Light: A problem with tire pressure or a tire sensor can cause the tire pressure monitoring light to come on. Check to see where the pressure of each tire is at. (This article and video we produced explains when and how to check the tire pressure.) If you notice that all of them are lower than they should be, it may be the result of the temperature. Having one with less tire pressure could be a sign that you have a flat.

Keep in mind that there are all kinds of vehicles on the road today, which means that there can be even more alerts than the ones listed here. The dashboard lights may also look differently.

If you notice a warning light is on and you don’t recognize it, take a look at the owner’s manual. That should help you narrow it down. If you still aren’t sure what the alert means or if you need to have it addressed right away, reach out to a car repair shop near you.

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Windshield wipers play large role in driving safety

In Car Safety, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireJune 1, 2018

A driver’s safety is largely affected by visibility.

It can be dangerous when something impedes their vision, such as a dirty windshield, according to a release.

A vehicle’s windshield wipers help clear debris and moisture, making them important safety features.

Checking, replacing windshield wipers

According to HomeTowne Auto Repair and Tire Service Manager Joe Wood, the wipers should be checked regularly.

“Windshield wiper blades should be checked every oil change and for any type of safety inspection,” Wood wrote in an email. “An inspection should consist of checking channels for tears, build up, or ozone cracking (dry cracking).”

A driver’s routine, the climate they reside in, and their driving style can impact how often wipers should be replaced.

However, drivers shouldn’t wait too long before replacing them.

“They wear down like any rubber component whether in heavy use or not,” Wood wrote. “So, it is always a good idea to utilize your washer fluid feature to spray the windshield and actuate your wipers to detect poor performance early, rather than later in a flash rain storm when it is too late.”

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Virginia state inspection sticker getting a new location on Jan. 1

In Car Safety, News by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireDecember 7, 2017

Starting on January 1, things are going to change a bit with your Virginia state inspection sticker.

At the beginning of 2018, inspection stickers will no longer be placed in the bottom center of your windshield. Now they’ll be located on the bottom left-hand corner.

“The reason they’re doing this is because new cars these days have a crash avoidance system that utilizes the center of the windshield,” said HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire General Manager Rich Campbell.

While you won’t be required to move or remove the existing sticker to be in compliance until your normal state inspection due date, if your windshield is tinted, you may need to have that addressed sooner rather than later.

“The important thing is to let your inspection station know in January, if you have prescription window tint – communicate with your inspection station, your inspector, as well as maybe the company that does your window tinting for you, because the center of the windshield is no long going to be utilized by the state inspection,” said Campbell.

If you’re in the military service, we can also assist with moving military stickers to another appropriate location on your windshield, so they’re not blocked by the Virginia state inspection sticker.

Learn more about the Virginia State Safety Inspection program.

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Why Virginia state inspections are important for all vehicles

In Car Safety, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireJanuary 11, 2017

When people think about state inspections, they often only think about the hassle of bringing their vehicle in the shop, and the potential repair order they’ll get when certain parts of their vehicle don’t pass inspection.

And while for people with work, families, and a busy schedule it may be difficult, there are many reasons why having the state inspections for all vehicles in Virginia is important.

The state inspection program in Virginia is managed by the Virginia State Police.

“This program is an integral part of highway safety and a program the Virginia State Police is proud to provide to the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Virginia State Police Captain Ron Maxey.

According to Maxey, there are more than 4,500 licensed inspection stations in Virginia that employ around 15,000 licensed state inspectors.

Importance of state inspections

One of the reasons that the state inspection program is so crucial is that it can prevent accidents that can hurt yourself, loved ones, and other drivers on the road.

“As a father and as a husband, I feel that all cars that are on the roads should be safe. Not only safe for the occupants that are inside the vehicles, but for the vehicles that surround them, for pedestrians walking down the street, even for bicyclists,” said Woodbridge resident Joseph George.

Mike Fortune, the owner of Cloverleaf Tire & Auto, said that state inspections each year is often times the first time a driver becomes aware of an issue with their vehicle, so it provides an opportunity for repairs and changes to be made to the vehicle before they become more costly or you end up on the side of the road.

“Imagine driving down the road next to a car that has less than 2/32nds, with almost bald tire and the danger that is, especially in rainy weather or slick conditions,” said Fortune.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for the colder months

In Car Safety, Tires & Wheels, Vehicle Fluids, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireNovember 9, 2016

The colder months are approaching in Virginia, and with that cold comes snow, ice, and changing road conditions.

As a driver in the Northern Virginia area, it’s always a good idea to keep your eye on the condition of your vehicle. Especially as a driver in the Washington, D.C. area you need to be following the severe service intervals per the owner’s manual for your vehicle, in order to ensure that your car is ready year round. This is a great basic service interval to go off of, because the wear and tear on the cars from traffic and congestion. And when the seasons change, it is very important that you get some key things looked at on your vehicle, to make sure you’ll make it through the winter safely.

Here’s what we recommend that you have inspected at a qualified automotive shop, before the winter weather really sets in.

Check your tire pressure monthly, as the temperature drops

Your tires

Your vehicle’s tires need to be in good shape during the colder months, as they’re what help you to brake quickly and steer through icy road conditions. If you typically use a summer tire for your vehicle when it’s warmer, then it’s time to change over to an all season or winter tire, depending on your vehicle and driving needs.

In addition to potentially switching the set of tires on your vehicle, you need to also make sure that the tires are being checked for air pressure and tread depth. Your tires need to be properly inflated in order to work effectively – and prevent you from ending up on the side of the road with a flat tire. The tread depth is equally important, as worn down tires with minimal to no tread make it more difficult to brake and handle the vehicle safety in adverse weather conditions.

