3 Critical Problems Your Safety Inspection May Uncover

If you live in a state that mandates periodic safety inspections, then you may view them as a hassle or an annoying piece of bureaucratic red tape. While nobody likes to take time out of their busy day to inspect their car, safety inspections serve a vital role in protecting you and other motorists. If you're considering putting yours off, then check out these three critical problems that you might uncover.

1. Hidden Braking Issues

Not every brake problem begins with a loud squeal or grind. Modern braking systems are sophisticated, and they consist of far more components than the pads and discs. Many brake issues can start with only a few subtle symptoms, as well. If you don't necessarily know what you're looking for, then you can easily overlook the initial signs of a severe problem with your brakes.

When a mechanic performs a safety inspection on your car, they'll do more than check the thickness of your brake pads. Most assessments will include a thorough check of the braking system for proper operation. Your technician will also check your fluid level and condition and look for any issues with your brake lines. These examinations could save you from expensive future repairs or even a car accident.

2. Tire Wear and Defects

Most states that require safety inspections include a tire condition check. You might know to occasionally look at your tire tread, but are you familiar with other defects that can lead to catastrophic failure? Damage from potholes can weaken your tires' sidewalls, ultimately making them less structurally sound and more prone to sudden blowouts.

Other problems, such as uneven wear patterns, can be challenging to spot without a trained eye. These issues can indicate underlying suspension faults or worn steering components, both of which may lead to unpredictable or dangerous handling. Your tires contribute as much to your vehicle's safety as your brakes do, so it's crucial to find and address problems as early as possible.

3. Steering Problems

Along with your suspension, your steering includes a variety of components that can wear out over time. Although steering racks are typically robust, tie rods and power steering systems can often cause severe problems. Steering issues not only make your vehicle difficult to control, but they can also create additional safety concerns by causing rapid, uneven tire wear.

Unfortunately, steering problems are also easy to ignore since they can develop progressively. Since your steering behavior only changes by a small amount over time, you may not notice how bad the problem has become. An objective inspection by a trained mechanic can quickly get to the root of the problem, however.

It can be easy to forget that driving a car means controlling several tons of steel at exceptionally high speeds. Safely managing this task means keeping your car in good working order, and safety inspections are an excellent first step.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers safety inspections.

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