Wondering how much is a car inspection in NC? Fortunately, fees are set by the legislature (see below for a breakdown of costs) and all vehicle inspection stations charge the same amount. Therefore, simply knowing how much is a car inspection in NC won’t necessarily help you choose the best location.

The town of Kernersville has dozens of official NC inspection stations.  Certainly, you want a mechanic that’s trustworthy, dependable, and reliable. Often, family and friends have a place they love. In Kernersville, that place is Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Routine Maintenance Helps Prevent Major Repairs

Sometimes, car owners fear getting their NC vehicle safety state inspection performed. However, keeping up with routine maintenance can often prevent surprises during the inspection. Typically, you should be changing your oil routinely and checking other fluids. When you bring your vehicle to Xpress Lube for an oil change, we’ll also perform a courtesy check:

• Engine air filter
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Automatic transmission fluid
• Coolant/antifreeze

If any of these fluids are low or dirty, we can take care of you quickly. Moreover, our mechanics will be happy to look at any other components of your car and make recommendations. We use the latest diagnostic equipment to pinpoint and all fix issues.

FAQs About Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements

Many consumers ask us similar questions regarding state vehicle inspections. So, we’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about the car inspections process. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 336-993-7697.

How Much Is A Car Inspection In NC?

The General Assembly for North Carolina sets the fees for safety, emissions, and tinted window inspections. If you’re wondering how much is a car inspection in NC, the fees are as follows:

• Safety inspection $13.60
• Emissions testing $30
• Tinted window $10

While all vehicles need a safety inspection, not all require an emissions inspection. Only 22 counties in North Carolina require emissions testing:

• Alamance
• Buncombe
• Cabarrus
• Cumberland
• Davidson
• Durham
• Forsyth
• Franklin
• Gaston
• Guilford
• Iredell
• Johnston
• Lee
• Lincoln
• Mecklenburg
• New Hanover
• Onslow
• Randolph
• Rockingham
• Rowan
• Union
• Wake

Additionally, if your car is over 20 years old, it’s exempt from the emissions inspection requirement. Moreover, all motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and motor homes are also exempt.

If you’ve applied after-factory window tinting to any of your car windows, you’ll need the inspector to check these. Generally, in North Carolina, you can only tint the top 5 inches of the windshield. Moreover, the inspector will check your other windows to ensure they aren’t darker than 32%.

What Does The Inspection Check?

All car owners must renew their vehicle registrations with the DMV annually. However, before you can renew your registration, you must take your vehicle in for its inspection.

The safety inspection ensures your vehicle is safe to be on the road. Thus, the inspector will check:

• Headlights
• Accessory lights
• Directional signals
• Foot brake
• Parking brake
• Steering
• Tire tread
• Horn
• Rearview mirror​
• Windshield wipers
• Exhaust system

When the inspector performs the emissions inspection, the mechanic is looking to make sure your vehicle complies with EPA guidelines. A vehicle less than 3 years old with fewer than 70,000 miles is exempt. Also, as previously stated, any vehicle over 20 years old does not need an emissions inspection. Diesel-operated and farm vehicles are also exempt as are residents outside of the 22 previously listed counties.

What If My Car Fails Inspection?

Sometimes, you may not realize you have an issue with your car. Then during the inspection process, you find out it won’t pass.

Whatever the reason for your vehicle failing inspection, we can take care of it. We’re a full-service auto repair shop with ASE-certified mechanics. Often, cars fail for a minor issue like a worn windshield wiper or burned-out light bulb. Sometimes, you may need more extensive work. When that happens, we’ll give you a detailed quote for repairs.

Of course, you’re welcome to take your automobile anywhere for repair. Just bring it back to us within 60 days of the original inspection to avoid paying an additional inspection fee. However, we think you’ll love our competitive pricing, quality repair work, and friendly service.

Don’t Forget About Your Car’s Exterior!

Many car experts recommend washing your car every 2 weeks depending on your driving conditions and exposure to the elements. For instance, if you routinely keep your vehicle in your garage, you can wash it less often. While garaging your vehicle offers protection, you still expose your car to dirt every time you drive it. Winter can be especially harsh on your car’s exterior, but who likes to wash their car during chilly temperatures?

Unless…you bring your vehicle down to our Xpress Turbo Wash! Relax inside your car as we clean away the dirt and grime with our ultra-soft brushes. Plus, we use filtered recycled water to protect our environment.

Moreover, we now offer a new revolutionary way to deep clean your car! Introducing Luminara, a car wash offering the showroom look of a new vehicle. This unique car wash formula removes contaminants embedded on the surface. Plus, you’ll get water repellency and surface protection to deliver a silky-smooth surface and beautiful shine.

Just stop by our Xpress Turbo Car Wash Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. On Saturdays, you can wash your car from 7:30 am -4:30 pm. Our car wash is even open on Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Your One-Stop Vehicle Service Station For All Your Car Needs

Sometimes, vehicle owners view the annual NC inspection as a chore. However, when you have a trusted mechanic in a family-friendly atmosphere, you may look forward to your annual inspection. Such a place exists at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Our owner, Mac Allen, has over 2 decades of automotive repair and maintenance experience. He combines his passion for people with his dedication to providing trusted automotive services. With NC state inspections, 30 common repairs, and Turbo car wash, you’ll never need to go anywhere else.

If it’s time for your annual inspection, call us at 336-993-7697 for an appointment. We’re confident that once you try us, you’ll love us.