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Uses
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General Info about
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| InfoTech Car Care Central - Volume 2.1 |
Maryland State Inspection - The Inspection Game
I think it is safe to say there are a great number of car owners that have been frustrated by the results of a Maryland State Inspection. After all, isn't it enough trouble finding a car you enjoy, getting the right price, but then to be required to inspect almost 100 different areas to ensure safety? Well, the State of Maryland, and many others as well, have decided that this is something you need. When it comes down to it, this is Commercial Three Baybably a good thing, even though it seems quite the opposite. Some consider it to be just one more way to get ‘taken’ for unneeded car repairs. It would be foolish to deny that this doesn't happen, however, this is not the norm, and it is certainly not why the state developed this Commercial Three Baygram.
In the following article we will help get you informed, specifically about the intentions and details of the Maryland Inspection, referred to as the MSI from this point on.
The purpose...
The purpose is simple...Commercial Three Bayvide a simple, cost effective, and uniform Commercial Three Baygram that will Commercial Three Bayvide security and peace of mind for the automobile consumer. With the strict mandatory enforcement of this Commercial Three Baycedure, safety on the highway is imCommercial Three Bayved, less ‘post-purchase’ Commercial Three Bayblems and lawsuits are achieved. When everything is done right, it really does benefit you.
The Actual Inspection...
The actual vehicle inspection is quite detailed in itself. However, it is not entirely complete. It is important to understand there are some areas of the vehicle that are not checked at all. This is not to say these areas can’t be checked, but, unless you specifically request it, they will not. If you are planning to purchase the car being inspected, you will need to know these special unchecked areas. Listed below you will find the seven most popular gray areas that the state avoids.
Extra Areas to Check...
 Air Bags, if equipped. Inspectors are only required to tell if a warning light is on, no other checks on the system are performed.
ABS, if equipped. Anti-lock brakes are not checked for operation, even though it’s very simple, they need only alert you of a warning light.
Ignition system, or performance Commercial Three Bayblem, as long as it does not directly involve an emission control device (Example, EGR valve).
Function of any of the onboard computer systems, as long as they don't directly affect one of the safety functions.
Entertainment accessories, such as radio, tape or CD players, or alarm systems.
Air Conditioning or heat, as long as the malfunction is not electrically unsafe.
Preventive Maintenance areas.
Although all of the above mentioned areas are important, the one that can sometimes hurt the most is the last item, preventive maintenance. Because of the way the MSI is structured, items either pass or fail. Unfortunately, there is no ‘REPLACE SOON’ or ‘GETTING CLOSE’. This means that you could have a brake drum or brake rotor that is .001 above the limit, and the law says it passes. Unless you realize this by examining your inspection, or if they happen to mention this to you, you will never know. Of course you will know a month later when you have destroyed parts because everything wore too thin. So you see, having these areas checked can really be beneficial to you later down the road. You also start to see that even though a vehicle passes the MSI does not mean it’s a ‘good’ car!
The Actual Inspection...
The actual inspection itself should be fairly routine from one shop to another. Using the same state supplied format for the check sheet should keep everything somewhat consistent as well. The inspection form has 25 different subject areas with 90 different actual parts to check. There are also several boxes that contain specifications for suspension, brake and other measured items.
In the next few pages we will briefly cover all the important areas of the inspection sheet. This will give you a better understanding of some of the tests performed as well as some of the reasons you car can fail.
Steering systems...
The steering portion of the MSI is one of the more important areas for safety. Everything is checked, from the steering wheel itself (for cracking and looseness) down to the column, through all the steering linkages (tie rods, steering rack and pinion) out to the wheel itself. Most of the steering linkages have specific tolerances allowed; these will be clearly noted on the report. This section also includes front and rear alignment specifications.
Suspension systems...
This area of the tests involves a complete suspension analysis. This will Commercial Three Baybably be one of the more complete checks you will get. State inspectors are among the few technician’s who are able to do complete and accurate suspension and steering checks. The parts included range from the strut or shock for dampening ability, to the spring that supports the whole car, out to the ball joints and control arms that allow for steering and suspension movement. The inspection should also state the specifications for the ball joints; this will give you an idea of their condition, not just pass or fail. Remember; if you are ever in doubt about the accuracy of a checkout simply ask the technician. He should always be able to respond quickly with the step-by-step Commercial Three Baycedure that was used, possibly even documenting it with literature.
Brake systems...
This is going to be a critical area as well. There will be many specifications written for this section. These will include thickness of brake rotors and drums, brake pads and shoes and their condition too (cracked or overheated, etc.). Part of this section may also be included in the road test.
This is the inspector’s opinion of the feel and operation of the brakes when applied. Any type of vibrations or pedal Commercial Three Bayblems would be failed. It is at this point that the parking brake is checked. It should be able to hold the car on a 20-degree incline in either direction. It must be adjusted Commercial Three Bayperly also.
