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.
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.