Maryland State Car Inspection Checklist
In the state of Maryland, vehicles need to adhere to important regulations about emissions and road safety. To do this, the government of Maryland has mandated procedures of inspection. To successfully drive a vehicle in the state your vehicle must check all the items under the checklist.
Your local Silver Spring Maryland State Inspection Station can help you tune-up your car and prepare you for what fixes your vehicle may need.
Maryland Vehicle Inspection Checklist
- TIRES AND WHEELS
- Condition of tires
- Condition of wheels and it’s components
- FUEL SYSTEM
- Fuel tank condition and leaks
- Choke, hand throttle and accelerator operation
- SUSPENSION
- Ball joint wear
- King pin or spindle bolt condition
- Wheel bearing condition
- Springs and torsion bar condition
- Shock absorber or strut condition
- BRAKE SYSTEMS
- Stopping distance, either road test or decelerometer
- Hydraulic system condition
- Drum and disc condition
- Linting and pad condition
- 2/32 inch general minimum
- General condition of mechanical linkage
- Vacuum or hydraulic booster system condition
- Parking brake function
- EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Manifold, muffler, all piping, resonator and the tail piping. To include leaks and proper mounting
- BUMPERS
- Condition of bumpers along with its height and mounting
- FENDERS
- Condition of fenders to including mounting and coverage of wheels and tires
- LIGHTING
- Condition and function of all original equipment lighting and whatever added lights are authorized
- Condition of the headlights, candle power output and aim
- Inspect auxiliary & fog lights for aim and proper mounting
- MIRRORS
- Condition of mirrors checks the unobstructed view of both inside and outside mirrors
- VEHICLE GLAZING
- Proper materials used for specific locations
- Operation of driver window
- Damage that exceeds allowable limited
- WINDSHIELD WIPERS
- Clean operating condition of arms and blades
- HOOD/CATCHES
- Condition and proper function of hood for full closure
- DOORS, HANDLES AND LATCHES
- Proper function of all doors, latches, hinges and handles along with good condition
- FLOOR AND TRUNK
- Holes or rusted out and weakened conditions in floor or truck pan
- SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
- Operation and legibility
- Register in mph or kilometers
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Proper condition and function of horn
- Condition of wiring and switches
- Neutral safety switch in automatic transmissions only
- Condition of battery cables and hold down
- DRIVERS SEAT
- Presence, condition and mounting
- SAFETY BELTS
- Presence, condition and operation and mounting
- MOTOR MOUNTS
- If originally manufactured with; check presence and condition
- GEAR SELECTION INDICATOR
- Proper indication of correct position
- UNIVERSAL JOINTS / CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINTS
- Attachment and worn, damaged, or loose joints
- Torn or damaged cv boots
- EMISSIONS EQUIPMENT FOR PRESENCE AND PROPER CONNECTION
- Catalytic converter
- Positive crankcase ventilation
- Air injection system
- Exhaust gas recirculation system
- Evaporative emissions system
Maryland vehicle inspection Prep Tips
To be able to use a vehicle in Maryland you need to have an inspection certificate. If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will not be able to operate it. This also makes it difficult to sell your vehicle if it can’t pass the safety inspection.
Not only is it irresponsible to drive an uncertified vehicle, but it can also be costly. If you fail an inspection, getting the car repaired can be a trouble. Additionally, you may be ticketed for driving an uninspected vehicle. Add to that additional costs of re-inspection.
Before you go for an inspection at a Maryland Inspection Station, it’s important that you are prepared. Talk to your local Silver Spring auto shop about the state of your vehicle and discuss what repairs you may need to pass.
Here are some of our prep tips you should follow to get your vehicle successfully inspected and certified.
First, Check the Lights
Car lights are important. You literally can’t drive half the time if your lights aren’t functioning well.
Check the headlights, taillights, and turn indicators, and if your car has fog lights check them as well.
Being able to properly see the road and for the person driving opposite to spot your car is the bare essential. If you find any issues, get them fixed immediately at your local Silver Spring auto shop.
Steering system work fine?
Take a drive around the block and check if the steering is functioning properly. Is it too sensitive, or not sensitive enough? How is your steering alignment – does the car pull to one side?
A clunking sound may indicate that there is a problem with the steering mechanism. If you hear that, some part of the system must be damaged.
Most likely you’ll have to get it replaced from the nearest auto service station in Silver Spring.
Inspect the braking
Having malfunctioning brakes can be dangerous, it’s crucial to make sure that your brakes are in optimal condition — this is why brake repair services are so in demand.
Inspect the lining on the brake pads, also check the master cylinder. If you’re not sure how to check your brakes, take your vehicle to an auto shop near you.
How good is the suspension?
It’s very difficult for you to identify what’s technically wrong with your suspension system, but you can definitely get an idea.
Go through bumps and see if it bounces more than once, if it does you need a repair. The bushings also tend to get old as the car ages, replacing them is essential as well.
The Wheels
Inspecting tires is simple. Look for punctures and the state of your tread –bald tires mean a failed Maryland State Vehicle Inspection.
Also look for any tears or cracks that can potentially cause a blowout.
Safety features
Ask the mechanic to inspect safety features such as seat belts and airbags when consulting on a Maryland State Vehicle Inspection appointment.
Inspect the Exhaust System
A leaking exhaust system can cause a big problem. Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas present released through the exhaustion pipe, can enter the passenger’s section. This can cause serious health problems, so always ensure the exhaust system is functioning properly.
Checked everything? All fine?
Stop by Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring to consult on your vehicle’s state before scheduling an official Maryland State Vehicle Inspection appointment.
Our professional mechanics can help ensure your car is road ready.
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
