Unfortunately, over 60% of consumers don’t trust auto repair shops in general. Consumers cite overcharging, unnecessary repairs, and poor customer service as the primary reasons. Perhaps this is why many people dread their annual vehicle inspection NC DMV obligation. While this is bad news for auto repair shops, there is another fact that needs examination. A majority of motorists have a repair shop they do trust and recommend to their family and friends.

Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville is one of those repair shops you trust and recommend for fast, courteous service. We offer full-service auto repair and maintenance for domestic and foreign vehicles at competitive prices. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, we guarantee to service or repair your car promptly. Additionally, we have a state-of-the-art automated car wash to keep your automobile looking its best. Conveniently located on Highway 66 in Kernersville, we’ve earned residents’ trust for over 2 decades.

A Vehicle Safety Inspection Is Required Before You Renew Your Registration

Safety inspection requirements vary from state to state. Some states don’t even require an annual inspection. Here in North Carolina, the DMV vehicle inspection requirements take place during an annual inspection process. Moreover, you will be unable to renew your vehicle registration without the annual inspection.

Upon completion of the inspection, your mechanic enters the information into the DMV database. Digital confirmation of your inspection has replaced inspection stickers. Once your mechanic enters your information, you can go ahead and renew your registration. You can renew by mail, online, or at a NCDMV license plate agency.

Most of us generally think of our vehicle inspection as an inconvenience. However, it’s really for our protection and the safety of drivers around us. Driving an unsafe car puts you and other motorists at risk for an accident and injury.

When you bring your motor vehicle in for inspection, the mechanic will check these components:

• Headlights

• Accessory lights

• Directional signals

• Foot brake

• Parking brake

• Steering

• Tire tread

• Horn

• Rearview mirror

• Windshield wipers

• Exhaust system

• Tinted windows, if applicable

A Motorcycle has a separate checklist for a safety inspection:

• Brakes

• Headlamps

• Rear Lamps

• Stop Lamp

• license plate light

• Horn

• Rear View Mirrors

• Exhaust System

• Steering Mechanism

The fee for the emissions test and safety inspection is $30.00. If your vehicle fails the safety inspection, you have 60 days to repair the component and present it for re-inspection. But, why wait? Our mechanics can fix many safety inspection and emissions test issues while you’re with us. We do over 30 common automotive repairs including brakes, exhaust systems, and steering issues.

Xpress Lube of Kernersville Can Repair Your Vehicle

Some of the components checked in vehicle inspections are also a few of the most common automobile repairs. Due to use, brakes wear out. Driving with bad brakes is a serious safety issue. Not only could you cause an accident, but you can also damage other parts of your car. For example, bad brakes will cause uneven wear on your tires.

Uneven wear on your tires decreases their lifespan. Additionally, if a tire has uneven tread wear, you’ll experience reduced maneuverability. Thus, you may find your car slipping and hydroplaning more frequently.

If you suspect a brake problem, bring your car down to Xpress Lube for our free brake inspection. We’ll inspect your entire braking system including pads, shoes, rotors, and fluids. While you’re here, we can take a look at your tires too, and replace them if necessary.

Another common automotive repair is replacing the oxygen sensor. This is a small device located in your car’s exhaust system. A bad oxygen sensor will illuminate your check engine light. It will also cause your car to fail its emissions testing.

We Can Also Do Vehicle Emissions Testing

Concerned with rising air pollution, Congress passed the basic structure of the Clean Air Act in 1970. Within the law are mandates controlling the amount of air pollution from motor vehicles. To comply with these mandates, 22 counties in North Carolina require emission inspections.

Using a diagnostic tool within the car, inspection stations can check the amount of pollution a car produces. This tool, called an on-board diagnostic (OBD), is a computer system in the car that monitors problems affecting emissions. Your mechanic simply checks the codes to ensure the vehicle is compliant.

If your vehicle doesn’t pass, you have 60 days to repair the vehicle to be eligible for a free re-test. A second failure may qualify your vehicle for a one-year waiver from the North Carolina DMV.

The NCDMV allows exemptions for emissions under the following conditions:

• Some light-duty vehicles less than 3 years old or have fewer than 70,000 miles
• The vehicle is 20 years old or older
• Diesel-operated
• Registered as a farm vehicle

Moreover, plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. Additionally, motor homes, recreational vehicles (RVs), and motorcycles do not require an emission inspection. Often, a problem with your emissions will cause your check engine light to illuminate on your dashboard. Your engine light is part of your OBD designed to detect issues with ignition, exhaust, and emissions. Sometimes, the problem is a minor one such as a broken gas cap. Other times, it can be your oxygen sensor. Whatever the issue is, Xpress Lube can fix it for you while you’re here.

