Most vehicles that fail a Pennsylvania state inspection fail for a handful of predictable, fixable reasons. Worn tires top the list, followed by brakes, lights, and windshield problems. Here is what inspectors actually check, the ten most common reasons vehicles fail, and roughly what each fix involves, so you are not surprised at the shop.
The 10 Most Common PA Inspection Failures
- Worn tires. Tread depth below 2/32 of an inch anywhere on the tire is an automatic failure, and uneven wear from alignment problems gets flagged too. Fix: replace the worn tires; prices vary by size and brand.
- Brakes. Pads or linings worn below spec, scored rotors, or a weak parking brake. Fix: pads and rotors typically run a few hundred dollars per axle.
- Lights. A single burned-out headlight, brake light, or turn signal fails the vehicle. Fix: often just a bulb, the cheapest failure to prevent by checking before your appointment.
- Windshield damage. Cracks or chips in the area swept by the wipers, especially in the driver’s line of sight. Fix: chip repair is inexpensive; full replacement is often covered by comprehensive insurance.
- Wipers and washers. Torn blades or a washer system that does not spray. Fix: usually under $30.
- Steering and suspension. Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or shocks that no longer control the vehicle. Fix: varies by component; we quote before any work.
- Exhaust leaks. Holes or leaks in the exhaust system, or missing components. Fix: depends on which section is leaking.
- Check engine light. In emissions counties like Montgomery County, an illuminated check engine light fails the OBD emissions test that runs alongside the safety inspection. Fix: diagnose the code first; never just clear it, because the emissions monitors must reset before a retest.
- Horn and mirrors. A horn that does not sound, or a cracked, missing, or loose required mirror. Fix: quick and inexpensive.
- Leaks and structural rust. Significant fluid leaks or rust-through in structural areas of the body or frame. Fix: evaluated case by case.
What Inspectors Check in Pennsylvania
The annual PA safety inspection covers the systems that keep a vehicle safe on the road: tires and wheels, brakes, steering and suspension, lights and electrical, glazing, mirrors, horn, wipers, exhaust, fuel system, and the body and chassis. In participating counties, including Montgomery County, gasoline vehicles 9,000 pounds and under also get the OBD emissions check at the same visit. If your sticker has already lapsed, see our guide to the PA inspection grace period.
How to Pass the First Time
- Check your lights, horn, and wipers the week before. These are the cheapest failures to prevent.
- Look at your tires: if any tread groove looks shallow, have it measured.
- If the check engine light is on, get it diagnosed before the inspection, not after. Clearing codes right before the test does not work because the monitors need drive time to reset.
- Bring your current registration and proof of insurance.
Fail anyway? We walk you through exactly what failed, quote the repair before any work, and handle the retest. With the coupon on our Special Offers page, the state inspection and emissions test is $49.99 plus tax.
PA Inspection Failure FAQs
What is the most common reason to fail a PA inspection?
Worn tires. Tread depth below 2/32 of an inch anywhere on the tire is an automatic failure, and it is the single most common issue inspectors find.
Will a check engine light fail a PA inspection?
In emissions counties like Montgomery County, yes. An illuminated check engine light fails the OBD emissions test performed with the safety inspection. Diagnose the cause first; clearing the code right before testing does not work.
Can I fail for a cracked windshield in PA?
Yes, if the crack or chip is in the area swept by the wipers, particularly in the driver’s line of sight. Small chips outside that area may pass; repairing them early is cheap insurance.
What happens if my car fails inspection?
You get a list of exactly what failed. Once the repairs are made, the vehicle is re-inspected. At Express Truck & Auto Services we quote the repair before any work and handle the retest for you.
Get Inspected the Same Day in King of Prussia
Express Truck & Auto Services is a certified PA state and D.O.T. inspection agency at 331 Crooked Lane, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Drop off before 10:00am and your inspection is done the same day, pass or fail. Call (484) 370-2835 or schedule online.
