It’s that time of year again. No, not holiday shopping or spring cleaning. We’re talking about your car registration. And you may be getting nervous about whether or not your vehicle will pass the North Carolina state inspection.
Below is a guide to passing the NC state vehicle inspection the first time.
1. Determine Your Inspection Deadline
A North Carolina state vehicle inspection can take place no more than 90 days before the license and registration expire. If your vehicle does not pass an inspection before the registration expires, you will not be able to renew your registration on time and will be faced with a $25 late fee.
It’s best to plan your inspection well before your registration deadline to allow yourself enough time to make any necessary repairs.
All new and used vehicles in North Carolina must pass inspection before they are eligible to be sold, so rest assured that every vehicle in our inventory has passed the necessary changes.
The safety inspection in North Carolina is $13.60 and the emissions test is $30. Those needing a tinted windows inspection must pay an additional $10.
2. Inspect Your Vehicle Before the Inspection
The North Carolina safety inspection involves an examination of a vehicle’s:
- Headlights
- Accessory lights
- Directional signals
- Foot brake
- Parking brake
- Steering
- Tires
- Horn
- Rearview mirror
- Windshield wipers
- Filters
- Fluids
- Suspension
- Battery
- Exhaust system
- Tinted windows (if applicable)
Perform a self-inspection of your car and test the above parts to ensure they are in good working order. If anything needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s best to do that before taking your vehicle in for the inspection. Here at Matthews Motors we can provide the auto care service required to get your vehicle inspection-ready.
In 22 North Carolina counties, vehicles must also pass an emissions test. Certain exemptions apply, such as vehicles registered as farm equipment and vehicles that are more than 30 years old.
3. Schedule Your Inspection
If you’re searching for “auto shop near me” to get your inspection done, look no further. The service department here at Matthews Motors in Wilmington is a fully authorized North Carolina State Inspection center and our technicians are licensed to perform all safety and emissions tests. Contact our service department at 910-460-6171 to schedule your inspection.
Count On Matthew Motors for Your Repair Needs
If your vehicle is in need of any repairs in order to pass inspection, the service team at Matthews Motors can help. And if you decide it’s time to replace your vehicle, our selection of used cars for sale can help. All vehicles in our inventory have passed the NC state inspection and are ready for the road.
Schedule your inspection or service appointment with Matthews Motors, the leader in used car sales and service in Wilmington, Leland and Hampstead, NC.
