Windshield Wipers
Where would we be without windshield wipers? They're absolutely vital when driving in harsh weather conditions. But they aren't indestructable. Over time, the rubber wiper blade will start to degrade due to constant use. Once that happens, you've got to replace it.
If you send your car in for an inspection with a tattered windshield wiper that doesn't work, it's only going to end one way. It won't be leaving with a pass!
Broken Headlights or Taillights
It goes without saying that your headlights and tailights are pretty important. From lighting up darkened roads to signaling your turns, they serve a vital use. So you've got to take care of them, folks. If you don't, you could be in a bit of trouble — especially when inspections come around.
Yes, a broken headlight or tailight will result in a failed inspection on safety grounds. So don't let it come to that! Our next entry is something to watch out for as well...
Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter plays a very important role in your car's exhaust system. This component helps to cut down the emissions that are produced by vehicles on the road, aiding the environment as a result. Sweet! But you need to keep your eyes on it. If something isn't right, take it into the shop.
You see, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause a car to fail an emissions test. If that happens, it won't pass inspection. Oof. Do you really want to deal with those consequences?
Brakes
The braking system is a lot more complex than you might expect. It's got so many components! Calipers, discs, pads, lines and hoses — we could go on, folks. Each of those things will be tested when your vehicle is up for inspection, alongside the condition of the brake fluid.
Now, we'll be blunt here. If you haven't replaced the discs or pads after around 50,000 miles of use, your motor will likely fail the inspection. You've got to keep the system maintained.
Broken Seatbelt
Seatbelts are arguably the most important safety feature in your car. They can save your life, and the lives of your passengers, in an accident or collision on the road. But a broken seatbelt won't offer you that level of security. And trust us — an inspector will notice it.
Each seatbelt has to be in working order for a car to pass inspection. If even one of them is below the required standard, you'll be in a spot of bother.
Faulty Gas Cap
How often do you check your gas cap? Regularly? Or once in a blue moon? If you're in the latter camp, it might be wise to change up your routine! It's absolutely vital to keep the cap in good condition, folks. Neglecting it is a very bad idea, as we're about to discover.
A faulty cap is a potential fire risk, as it can allow fuel vapors to escape the tank. They're extremely flammable. Unsurprisingly, this issue will lead to a failed inspection.
Clogged Air Filter
Take it from us, guys — clogged air filters are bad news. They can restrict the airflow to your engine, resulting in higher emissions on the road. And it doesn't stop there. That kind of imbalance can trigger the 'check engine' light, too, which will lead to an instant fail come inspection time.
So what can you do here? Simple. If you want to be safe, change the air filter every 12 months or so. That should keep things ticking over quite nicely.
Mirrors
It can be quite easy to take your mirrors for granted. But you shouldn't! If you don't take care of them, it could spell big trouble down the line. A minor crack or chip won't be ignored by an inspector, while more serious damage to the glass will lead to a guarenteed fail.
And you've also got to keep your eyes on the mirror housing. If that's busted or seriously damaged, the inspection won't go well, either. So look after your car mirrors, folks. Please!
License Plates
Be honest with us — did you know that cars can fail inspections due to their license plates? We didn't, either! So how does that happen? Well, there are a few reasons. Incorrect formating is a big no-no, as are faded plates. A damaged plate is a significant issue, too.
Oh, and excessively dirty plates? That won't fly, either. If a license plate isn't readable to an inspector, they can't pass your vehicle. It's as simple as that.
Suspension
Identifying issues with your suspension system can be quite challenging at times. And that's not great when an inspection's around the corner! You might be in for a nasty surprise or two. From the shock absorbers to the ball joints, there are plenty of areas where your car could fail.
But it isn't impossible to spot a problem, folks. Should your vehicle start to vibrate or become more bumpy on the road, that's a sign that something might be wrong. Get it checked out ahead of any inspections.
Steering
Visually, your steering wheel might look to be in fabulous condition. But don't let that fool you. There could be a number of issues bubbling under the surface here. And an inspector will sniff them out! Take slackness, for example. If the steering feels too loose, your car won't pass.
On top of that, inspectors keep their eyes peeled for premature wear on the steering components, too. They'll also check the color and level of your power steering fluid.
Windshield Damage
We won't beat around the bush here, guys. If you're taking your car in for an inspection with a damaged windshield, you're in big trouble. Now, it's not an automatic fail. You could get away with a small crack or scuff. But anything more than that? Oh boy.
Major cracks that ruin your visability on the road won't fly with inspectors. And the same can be said about discolored spots around the windshield as well.
Faulty Horn
It can't be denied that some drivers abuse their car horns — especially when they're in a rush! But putting aside the frustration that can cause, these features serve an important purpose when it comes road safety. Your horn has to work.
If it doesn't, your car won't pass an inspection. It has to be loud enough to get the attention of those around you. So be sure to check it on a regular basis, folks.
Tires
Neglecting your car's tires is a bad idea. A very bad idea, in fact! It won't take long for an inspector to notice the issue. And yes, they'll serve you with a fail. Insufficient pressure and iffy tread depth are big no-nos here.
So how do you avoid this potential headache? Easy — just check the tires every so often. If they need a refresh, take your car into the shop. It really is that simple.
Ignored Software Updates
Do any of you guys ignore the software updates in your car? Yes? Well, now's the time to stop that! By overlooking an important update, you could disrupt some vital systems inside the vehicle, hurting its performance as a result.
An inspector will pick up on that when examining the car, and it can lead to a fail. So keep your motors updated, folks. It'll save you a lot of hassle.