Every year, the state of Pennsylvania requires you to get your car inspected by a technician who has been certified by the state to perform an official Pennsylvania complete vehicle inspection. At Welsh Automotive Specialties, we take great pride in helping our clients meet their safety and emission test requirements and are here to help you get your annual car inspection.
With locations in West Chester, PA and Exton, PA, you can easily schedule your state inspections at the location that is most convenient to you and your family.
Plan your 2024 vehicle inspection today by scheduling an appointment online or calling our locations to find the next available appointment.
Why is a Car Inspection So Important?
If you live in Pennsylvania and own a car, you probably know that you need to get it inspected every year. But do you know why? The state inspection is actually really important for keeping you and other drivers safe on the road.
During the inspection, the inspector checks your car to make sure it meets certain safety standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. These standards cover things like your brakes, lights, tires, and more. By making sure your car is in good shape, you can avoid accidents and keep yourself and others safe while driving.
Understanding Pennsylvania State Requirements for Complete Vehicle Inspection
When you bring your car in for its annual state inspection, we will do a thorough check of the following in accordance with the Pennsylvania DOT requirements:
- Tires: Our technicians examine your tires for the correct tire pressure, proper tread depth, and any visible damage. We will give you a professional recommendation on when it is the right time to fully replace your tires.
- Horn: It is important to remember that your car’s horn is a crucial tool for preventing accidents, and we will check to ensure that it is functioning properly and meets the required volume levels.
- Windshield Wipers: We will check your wipers for wear or damage, ensuring they are working properly for clearing rain, snow, and debris to keep your view unobstructed.
- Mirrors: Mirrors are crucial for situational awareness while driving, so we will inspect them for any damage or misalignment that may impede your ability to monitor traffic and surroundings.
- Braking System: Our technicians will examine brake components such as brake pads, rotors, fluid levels, and the parking brake. We will make sure your brakes are functioning correctly and detect any issues that could impact your stopping power. We offer comprehensive brake repair services and can address any squeaky brakes or worn rotors immediately.
- Headlights, Turn Signals, and Brake Lights: We will check to make sure your vehicle’s lighting system is in full working order. This keeps you visible to others and ensures you are able to use your turn signals and brake lights.
- Suspension and Steering: Our team checks for any unwanted play or worn parts that could affect your vehicle’s handling, comfort, and safety.
- Seat Belts: We inspect seat belts for correct operation, fraying, or damage, ensuring they are in perfect working order to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision.
- Exhaust System: We will evaluate your exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, or other potential issues to prevent harmful fumes from entering your vehicle’s cabin.
- Body and Chassis: Our technicians will inspect your vehicle’s body and chassis for any structural issues or excessive corrosion that could compromise its integrity and safety.
Throughout the auto inspection, we will clearly communicate and present any necessary repairs that need to be done to pass inspection. We always ensure that we provide a concise quote and get your approval before moving forward with any repairs.
Once your state inspection is complete, we will provide you with the appropriate paperwork and validation to confirm you have met all the requirements and your car has passed inspection!
Emissions test
Pennsylvania is committed to a cleaner environment, which means checking your vehicle’s emissions to ensure they are within state-established guidelines. In Pennsylvania, annual emissions testing is mandatory for all gasoline-powered vehicles, with some county-specific regulations:
- Gasoline-powered vehicles (model year 1975 and newer) registered in designated counties
- Diesel-powered vehicles (model years 1997-2016, weighing up to 8,500 lbs) registered in participating counties
You can view the complete list of exceptions and requirements at the Drive Clean Pennsylvania website. If your vehicle falls into these categories, make sure you get your emissions testing regularly. We can do this at the same time as your state inspection, ensuring you get both done and completed.
What happens if you do not get your vehicle inspected?
Getting your vehicle inspected is about staying safe, but it is also about complying with state law. If you fail to get your annual inspection, you can face legal penalties like expensive fines and penalties. You can avoid getting in any legal trouble by booking your complete vehicle inspection today before time runs out.
It is also a great time to catch any potential issues ahead of time so you can get them fixed before they become bigger expenses.
Complete Vehicle Inspections with Welsh Automotive Specialties
It is never too early or too late to start preparing for your next state car inspection. Keep in mind that our goal is to give you peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle is safe, reliable, and within state regulations.
At Welsh Automotive Specialties, our friendly team of knowledgeable technicians takes pride in keeping you and your vehicle safe. We combine excellent service with our commitment to your satisfaction, all at a fair price. With locations in West Chester and Exton, PA, and courtesy fleet vehicles, we prioritize your convenience at all times.
Book your safety inspection today and get the peace of mind that your car is cared for at Welsh Automotive Specialties.
