Emissions

State Safety Inspections

Every day, countless cars and light trucks across the U.S. are lined up for state inspections. Chances are, you’ve been in that line too, waiting for your Virginia state safety inspection as your sticker’s expiry date nears.

One of the most frustrating experiences is waiting in line for your inspection, only to discover that your vehicle has failed and needs repairs and reinspection. To avoid this, we suggest performing a visual check of the following items on your vehicle before bringing it in for inspection at Undisputed Auto Care.

Virginia Vehicle Inspection Checklist

1. Check the Tread Depth - In Virginia, low tire tread depth is a frequent reason for inspection failures. You can easily check your tire tread at home using a penny. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If all of Lincoln’s head is visible, your tire tread is too low and will fail inspection. Remember to check the tread depth at various points on each tire. Uneven wear could indicate alignment issues.
2. Check Your Lights - Examine all your vehicle’s lights – headlights, backlights, reverse lights, marker lights, brake lights, turn signals, and the often-forgotten tag light. Any non-functional lights mean you won’t pass the Virginia vehicle safety inspection. Also, watch out for condensation inside the lights, as this can also lead to a failed inspection.
   
3. Check Your Mirrors - Ensure your vehicle’s mirrors are free from cracks, chips, or missing pieces.
   
4. Check Your Horn - Test your horn to ensure it sounds loud and clear, without any muffled tones.
   
5. Check Your Windshield - Your windshield should be free of cracks and improperly placed stickers. Also, verify that your windshield wipers and defroster are functioning correctly.
   
6. Dashboard Warning Lights - Illuminated warning lights could indicate serious issues that might cause a failed inspection. It’s wise to address any lit-up lights before the inspection. (Note: A lit check engine light will pass the Virginia safety inspection but not the emissions inspection.)
   
7. Listen for Unusual Noises - Pay attention to any odd sounds like clunks, rattles, squeals, or whirring. If something sounds off, it’s best to get it checked out.

During your Virginia Vehicle Inspection at Undisputed Auto Care, we’ll inspect the following: Brakes, Parking Brake, Vehicle Lights, Signal Devices, Steering and Suspension, Tires, Wheels, and Rims, Mirrors, Horn, Windshield and Wipers, Defroster, Exhaust System, License Plates, Hood and Underhood Area, Air Pollution Control System, Driver’s Seat, Floor Pan, Vehicle Doors, Fuel System, Airbag and Readiness Light.

For a detailed overview, you can view the official Virginia Safety Inspection Procedure that our inspectors adhere to. For more information, please visit the Virginia State Police’s website.If your vehicle passes all items, you’ll receive an inspection sticker. If there are any issues, a rejection sticker is issued, and any problems must be corrected and reinspected within 15 days.Need a Virginia Safety Inspection?

All Undisputed Auto Care locations are official Virginia vehicle inspection stations. For shorter wait times, we recommend scheduling your inspection in the middle of the month and week. Be aware that some stores’ inspection hours may differ from their regular open hours, so it’s a good idea to call ahead for availability and wait times before your visit.

State Emissions Inspections

At Undisputed Auto Care, our commitment to environmental responsibility drives our Emissions Testing services. Our state-of-the-art facilities and certified technicians ensure thorough and precise testing to evaluate your vehicle's emissions output. We employ advanced diagnostic equipment to measure tailpipe emissions, checking for compliance with local and state regulations. Through our meticulous testing process, we aim not only to meet legal requirements but also to contribute to a cleaner environment by identifying and rectifying any emissions-related issues.

We're proud to offer two key emissions services that set us apart in Virginia.

1. In-House Emissions Inspections: At Undisputed we are one of only a handful of shops that provide in-house emissions inspections required every other year in Virginia. While only nine counties in the state mandate these emissions inspections, our strategic location places us right in the heart of these areas. Unlike most shops, we've invested in the necessary equipment and space to conduct these emissions tests. This capability not only serves our direct clients but also numerous other repair shops.
   
   
2. Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CRF): We understand the importance of ensuring your vehicle meets emissions standards. If your vehicle unfortunately fails its emissions test, our team is equipped to address and repair the underlying issues. Being a CRF shop, we offer a unique advantage: if your vehicle still doesn't pass the emissions test after we've performed necessary repairs, and you've spent a minimum of $1,000 on these repairs, we can issue an emissions waiver for your vehicle.

This waiver is a significant benefit of choosing a CRF like Undisputed Auto, as non-CRF shops cannot offer this option. Repairs done at non-CRF facilities do not count towards the waiver threshold. Trust us to not only fix your vehicle's emissions issues but also to provide solutions that non-CRF shops simply can't.

Experience top-notch Emissions Testing services at Undisputed Auto Care, driven by our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Our certified technicians and state-of-the-art facilities ensure precise testing to evaluate your vehicle's emissions output, aiming not just for legal compliance but also contributing to a cleaner environment by addressing any emissions-related issues.

Stand out in Virginia with our exclusive offerings: in-house emissions inspections required every other year in specific counties and Certified Emissions Repair Facility (CRF) services. Trust us to go beyond fixing issues – choose Undisputed Auto Care for unparalleled solutions that non-CRF shops simply can't provide. Ensure your vehicle meets emissions standards and enjoy the unique advantage of an emissions waiver if needed, setting us apart as your trusted CRF partner.