Texas Car Inspection FAQ

State Car & Truck Emissions Testing & Inspection

With regular car inspections and periodic emissions checks, drivers can be made aware of any mechanical problems with their vehicles. In case your vehicle fails the inspection or the emissions test, you will know it is ready for some immediate attention and potentially some repair work. Vehicle owners need to schedule the repair ASAP because it may endanger the dependability of the vehicle and even cause significant penalties or even an invalidated registration. Therefore, it is always recommended to have your car checked by an experienced specialist at the very least every 6 months to avoid all these problems. Some commonly asked inquiries on vehicle inspection are described here.

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What is On-Board Diagnostics or OBD?

The OBD or On-Board Diagnostics, or OBD II is a standard computer system applied in all vehicles built in and after 1996. In other words, all the cars made in 1996 and after will have an OBD system in them, which supplies information records on self-diagnosis of the car commonly used by automotive service technicians before performing any type of automobile repairs.

Common Causes of a Failed Emissions Test

A car emissions examination can fail for lots of reasons because of malfunctioning car parts such as an injector, oxygen sensor, ignition system and even an EVAP system. The most typical causes is defective injectors. Either the injectors or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can trigger a "rich air-fuel blend" bring about an unsatisfactory emissions test.

If your automobile has damaged ignition system, there is a greater chance that it might be the cause of a rise in exhaust emissions. This, consequently, can result in a failed vehicle-emissions test.

Any type of trouble or deficiencies in the EVAP system or evaporative exhaust control system can cause a trouble in the handling of the gasoline vapor produced from the vehicle causing air pollution.

If your automobile hasn't undertaken regular maintenance and the "check engine" light is illuminated on the control panel, your automobile might not pass the emissions test.

What Do They Check for in a Car Inspection?

An accredited inspector performs a car assessment at state-approved assessment stations only. This is what they will look for:

Headlights: headlamps check to make sure of appropriate operation, no cracked lenses or lights, lights are the right color, are the same, and turn signals are operable.
Tail lights: Turn signals, marker lights, hazard lights, license plate lights, brake lights, reverse lights are operable, and no damaged taillights
Wheels and Tires: to inspect tire problems for any kind of indicators of damage and if there is a requirement for replacement
Mirrors: Ensure no mirrors are cracked, damaged or missing
Seat belts: to assess seat belts' condition and make sure they are safely working or need replacing
Brakes: a comprehensive brake assessment to ensure proper brake reaction and if there are any type of brake fluid leaks
Horn: ensure the horn is working correctly
Examination of suspension and shock absorbers

How Long Does A Safety Inspection Take?

Depending on the state, city, and county where the car tests are performed, the car safety inspection duration might differ. Nevertheless, for most vehicles, this process normally takes an hour to an hour and a half.

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