Every vehicle registered in New York needs to pass an inspection once a year. If your sticker is coming due, here's what the inspection actually covers, the most common reasons cars fail, and a few simple things you can check yourself before you bring it in.
The Safety Inspection
Every car and light truck gets a safety inspection. The technician checks items like:
Seat belts
Brakes, including the parking brake
Steering, suspension and front end
Tires
Lights, including headlights, brake lights and turn signals
Horn
Windshield wipers and washers
Mirrors
Windshield and windows
Fuel system leaks
The Emissions Inspection
Most gas-powered cars and light trucks from 1996 and newer also get an OBD II emissions inspection. Instead of a tailpipe test, the inspection equipment plugs into your car's computer and reads how the emissions systems are working. The technician also checks the emissions control equipment and your gas cap.
Very new vehicles and some other vehicle types may be exempt from the emissions portion, but they still need the annual safety inspection.
The Most Common Reasons Cars Fail
Check engine light is on. If your check engine light is lit, the car will fail the emissions inspection. Get it diagnosed and repaired first.
The battery was recently disconnected. Disconnecting or replacing the battery resets the car's computer, and it can come up "not ready" for the emissions test until you've driven it for a while. Don't disconnect the battery to clear a check engine light. That leads to a failure, not a pass.
Burned-out bulbs. One dead brake light or turn signal is enough to fail.
Worn tires or brakes. Low tread and worn brake pads are common, especially after a long winter.
Wipers and windshield. Torn wiper blades or a large crack in the driver's view can cause a failure.
A Quick Check Before You Come In
Walk around the car with someone pressing the brake pedal and working the lights, so you can confirm every bulb works. Test the horn and wipers, look at your tire tread, and make sure no warning lights are on in the dash. Five minutes in the driveway can save you a second trip.
What Happens If Your Car Fails?
If your vehicle doesn't pass, the inspection station needs your permission before doing any repairs. Once the problem is fixed, bring it back for reinspection. If you come back within 30 days, only the part that failed (safety or emissions) has to be redone.
NYS Inspections at Cortland Used Cars
Our service department at 3600 West Road in Cortland does NYS inspections on all makes and models, and if something needs attention we can take care of it right here: brakes, tires, lights, check engine diagnostics and more.
Bought your vehicle from Cortland Used Cars? Your NYS inspection is free.
Service hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Service line: 607-218-7878
Call the service line or request an appointment on our website before your sticker runs out.
