Where Can I Get My Car Inspected?

Have you ever wondered, “where are the best vehicle inspection stations near me?” Periodic vehicle inspections are not only mandatory in areas like New York State, but they are also generally an important part of assessing your vehicle and ensuring its longevity. Car owners who stay up to date on inspections can stay on top of repairs, flag any potential problems before they worsen and keep costs low.

At Fred’s Auto Repair, we are recognized as one of the most reliable vehicle inspection stations in New York, earning the Best of Westchester award in 2019. Our certified technicians will thoroughly inspect everything from your tires to your brakes and windows to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive and complies with emission standards. Continue reading to learn more about vehicle inspections and how to find the best vehicle inspection station near you!

Finding Reputable Vehicle Inspection Stations Near Me

• Why should I have a vehicle inspection done?

Before searching for a vehicle inspection station near you, it is important to understand why you are having your car inspected as you may require specific services that certain vehicle inspection stations do not offer.

The three most common reasons to have a car inspected are to prepare for selling the vehicle, to ensure a car is in good condition before buying it, and to meet vehicle safety regulations outlined by the state.

• Preparing to buy a used car

Buying a used car can be a huge risk if it is not properly inspected before purchase. Some buyers will simply inspect the car on their own before buying, however there are several important considerations that technicians will take into account and it may be well worth paying for a professional inspection. Often, the price of a car inspection by reputable technicians like our team at Fred’s Auto Repair is a fraction of what the vehicle owner saves in expensive repairs down the line.

If you are buying a vehicle from out of state or from a city that is not accessible from where you are located, it may be much more convenient for you to organize a professional car inspection rather than to travel out of town to view the car yourself. At Fred’s Auto Repair, we will happily set up a vehicle inspection for buyers who reside outside of New York. Once we have inspected your new car, we will send you an email detailing everything you need to know about the vehicle. If you are not there in person, it is especially important to research the vehicle inspection station to ensure the technicians fulfill all of your inspection requirements. We specialize in a wide variety ofauto maintenance and repair services, giving us the experience necessary for a thorough inspection.

• Preparing to sell a used car

Are you planning on selling your car? Many buyers will be reluctant to buy a used car that has not been professionally inspected before going on the market. Some sellers may even be able to list their car at a slightly higher price and in turn, make back the money they spend on a professional inspection.

Having your vehicle inspected will also help you price your vehicle realistically based on the condition of the car and the amount of miles that it potentially has left. A reputable technician will be able to discuss all of this information with you and help you decide on a fair asking price for the vehicle. If you are moving away or planning on selling your car as quickly as possible for some other reason, having your own car inspection done may help you sell it faster, as many buyers will only purchase a car once they have the time to have it inspected.

• Regular state-mandated vehicle inspections

If you have owned a car before, you are probably aware of the periodic vehicle inspections that are required in many states across the U.S. In New York, car owners are required to provide proof of a professional vehicle inspection every 12 months in order to legally drive the vehicle. This inspection is for the purpose of safety and emissions testing. It is important to research the specific inspection requirements in the state that you live in, as they vary drastically between states. If you live in a state where regular inspections are not made mandatory by the government, we advise having a professional inspection done at least once per year to ensure the vehicle is in good condition for safe driving and no major repairs come up.

• What to expect from a professional vehicle inspection

At Fred’s Auto Repair, we divide our vehicle inspections into two major categories: safety and emissions testing. One of the most important ways to protect yourself on the road is by remaining visible to other drivers. For this reason, our technicians always test the car’s lights, horns and turn signals to ensure the driver is able to alert other drivers of their whereabouts at all times. The driver should also have no problems seeing their surroundings while driving. This means all of the mirrors should be clean and intact, and the front and rear windows should have functioning windshield wipers in case of rain or debris which could impair visibility while driving. If the vehicle has tinted windows, we will also use a tint meter to ensure the tint is within the legal guidelines with adequate transparency.

Once the vehicle is checked for full visibility, we will check all brakes to ensure the driver can bring the car to a complete stop. A thorough brake inspection includes the pads, the rotors and the emergency brake. Our technicians also inspect tires for wear and ensure they have proper tread. Finally, the vehicle is checked for steering, struts and other minor safety factors.

Once a full safety inspection is complete, the engine will be inspected for emissions testing. In compliance with The Clean Air Act and the New York State emissions standard, our technicians will make sure your vehicle is emitting fuel responsibly. The entire inspection process will be done in a quick 45-minute appointment and you will have all of the information you need to get back on the road or sell your vehicle!

Fred’s Auto Repair

New York car owners or potential buyers wondering “where can I find a reliable vehicle inspection station near me?” can book an appointment on our website or contact us today for more information about our vehicle inspections!