Maryland does not require annual vehicle safety inspection, but it is smart to do for safety’s sake and it is required when buying, selling, or transferring a vehicle. State inspection is thorough and includes a vehicle’s vital components from the steering system, wheel alignment, and suspension to windshield wipers, door handle latches, and horns. Liberty Auto Center is an authorized inspection station you can trust. We know the state regulations pertaining to vehicle safety as well as the systems and parts that most often cause cars to fail Maryland inspection.
When your tire tread depth has worn down to 2/32 of an inch, it is legally unsafe. With wet weather coming, 4/32 of an inch of tread depth is considered safe to avoid hydroplaning in rain and 5/32 to maintain traction in snow. You can use a penny or a quarter to test tread depth yourself by seeing how much of Lincoln or Washington’s heads are covered, but in order to be safe and pass inspection the expert mechanics at Liberty Auto Center will thoroughly check your tread depth, pressure, and overall condition.
The dreaded “check engine” light can ruin your day – or your month. It can indicate a whole host of problems ranging from a loose gas cap to major engine failure. “Check engine” guarantees a failed inspection so if it lights up take it seriously and have it checked out right away.
Brakes are one of the most critical safety feature for vehicles. Inspection includes confirming brake operation, fluid level, and condition. At least two tires are removed to examine the thickness of pads and rotors. A squeaking or grinding noise can indicate extreme wear on the brake pads or rotors, which compromises brake function. This will not only cause your vehicle to fail inspection, but creates danger on the road.
Tinting windows is a popular enhancement that adds privacy inside a vehicle. As a matter of public safety Maryland law dictates that auto glass must let through at least 35% of light. Even if you are careful to add tint that meets this standard, you still may fail state inspection because most newer vehicles come with pre-tinted windows. It’s always wise to have the light transmittance checked first before adding post-manufacture tint. Otherwise it will have to be removed in order to pass state inspection.
Lights include interior and exterior, front and back, original and added. Headlights are inspected for condition, lumen or candlepower, and aim. Tail lights, backup rear lights, turn signals, tag lights, and dashboard indicators are also inspected and must be fully functionally (for example the back up rear lights cannot be on if the vehicle is in forward gear). There are some after-market high intensity discharge (HID) lights that may not meet safety standards due to brightness or color.
Liberty Auto Center can answer your questions, provide thorough and trusted repair and maintenance service, and conduct state inspections. If your vehicle meets all safety standards, the registered inspection mechanic at Liberty Auto Centers will prepare and give you two copies of the Maryland Inspection Certificate, or electronically transmit the e-inspection to the MVA.
Tags: Maryland Auto Inspection