Your lights

Especially with it getting dark earlier in the day, it is important that all of your vehicle’s lights are working properly, in order to ensure full visibility. You can walk around your vehicle with the lights on to check that no bulbs are blown out – grab a friend to help if need be. We can also assist you with checking the bulbs and replacing them.

Your vehicle’s battery

Get your battery checked and tested before the winter

When it gets colder, a lot of drivers find that they have issues with their car’s battery – often in cases where you need it the most. At our shop we’re able to hook up our battery analyzer to your vehicle to test that the battery is in good condition, and that it can still produce the electrical load that your vehicle requires for starting.

We can also help to make sure that the cells on the battery are good, which can help you to avoid electrical problems with your car.

The vehicle’s cooling system

Your vehicle’s cooling system makes sure that parts of your vehicle don’t freeze up, and that everything works smoothly. So when the winter comes, you need to make sure your cooling system has been services. The first thing you’ll want to have done is to have a technician check the antifreeze in your car. Is it the correct level? Does the fluid look dirty? What is the alkaline level? These are all things that need to be checked to make sure your cooling system is working properly.

Changing out the fluids is also an important part of servicing your cooling system before the winter season. The coolant fluid needs to have a proper mixture in order for it to work properly and keep your vehicle from freezing up. We can replace those fluids, and drivers should have their coolant inspected and changed out around every 60,000 miles as a standard.

Check your car’s heater and defrost controls before colder months set in

Your heater and defroster functions on the vehicle

While this may sound simple, going through each of the modes on your cars temperature controls with heating, air conditioning, and defrosting functions, is important to ensure that they’re working. Especially with the defrost function, you need to test this to make sure air is fully blowing air on the windshield.

Your wiper blades

In the colder months, your wiper blades can take a serious beating, especially when you’re dealing with rain, ice, and snowfall. Before winter hits, consider changing out your wiper blades, and have them inspected to see if they’re still in good shape. You should be looking for small cracks or if the rubber is hard – good signs that they need to be swapped out. Also, if they haven’t been changed in one year, it is most likely time to invest in a replacement.

Your vehicle’s transmission

Replacing your dirty air filter can save money on gas

Regardless of what season it is, it is very important for drivers to take care of their vehicle’s transmission. You want to have the transmission inspected to make sure that the levels are correct and that there are no signs of burning – which is the wear from the friction material in the car – that could cause issues for your vehicle later.

Also, make sure you’ve got a snow brush and ice scraper, so that you’re prepared when the snow and ice does come.

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HomeTowne celebrates National Tire Safety Week, May 29 – June 4

In Car Safety, Tires & Wheels, Vehicle Maintenance by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireMay 24, 2016

On May 29 through June 4, HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire will be celebrating National Tire Safety Week.

National Tire Safety Week is an excellent chance for you to have your tires inspected to make sure that they’re keeping you safe out on the road, or to get your tires repaired or replaced.

“It’s a reminder to make sure you’ve got your air pressure checked. You also want to make sure that any time you have an oil change that they look for anything in the tires – nails, screws – and make sure they’re properly repaired with a plug patch,” said HomeTowne General Manager Rich Campbell.

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, to make sure that your tires are safe you need to check the pressure, alignment, rotation, and tread.

At our shop we offer free flat repair to all of our customers – regardless of if you bought your tires with us.

We also fill tires with nitrogen air at no charge, which is better not only for your tires, but the environment as well.

HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Five tips for when you’re driving in fog

In Car Safety by HomeTowne Auto Repair & TireDecember 2, 2015

Fog can make it really difficult and dangerous when you’re out there driving on the road. At HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire, we’re committed to keeping our customers safe, so we’ve put together some important tips to help you when you’re driving in fog.

Slow down. It may be frustrating when you’re trying to get somewhere, but slowing down is one of the best ways to prevent incidents from occurring. When slowing down, you’re going to want to keep an eye on your speedometer to double check your speed, because thick fog has the ability to mask your speed, due to the fact that you’re not able to see objects around you.
Turn on your low-beams. When it’s difficult to see, a lot of drivers have a default of turning on their high-beams, but that’s actually the opposite of what you want to do. The high-beams in foggy weather actually make it more difficult for you to see, because the illumination from the high-beams can reflect off of the fog and back to your vehicle.
Use your fog-lights. Not all vehicles have them, but if you do have front fog-lights, it will make it easier to light up the road, and make your car more visible to other people driving on the road. If you have rear fog-lights, it’s also a good idea to turn them on because it allows drivers that are following behind you to see your vehicle more clearly.
The right-side pavement line should be your guide. Especially when there’s thick fog in the air, the clear and thick white line painted on the right side of the road is going to be a huge guide for you as you’re driving. You might be tempted to use the pavement lines in the center of the road, but they are more difficult to see, and it can lead to accidents if other drivers can’t see as clearly and veer toward the center.
Don’t stop. If you’re having difficulty seeing while driving in the fog, you may be inclined to want to drive very slowly, or even stop in the road. But when it’s driving in fog, you should not be stopping on the road at all. If you absolutely have to, what you need to do is find a safe area to pull over away from traffic, and then turn off your lights. If you pull over and leave your lights on, drivers could think that your lights show a travel lane, which could potentially lead to a collision.

Follow these tips and exercise caution on the road when there’s fog, and it will go a long way to help avoid a collision or incident.