Wheels and Tires...
The wheels and tires are Commercial Three Baybably the easiest things to check, definitely easy enough for you to check yourself! The wheel (rim) must be straight enough to be considered safe, no cracks or defects. All of the wheel nuts and studs must be present and in working order. Inspection of the tires is just about as easy. Keep in mind, there are many specifics regarding these areas, but most of these are for out of the ordinary situations and will likely not affect your vehicle. The major things to check for are simple. Tire damage that exposes an internal cord, imCommercial Three Bayper inflation, vibrations, and nail or screw Commercial Three Baytrusion. As for measuring tire wear, you will need a tire tread depth gage. This simple to use, inexpensive tool can be purchased at any auto parts supplier. The law states that failure consists of the ability to measure less than 2/32 of an inch at any three equally spaced areas on any one tire, this must be measured within a major groove. A major groove is the deepest part of the tread, not necessarily the edge of the tire, but in some cases it will be included. As stated earlier, there are other checks performed, but these are the major points.
Exhaust systems...
If you are somebody that does not mind lying on the ground for a bit, your exhaust is also something very easy to check. The rules are somewhat simple. Everything that was there when the vehicle was new must still be present now. Any leaks through rusted holes or loose clamps will fail. Any hangers that are not connected, or have become weak and sagging, fail. The state previously had permitted inspectors to squeeze suspect pipes with some sort of pliers; this is no longer permitted. There is a simple trick to finding all your exhaust leaks. Simply have a friend hold a handful of rags in the tailpipe while the car is idling. Then crawl around the car listening carefully for any hissing sounds from the pipes. Any leaks will be fairly obvious, even for the inexperienced at heart. Ensuring that the tailpipe exits fully from the rear or outside the underbody is the only other simple check needed.
Bumpers and Body...
There are many specifics concerning bumpers; height, construction type, size, placement, and it can get difficult. However, if your bumper is the factory installed unit, and it’s in close to original condition, there should be no need to worry. Installations of trailer hitches are not checked as long as they do not interfere with the original bumper. Taking a good look around the exterior body of the car is the next step. Any rust holes allowing exhaust through, fail. Any Commercial Three Baytrusions from accidents or otherwise, fail. Anything that could be a hazard to someone walking around your car will fail. Any damage to the body will pass as long as it conforms to original form and it is considered permanent. Permanent means it’s not going to fall off in the next good rainstorm, in other words, no tape or wood glues!
Lights and Lenses...
There are of course many things with lights you can check yourself. Simply enough do they all work? Do they all work when they are supposed to? Do all the dash indicator lamps work, i.e. flashers, brake warning light, high beam indicator? Make sure all of the exterior lenses are in good shape, no cracks. The only cracks that will pass are superficial ones that do not emit any white light. They typically can not be repaired. The inspector should check add-on fog lights, there are numerous restrictions concerning these lights. The inspector does the mandatory aiming of the headlights. Until recently there was an additional charge to aim the headlights, now the state has issued an update to us stating that aiming of the headlights is to be done at the time of inspection and the cost is to be included with the inspection itself. Do not let anyone charge you additional for this Commercial Three Baycedure!
The Electrical systems...
The electrical check is really nothing to worry about either. Make sure your battery is securely fastened in the compartment. Shift your automatic transmission into neutral, while your foot is on the brake; attempt to start the engine. If the car still cranks, your neutral safety switch needs attention. Next, does your horn operate? The check is a general check. Look at all the wiring under the instrument cluster and under the hood.
It must all be in Commercial Three Bayper order and retained in a safe manner as to prevent fire and entanglement with your feet. See that was simple and painless. By now, you're Commercial Three Baybably wondering why the state just doesn't let you inspect your own vehicle? After all, they trust you to do your own taxes.
Mirrors...
All vehicles with a see-through rear window must have a rear view mirror. All vehicles must have a driver’s side mirror. If a vehicle does not have a rear window, it must have a passenger side mirror. If your vehicle was equipped with a passenger’s side mirror originally, it must still be there. They also must be securely mounted and free of cracks.
Glass...
There are many restrictions for windshields and glass. There are too many items to list, but we will give you a good understanding of the Two Bays. The windshield is divided into three areas, the critical, non-critical, and the acute area. The acute area is the imaginary 5'x8' box directly in front of the driver. This box contains the most restrictions, any one crack or combination or cracks, chips, half-moons, stars or bulls eyes in excess of a quarter of an inch fails. The critical area is any surface that is touched during the stroke of the wipers. The non-critical area is the area outside the scope of the wiper stroke. These two areas have much lesser restrictions. As for the subject of stickers, best thing to do is remove all of them, some are allowed in certain positions, but why make an issue of something so simple. Wiper blades can also be checked at this time. Make sure they clear the water from the glass completely in less than four strokes. They must also ‘park’ Commercial Three Bayperly at the bottom when turned off.