Where to Get Your Annual NC State Inspection

Generally, the DMV sends notices of inspection and registration renewal 60 days before the expiration. Thus, you’ll know it’s time to get your NC state inspection.

When it’s time for your vehicle inspection, you must take your automobile to an official NC inspection station. Many auto dealerships, service, and repair stations have the proper equipment to qualify as an official inspection station. Additionally, mechanics wishing to conduct safety inspections must complete a required course and pass a written examination.

Xpress Lube of Kernersville is an official inspection station. Moreover, we have ASE-certified mechanics to repair any issues found during the inspection. Whether you want to schedule an appointment or stop by, we’ll be ready for you. We understand that there are many car inspection stations in town. Our commitment to make you feel welcome and comfortable is what sets us apart from the competition.

Need an Oil Change Too?

While you’re in for an inspection, let us change your oil for you too. Routine oil changes are necessary for the health of your engine. Driving your car with dirty engine oil will shorten the life of your engine and affect fuel economy.

Here at Xpress Lube, we use only Havoline® oil. Why? Leading car manufacturers recommend Havoline® motor oil because of its outstanding performance. You’ll be protecting your engine while maximizing fuel economy with our high-quality oil change.

We offer conventional, blended, and synthetic motor oils. However, we almost always recommend using synthetic because of all its benefits. While it is more expensive, you can go much longer between oil changes, thus the cost may even out over time. Another benefit…you don’t have to take your car in for an oil change as often when you use synthetic oil.

When you come in for an oil change, we’ll also perform a courtesy check on some of your other components:

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

These parts are also vital to the performance of your car. A dirty air filter will make your car slow and sluggish with decreased fuel efficiency. Low or dirty brake fluid may cause a sudden loss of function.

Additionally, low coolant, transmission and power steering fluids may cause overheating which can damage internal parts of these systems.

But don’t worry. You’re in good hands when you stop in at Xpress Lube. We’ll take care of low or dirty fluids getting you back on the road quickly and safely. Changing filters and fluids are just some of the maintenance we can do.

You Don’t Have to Worry When Our ASE-Certified Mechanics Are on The Job

Your motor vehicle is a complicated piece of machinery. Thus, when you need a repair, you want someone knowledgeable about the workings of your engine. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) wants you to feel confident in your mechanic.

Since 1972, ASE has been certifying qualified mechanics. In addition to passing a challenging exam, mechanics must have on the job training. Plus, mechanics must retest every 5 years to keep up with changing automotive technology. Thus, when an ASE-certified mechanic works on your vehicle, you’re assured of quality.

Often, automotive repairs are very expensive. You want your car fixed correctly the first time. That’s why we employ 4 ASE-certified mechanics. To meet all your automotive needs, we also have on staff 5 technicians with NC inspection certifications.

Remember to Take Care of Your Car’s Exterior Too

After you take care of your car’s mechanical needs, don’t forget to attend to your car’s finish. During everyday driving, you expose the exterior of your car to dirt, bugs, and other corrosive substances. Left alone, this dirt will eat away at your paint job.

However, if you stop by our TurboWash, you can wash all the contaminants off your finish. Not only will your car look great, but you’ll be protecting your investment. Moreover, our car wash is friendly to the environment. We use a closed system so we can filter and recycle the water back into the system.

We offer 3 different car wash packages all using premium products like Armor-All®, Rain•X®, and Black Magic®. Plus, we offer 3 convenient ways to pay! Either purchase a wash when you stop in, buy a prepaid pass, or a monthly pass for unlimited visits. These packages make great gifts around the holidays and are welcome by anyone who drives a car or truck! You can take care of most of your gift list in one visit to Xpress Lube!

Convenient Vehicle Inspection NC Residents Trust

If you don’t listen to your customers, someone else will.

-Sam Walton

Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville works hard at serving our community. Mac Allen, our owner, has over 25 years of general automotive repair experience. His dedication to service and integrity continues to fuel our growth. Many customers form a lasting relationship with us due to our commitment to outstanding customer service at competitive prices. We take pride in knowing our customers by name.

Our staff can fulfill all vehicle inspection NC DMV requirements. Plus, we handle over 30 automotive repairs on all types of cars, trucks, and SUVs. We’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For your convenience, our car wash is also open on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Plus, we have a loyalty program that rewards you for your support. Earn loyalty points for every dollar you spend. This includes car washes. Then, redeem your points towards oil changes, repairs, or maintenance. To sign up, complete our form or ask one of our staff the next time you stop in.

Do you need to fulfill your vehicle inspection NC DMV requirement? Call us at 336-993-7697 to set up an appointment with us. You’ll soon know why we have a large number of dedicated customers.