Car Keys
S. Colavito and your Friends at Premium Auto

Frequently, car owners ask themselves certain questions such as "Why me?" or "What next?" One question that is often asked is "What good is an inspection, anyway?" It is important to remember that it is a safety inspection, and has a great deal to do with your personal safety, and with those you care about. It is the inspector's duty to be as honest and fair as possible. In case you wonder exactly what the New York State inspector checks, the following items are as up to date as possible:

• An expired sticker must be removed when the car enters the bay whether the car passes inspection or not.

• Check brake equalization. If the car pulls to left or right with force, the car will fail this part.

• While the engine is running, check brake pedal reserve. Less than 1/3 the possible travel under normal pressure will fail. Brake pedal fade is where the brake pedal does not hold its position while the car is running.

• Brake pedal must fall slightly under pressure when car is started.

• Parking brake must be functional and have some reserve. In other words, there must be a little space left when the brake is applied.

• Steering wheel must have a little play. Power steering must have 2 inches of play; manual steering must have 3 inches.

• On board indicator lights must be functional for emission controls.

• Horn must be working.

• Directional indicator must be working.

• Windshield must be free of "star" cracks 3 inches in diameter or larger. Windshield must be made with approved glass and free of cracks 11 inches or longer that extend into the path of the wiper.

• Rear view mirrors must work and be free of cracks.

• Safety belts must be working in front, and must be present in all seats in 1969 and newer cars.

• Wipers must work and be in good condition on front windshield.

• On 1968 and newer cars, the PVC valve must be present and functional.

• Power steering belt and fluid must be adequate.

• On 1987 and newer cars, the high mount brake light must be functional.

• All headlights, marker lights, and brake lights must be in operating condition. Lenses must be free of cracks and breaks. License plate lights must work. Add-on lights on a separate switch do not apply.

• Gas cap and fuel inlet restrictor, (1984 or newer for FIR), must work properly.

• Brakes must be checked on one front wheel. Pads, linings, hoses and/or drums must all come within legal limits. Brake lines and cables must be free of frays and breakage.

• Tie rod ends, idler arms cannot have excessive play, and shocks/springs must be present and in good condition. The torsion bars must not be broken, bent, missing, or disconnected.

• Tires must have 2/32 tread depth in the center treads.

• CAT (1975 and up), EGR (1973 and up), TAC (1984 and up) AIS (1984 and up), EVP (1984 and up) must be present and functional.

All these items must be checked for your safety and the safety of others. $14.00 is not much to pay when you realize all that is involved in a thorough inspection.


©1998 Apalachin Community Press