All vehicles registered in New York State must get a safety inspection and an emissions inspection every 12 months. Both inspections are also required when the ownership of a vehicle is transferred. At Paul`s Auto Repair both inspections are done at the same time by our DMV-certified inspector. Please bring your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. Vehicle inspections from Paul`s Auto Repair keep your car running like it just drove off the lot. A properly maintained vehicle is safer, performs better, uses fuel more efficiently and saves the owner money. Our expert inspections protect your vehicle investment, and keep it running longer. The New York State vehicle safety inspection program helps make sure every vehicle registered in this state meets the minimum standards for safe operation on public streets and highways. In addition, most vehicles are subject to an emissions inspection to help reduce air pollution. You can help your vehicle pass an emissions inspection by keeping it properly maintained.

NEW YORK STATE REGISTRATION BASED ENFORCEMENT

Vehicles that fail the emissions inspection may not be able to become registered or, if already registered, the registration may not be renewed. Inspection records are transmitted electronically to DMV from the inspection stations. Vehicles subject to emissions inspection must have a valid inspection record on file with DMV before a registration may be renewed. Registration renewal invitations mailed to motorists contain a warning message if there is no record of a valid inspection on file for the vehicle when the invitation is issued. If the vehicle has passed inspection but DMV does not have the record, the motorist may bring the inspection receipt issued by the inspection station as proof of passing the inspection, if renewing in a DMV office. If renewing by mail, a copy of this receipt may be included as proof of inspection.

NEW YORK STATE EMISSIONS REPAIR FACILITY

We are a NY licensed emission repair facility. This means if your vehicle has failed NY state inspection, we are licensed and able to repair your vehicle in order for it to pass inspection. If your car failed inspection, and you would like us to take a look at it and give you an estimate on the necessary repair, we will need the failure papers you received at the inspection facility. If the vehicle's Malfunction Indicator Lamp, Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light is illuminated, have the vehicle properly repaired. A well maintained, properly functioning vehicle uses less fuel and creates less exhaust emissions.

COMPLETE VEHICLE INSPECTION

In addition to our complimentary vehicle inspection, we also offer the Complete Vehicle Inspection. In addition to the items we check in the courtesy check, we also examine your suspension, exhaust systems and brakes to makes sure they are in line with manufacturer specifications. Come into Paul`s Auto Repair for a complimentary print out of your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. With regular Complete Vehicle Inspections, you get a chance to stop any small problems before they become big problems, saving you time and money in the long run. Do you care about the life and health of your car? Then make an auto inspection appointment today!

ITEMS INSPECTED DURING SAFETY INSPECTION:

1) SEAT BELTS will be inspected for proper operation and anchorage
- Model years 1969 and newer - one seat belt is required for each seating position
- Model years 1967 and 1968 - two front seat belts are required, and one seat belt is required for each seating position elsewhere in the vehicle
- Model years 1965 and 1966 - two front seat belts are required (driver position included)

2) AIR BAG WARNING LAMP
Will be checked for proper operation. You will be informed if the vehicle's air bag warning lamp is on or is not working.

3) BRAKES
At least one front wheel must be removed to inspect the brakes.

- Brake pedal reserve - brake pedal must have 1/3 reserve
- Brake pedal fade - brake must hold for one minute without fading
- Power brake unit - check for proper operation
- Brake master cylinder - check for leakage and proper fluid level
- Disc brake pads - check condition
- Drum brake linings - thickness of linings must be at least 1/16 inch on bonded linings or at least 1/32 inch over rivet head on riveted linings
- Brake drums and/or rotors - check condition
- Wheel cylinders and/or calipers - check for leakage
- All brake lines and hoses - check for leaks, cracks, chafing, restrictions, and improper support
- Parking brake - check for components and function
- Brake equalization - test vehicle for a straight stop without significant wheel pull

