You often required to have it, but don’t like the hassle. Even though some states have dropped the requirement of an annual auto safety inspection, all vehicles are subject to be inspected here in Texas. But what is covered in these inspections? Let’s compare passenger vehicles to light trucks.

Texas Passenger Vehicle & Light Truck Inspection Checklist

1 Horn
2 Windshield Wipers
3 Mirrors
4 Steering
5 Seat Belts
6 Brakes System & Park Brake (1960 and newer)
7 Tires
8 Wheel Assembly
9 Exhaust
10 Exhaust Emission Systems (1968 and newer)
11 Beam Indicator (1948 and newer)
12 Tail Lamps (1959 or earlier)
13 Stop Lights
14 License Plate Lame
15 Rear Red Reflectors
16 Turn Signal Lamps (1960 or newer)
17 Head Lamps (2) 17
18 Motor Serial, or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
19 Gas Caps
20 Window Tint
21 LIGHT TRUCKS ONLY: Safety Guards or Flaps (dual or more tires on rear)

Automotive Lighting Systems

Some of the lighting requirements may surprise a lot of us, but yes there was a time when only one taillight was required and turn signals where not universal until 1960. A lot of the older vehicles from the late 40’s through the mid 50’s had third party signals added later.

Car Brake System

Brakes are a very critical system and need to be up to full operational standards. However, reading between the lines it appears that park brakes may not have been standard on all motels as late as 1959, though most vehicles were equipped much earlier.

Tire Inspection

Next to brakes tires are important. The technician will inspect for bubbles and layer separation and use a tire tread gauge to check wear. A field expedient is to insert a penny in the tread upside down. If the tread reach Abe’s head crown your good to go, but you better start saving for new tires. The only difference between light trucks and passenger vehicles are the rear flaps on dual tires in the rear. Good idea, it will save you grief if your tire should fling a rock at the following vehicle’s windshield.

Inspection of Steering & Suspension

Steering inspection is concerned with leaks on power steering hoses, rams and pump seals. Tie rod ends and linkage will have been inspected for worn tie rod ends and bushings.

State Vehicle Inspections & More in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)

Texas requires retrofits on seat belts as they were not common until the late sixties and early seventies. Those states requiring safety inspections do it ensure safety for all. The idea is to prevent accidents that can be attributed to mechanical failure. Top Notch Auto Body & Mechanic is standing to thoroughly inspect your vehicle. Contact us today!