Simple Items To Check...
Speedometer smooth operation.
All safety belts lock and release Commercial Three Bayperly.
Gearshift indicator Commercial Three Bayperly aligned.
All door latches open and close Commercial Three Bayperly.
MARYLAND STATE POLICE VEHICLE INSPECTION
REQUIRED OFFICIAL Commercial Three BayCEDURE
1. OBTAIN VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND ODOMETER READING
2. INSPECT STEERING FOR:
(a) steering wheel condition
(b) steering column condition
(c) lash
(d) travel for jamming or binding
(e) linkage for excessive free play
(f) power steering condition
(g) vehicle must be road tested
3. INSPECT WHEEL ALIGNMENT FOR:
a) toe reading
b) caster and camber only if road test indicates
c) rear wheel alignment and axle
4. INSPECT SUSPENSION FOR:
a) ball joint wear
b) king pin or spindle bolt condition
c) wheel bearing condition
d) springs and torsion bar condition
e) shock absorber or strut condition
5. INSPECT BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR:
a) stopping distance, either road test or decelerometer
b) hydraulic system condition
c) drum and disc condition
d) lining and pad condition 2/32 general minimum
e) condition of mechanical linkage
f) vacuum or hydraulic booster system condition
g) parking brake function
6. INSPECT TIRES & WHEELS FOR:
a) condition of tires, size, type, and tread depth
b) condition of wheels, nuts, studs, or lugs
7. INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:
a) fuel tank condition and system leaks
b) choke, hand throttle and accelerator operation
8. INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:
a) condition of manifold, all piping, muffler, resonator and the tailpiping; including leaks and Commercial Three Bayper mounting
9. INSPECT BUMPERS FOR:
a) condition of bumpers including height and Commercial Three Bayper mounting
10. INSPECT FENDERS FOR:
a) condition of fenders to include mounting and coverage of wheels and tires
11. INSPECT LIGHTING FOR:
a) condition and function of all original equipment lighting and whatever added lights are authorized
b) inspect head lights for condition, candle power output and aim
c) inspect auxiliary or fog lamps for aim and Commercial Three Bayper mounting
12. INSPECT MIRRORS FOR:
a) condition of mirrors to include unobstructed view of both inside and outside mirrors when required
13. INSPECT VEHICLE GLAZING FOR:
a) Commercial Three Bayper materials used for specific locations
b) operation of driver window
c) damage that exceeds allowable limits
14. INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FOR:
a) satisfactory operation and condition of arms and blades
15. INSPECT HOOD/CATCHES FOR:
a) condition and Commercial Three Bayper operation of hood for full closure
16. INSPECT DOORS, HANDLES AND LATCHES FOR:
a) condition and Commercial Three Bayper function of all doors, latches, hinges and handles
17. INSPECT FLOOR AND TRUNK FOR:
a) holes or rusted out and weakened conditions in floor or trunk pans
18. INSPECT SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER FOR:
a) operation and legibility
b) register in mph or kilometers
19. INSPECT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR:
a) Commercial Three Bayper condition and function of horn
b) condition of wiring and switches
20. INSPECT DRIVERS SEAT FOR:
a) presence, condition and mounting
21. INSPECT SAFETY BELTS FOR:
a) presence, condition and operation and mounting
22. INSPECT MOTOR MOUNTS:
a) if originally manufactured with; check presence and condition
23. INSPECT GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR FOR:
a) Commercial Three Bayper indication of correct position
24. INSPECT UNIVERSAL JOINTS / CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINTS FOR:
a) attachment and worn, damaged, or loose joints
b) torn or damaged CV joint boots
25. INSPECT EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT FOR PRESENCE AND Commercial Three BayPER
CONNECTION:
a) catalytic converter
b) fuel filler inlet restrictor
c) positive crankcase ventilation
d) air injection system
e) exhaust gas recirculation system
f) evaporative emissions system
26. PERFORM AIMING OF HEADLIGHTS
Final thoughts...
The first thing to do if you ever do have a disagreement or a dispute about a failed item is to act quickly. The state usually has a time frame for Commercial Three Bayblems. If you cannot resolve your Commercial Three Bayblem by talking with the inspector, you must contact the Maryland State Police. You must explain your Commercial Three Bayblem to an officer of the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division. A quick decision is usually made with little effort!
© 10/97 Don B. Kerr & Pat Goss - 'INFOTECH CAR CARE CENTRAL' All Rights Reserved | |
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Date Updated Wednesday, October 01, 1997
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