Is it almost time for your vehicle’s annual safety and emissions inspections? Have you checked to make sure all your lightbulbs are working and you’ve had that check engine light fixed? Good, but don’t forget that your auto glass will also be checked during the inspection! As well as the mirrors and windshield wipers on your vehicle.
You may not always think about them when you are prepping for your annual inspection, but forgetting them can cause your car to fail! While these components don’t necessarily disrupt the function of your vehicle, they are each an integral part of the safety system in your vehicle. If your windshield or windows are broken, it’s true that they won’t prevent your vehicle from starting. But if you have a cracked windshield or mirror, you shouldn’t drive your vehicle because they can impair your vision and compromise the safety of your vehicle!
Today we’re sharing everything you need to know about your auto glass and your annual Vehicle Safety Inspection.
Windshield glass
And we’re getting started by focusing on the biggest piece of auto glass and one of the major safety features in your vehicle, the windshield glass. Now, it is possible to pass a safety inspection with a crack in the glass of your windshield, but don’t get your hopes up. The specific requirements necessary to enable it to pass make it very unlikely…
If you have a crack in your vehicle’s windshield the vehicle safety inspection requirements are:
- The crack cannot obstruct the driver’s vision, meaning it cannot be cracked on the driver’s side of the windshield at all.
- The crack cannot affect the operation of the windshield wipers.
- The crack cannot be big enough that the windshield wiper can get caught on it. This is typically checked by running a fingernail over the crack, if it catches, the vehicle will not pass.
And in the end, it all depends on the mechanic who is inspecting your vehicle. Many people know that your windshield functions as a major safety feature and an integral part of the structural integrity of your vehicle, if you don’t know about that you can learn more by clicking here. And because of this, some mechanics believe any crack in your windshield could compromise the integrity and the safety of the vehicle.
With all that being said, it is possible for your vehicle to pass the annual vehicle safety inspection with a crack in the windshield. However, it’s also possible that your vehicle will not pass the annual safety inspection because of windshield damage. Ultimately, it is in your best interest to get the windshield repaired or replaced to avoid complications or delays.
Don’t worry, if a crow has taken a liking to your windshield wipers. As long as they still function properly, it won’t prevent your vehicle from passing the safety inspection!
Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers must be operational and in good condition.
We know it’s easy to forget about your windshield wipers and maintaining them. We only think about them when we use them and if they’re worn out we typically don’t notice until they no longer function properly. And if they are not in good working condition, they cannot clear the windshield of water, which compromises your visibility. Chances are, they’re not the first component of your vehicle that comes to mind when you think of your vehicle’s safety features. But they are in fact a required safety component in your vehicle.
And as such, you will not pass the annual vehicle safety inspection if yours are not functioning properly.
To pass the annual vehicle safety inspection, your windshield wipers must:
- Operate freely. They cannot get caught on anything on the windshield (cracks).
- Have controls that are constructed in a way that the driver can easily operate them.
- Be fully intact. If parts of blades or arms are missing it will not pass.
- Be adequate enough to completely clear rain, snow, etc. from the windshield.
Side and Rear View Mirrors
Another often forgotten safety component is the side and rear view mirrors. Every piece of auto glass on your vehicle serves a safety related function. And because of this, all the glass must be in good condition with no cracks or damage to pass the annual safety inspection. Which means you could fail your inspection due to your side-view or rear view mirrors too.
Just like your windshield, you use them constantly when you’re driving, but you don’t really think about them often. Surely you’ve been driving down the road and have seen someone with a side mirror hanging on by a chord or completely missing. Yeah, that won’t fly during your vehicle safety inspection!
Your side or rear view mirrors could cause you to fail your annual safety inspection if they are:
- Loosely mounted
- Forward vision is hindered by mirror assembly
- Cracked, broken, or have sharp edges
- Difficult to adjust or will not maintain a set adjustment
Also, a rear view mirror is required for all cars, unless the vehicle is constructed or loaded in a way that a rear view mirror would be ineffective. In which case you are required to have both driver side and passenger side view mirrors.
As you know, we can help with any repairs or replacements necessary for your vehicle’s auto glass; however, we can also replace your windshield wipers or the mirrors on your vehicle! You can find more information on other services we perform on our Additional Services page. If it’s time for you to get your vehicle inspected, make sure you are prepared to prevent any delays or multiple trips to the mechanic’s shop!
If any of these problems are preventing you from getting your vehicle inspected, give us a call!
Information source: www.ncdot.gov
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