Keeping up with routine maintenance and important auto repairs is one of the best ways to ensure your vehicle is safe. These tasks can also increase your fuel efficiency and prevent you from visiting a mechanic for more costly damage. New York has taken steps to protect all drivers on the road by requiring annual car inspections for all vehicles registered in the state. 

What Is a New York State Car Inspection?

Each year, registered drivers are required by law to have a safety inspection performed. The test determines if the car is legally safe to operate on public streets and roadways throughout the state.

To have your vehicle inspected, locate a public vehicle inspection station in your area. These are often auto repair shops that are licensed to perform safety inspections. They are required to see you within eight days of calling to schedule an appointment.

What Will the Car Inspection Cover?

When you bring your vehicle to be inspected, a certified motor vehicle inspector will go over numerous parts that could impact your safety if they are damaged or improperly installed. For instance, cars from 1969 and after are required to have one seat belt per seating position. The rest of the inspection will cover the following:

• Brakes: The inspector will test the pedal, lines, and all brake components inside the wheel to ensure they are not excessively worn or leaking, and able to stop the vehicle without significant pull. 
• Front End Assembly: This includes the steering, front end, suspension, chassis, frame, and wheel fasteners. They’ll look for excessive wear, tightness, looseness, and missing or broken parts. 
• Tires: Your tires must have at least 2/32-inch tread remaining. There also shouldn’t be any fabric breaks or cuts longer or wider than one inch. The inspector will also be on the lookout for knots and bumps in the rubber.
• Lights: All lights on the vehicle should be an approved type and in good working order.
• Glass: The windshield and passenger glass should be an approved safety glass or rigid plastic that does not contain any cracks larger than 11 inches. If the glass is tinted, it must meet state laws. 
• Wipers, Horn, & Mirrors: All of these parts should be in good working order and meet requirements for the specific vehicle year. For example, the mirror cannot be cracked.

When it’s time for your annual car inspection, contact Puma’s Auto Care in Brooklyn, NY. They’ve provided trusted and affordable auto repairs, maintenance, and diagnostic services to the area for 17 years. Their certified mechanics maintain their education to provide customers with the latest automotive technologies. Call them today at (718) 272-6306 to schedule an inspection or any other work. For more information about their services, visit their website.