4) STEERING, FRONT END, SUSPENSION, CHASSIS, FRAME AND WHEEL FASTENERS
- Front end assembly - check condition
- Steering wheel play - check for excessive freeplay
- Steering linkage - check for tightness, binding, excessive wear, looseness in idler arm, center control arm, tie-rod ends, drag link ends, steering and pitman arms, gear box, cross shafts, bushings, wheel bearings, steering column or steering wheel shaft mounting
- Power steering - check operation, condition of belt, and for leakage
- Shock absorbers - check shock mountings and for broken or missing shock absorbers
- Springs and torsion bars - check for sagging or broken springs, or a broken, disconnected, missing or bent torsion or stabilizer bar
- Chassis/frame - check for breaks, cracks, or severe rust at the suspension attachment points
- Wheel fasteners - check for missing or broken parts

5) TIRES
- Tread depth - must be at least 2/32 inch when measured in two adjacent major tread grooves showing the most wear
- Tire condition - check for any fabric break or cut over the length or width of 1 inch, visible bumps, bulges or knots, and any restricted use designation
- Tire pressure - You will be informed if the vehicle's tire pressure in not within the manufacturer's recommendation.

6) LIGHTS
All lighting must be of an approved type and inspected for operation, proper mounting, and broken or missing lenses. Side marker lamps, parking lamps, and additional flashing turning lamps mounted on the side of the vehicle are not inspected. 

- Headlamps (low and high beam)
- Tail lamps
- Stop lamps
- Directional signals
- Backup lights (1969 and newer)
- License plate lights
- Hazard warning/four-way flasher (1966 and newer)
- Directional signal indicator

7) WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS
No crack of 11 inches long or longer is allowed if any part of the crack is within the area cleared by the windshield wiper.
- Windshield - check for presence and condition
- All windows - check for approved safety glass or rigid plastic and condition

8) WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND BLADES
- Wipers - check for presence and operation
- Blades - check condition

9) HORN Check mounting and operation

10) MIRRORS
Check mirror locations for proper mounting, cracks, breaks, and/or discoloration.

- Model year 1970 and newer - must have a left outside mirror and an inside mirror, or both left and right outside mirrors
- Model year 1968 and newer - must have a left outside mirror
- 1967 and older - must have one mirror that is either an inside mirror or a left outside mirror
Note: Any vehicle that has a permanent obstruction of the view through the rear window (Example: a truck or van) must have both a left and a right outside mirror.

11) FUEL LEAKS
Any fuel leak that causes dripping or pooling is not acceptable.

ITEMS INSPECTED DURING EMISSION INSPECTION:

Each emissions inspection confirms the presence and connection of the vehicle's required emissions control devices.

- Gas cap - must be present, in good condition, and fits properly.
- Catalytic converter (CAT) - all model years
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) - all model years
- Positive crankcase ventilation system (PCV) - all model years
- Air injection system (AIS) - 1984 and newer
- Evaporative emissions control (EVAP) - 1984 and newer
- Fuel inlet restrictor (FIR) - 1984 and newer
- Thermostatic air cleaner (TAC) - 1984 and newer

OBD2 INSPECTION
The emissions inspection for vehicles registered anywhere in New York State includes an "OBDII" (on-board diagnostics) test for vehicles that weigh 8,500 lbs. or less, and are model year 1996 or newer. Part of this test examines the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), also known as the "check engine" light, for operation/illumination, and verifies the test results of the vehicle's "on-board emissions diagnostic" system.

Low Enhanced Inspection. A "Low Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most other vehicles, unless they are subject to the OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles from and including model year 1995 and older, through and including vehicles that are up to 25 model years old, and that weigh 18,000 lbs. or less.

VEHICLES EXEMPT FROM THE EMISSIONS INSPECTION
Your passenger car or light truck does not have to be inspected for emissions if it is:

- Less than two model years old. - 26 model years old or older.
- Registered with historical plates.
- Electric-powered only.
- Most vehicles with diesel engines are also exempt.