Once a year, the Department of Motor Vehicles sends you a notice regarding inspection, vehicle property tax, and registration renewal. After receiving the letter, it’s your responsibility to get your vehicle checked by a licensed inspector. When searching for an auto inspection station near me, choose Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Below, are a few things you should know about a NC car inspection before you go.
NC State Inspection Requirements
While you may think state inspections are a hassle, mandating them helps keep all motorists safe. When you bring your car in for a safety inspection, the technician will check the following components on your car:
- Headlights
- Accessory lights
- Directional signals
- Foot brake
- Parking brake
- Steering
- Tires
- Horn
- Rearview mirror
- Windshield wipers
- Exhaust system
- Emission control components
- Tinted windows, if applicable
Furthermore, the Department of Motor Vehicles sets the rate inspection stations can charge for safety inspections: $13.60. If your car fails, you have 60 days to make repairs and re-inspect your vehicle.
Xpress Lube is a certified inspection station plus a full-service auto repair shop. Thus, we can make any necessary needed repairs while you’re at our facility. Of course, you’re welcome to take your car anywhere you want to fix the problem. Just bring your car back to us for re-inspection so you won’t have to pay the fee again.
Emissions Requirements
Several factors led to a dramatic increase in the number of cars in the U.S. in the 1950s. With more vehicles, air pollution also increased. To improve air quality, the EPA set and implemented emissions standards. This is the basis for state-required emissions testing.
However, with increased regulation and new technology, today’s cars run more efficiently and cleaner than those of decades ago. Ongoing improvements in cleaner emissions have led to some counties removing this requirement. Someday, the DMV may completely remove the emission inspection. For now, you still need to pay $30 for an emission inspection if you live in one of these counties:
- Alamance
- Buncombe
- Cabarrus
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Durham
- Forsyth
- Franklin
- Gaston
- Guilford
- Iredell
- Johnston
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- New Hanover
- Randolph
- Rowan
- Wake
- Union
During your emissions test, auto technicians hook diagnostic equipment to your vehicle’s onboard computer. This system monitors and assesses the performance of engine components including emissions. Any deviation in the set standard of performance will result in a failed emissions test. Usually, your check engine light should have already alerted you to a problem.
Don’t Skip Your Routine Maintenance
Ultimately, skipping any routine maintenance will have a negative effect on your car engine. Additionally, neglecting servicing may cause your check engine light to illuminate and cause a failed emissions test.
1. Bad Oxygen Sensor
Typically, oxygen sensors can last between 30,000 to 100,000 miles. As these sensors become coated with dirt and grime, they have a greater chance of failing. Not replacing your air filter and spark plugs on schedule can speed up dirt accumulation on oxygen sensors.
2. Clogged Or Dirty Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are a part of your fuel delivery system. The injectors spray the correct amount of gas into the combustion chamber. Unfortunately, carbon deposits can build up on injectors. With too little gas entering the combustion chamber, your check engine light will illuminate.
3. Low Oil Pressure
Engineers design car engines to work efficiently with oil flowing at a particular pressure. Low levels of oil or using the wrong viscosity recommended by your manufacturer can result in low pressure.
4. Catalytic Converter Failure
Sometimes, road debris can cause damage to the catalytic converter. Other times, this part can become clogged or overheated from too much fuel in the exhaust. Usually, a bad oxygen sensor or worn spark plug can cause these problems.
5. Worn Spark Plug
Your spark plugs provide a jolt of electricity to ignite the gas/fuel mix in the combustion chamber. Manufacturers make this part from copper, iridium, and platinum. Depending on the material, your plugs can last anywhere from 30,000-100,000 miles.
6. Loose/ Failing Gas Cap
To prevent harmful gasses from leaking into the atmosphere, your car has an evaporative emission control system (EVAP). This system relies on a vacuum-sealed fuel system to work properly. If you forget to tighten your gas cap or it doesn’t seal properly, the check engine light will illuminate.
Auto Inspection Station Near Me- FAQs
In our area, it’s usually not difficult to find an auto inspection station near me. However, not all facilities offer the same level of service. At Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we pride ourselves on our family-friendly atmosphere. To familiarize you with our business, we answer a few commonly asked questions below.
Do You Offer Gift Cards?
Yes! You can purchase them in any amount up to $100. You can use gift cards to pay for any of our services including state inspections. Our gift cards make great gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Simply stop by our auto repair shop at 725 Hwy 66 South in Kernersville to purchase one.
Need A Car Wash?
Our facility also has a modern car wash to keep your automobile sparkling clean. We offer different levels of services with 3 affordable ways to pay. Of course, we use premium products like Rain•X®, Armor-All®, and Black Magic®. Plus, we also have an auto detailing service for when your car needs a deep cleaning.
What Type Of Repairs Can Your Auto Technicians Perform?
We employ 4 ASE-certified mechanics and 5 NC-certified inspection technicians to handle all your automotive needs. Whether you have a foreign or domestic vehicle, our crew will have you back on the road quickly.
When you need an auto inspection station near me, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. We’re more than a business, we’re family. Call us today at (336) 993-7697 or use our online form to make an appointment.
