OK, my truck that is fine working order (some of you have ridden in it) just got failed for VA safety inspection because of “loose” ball joints, moisture in one fog light and headlight, low rear brake pads, and a BB sized hole in a turn signal.
I’ll replace the pads myself, see about the moisture in the headlights, and put some orange tape or something in the turn signal lens but am I crazy in thinking that this is BS? The truck drives fine, it’s in good shape.
The inspector has too much time on his hands.
Interesting they actually check the brake pads. out here they run you on a test pad and specifically warn you that they are not checking the pads thickness and you should have it checked by a mechanic… As long as you pass the test pad you are fine.
It’s for your safety, sir.
:rolleyes:
Did you go to a chain place to get it done?
I’ve had much better luck with local privately owned shops when getting inspections done.
You’re almost out of light fluid, send a PFC to the mechs for more.
Then send him to the Co. Gunny to ask where he can find the PRC-E7.
Then have the PRC-E7 checked with the anal protrusion gauge and record the findings on the blue status grid paper.
Hello, when I turn it on the water turns to fog.
DO you have to have fog lights?
You didn’t tip enough.
Do not take it back to that shop.
That’s what I asked and they told me any light on the vehicle has to be in good working shape. Other guys are telling me from experience that it may not pass even with colored tape on the turn signal.
This is seriously worse than California. California was a breeze with common sense applied to the inspection. I polished the front headlights, installed super powerful bulbs, taped the hole, and will do the brakes this weekend. This is giving the inspection shops free license to run wild with their fees. If I catch any more hell over the fog light, I’ll pull the damned things.
I asked around and got references for shops that aren’t run by shyster/Nazis.
I hada very hard time keeping my mouth shut when paying for the emissions test and safety inspection.
I have a ball joint press if you need it. 
seriously? loose ball joint? did you ask him how he could tell it was the ball joint and not the hub? not the knuckle?
Dont touch it and take it someplace else. I’m guessing he’s not gonna say anything about the ball joint. lights you might get you though. you’d be out the $16 either way.
Remember that the next time you make fun of my Infiniti, boy!
I have had good luck jumpstarting a good relationship with the guy. A good tip, or friendly BS goes a long way.
Ask them, can you pass me even though I have some little stuff wrong. Small operations may say yes.
I may be wrong about this, but if I were to hazzard a guess I’d guess that the shop was either dinged by the state for lax inspections or they’re trying to drum up business. I tend to agree that vehicle inspections are a bit of a racket. I’d much rather see an inspection of people’s driving habits…and perhaps a law that legally allows you to hit somebody with a pie in the face for stupidity behind the wheel.
Gross stupidity (Reading a book on 64 going over Afton mountain in the fog) should result in a public flogging.
Anyhoo, I have my inspections done by the same shop that I have do everything else. They’ve always been honest with me and have given me excellent service, so I trust them. They won’t screw me over.
I’ve got 15 days and fixed most of the problems this afternoon. Still fuming.
The Wagon Queen Family Truckster? I will never stop!
“loose” ball joints: A loose ball joint can create an uncontrollable vehicle going over the wrong bump. For some vehicles, there is an acceptable amount of play, but generally you dont want any given the nature of the joint.
moisture in one fog light and headlight: Both failures, although removal of the foglights can fix the problem also. The headlight can fail at any time with water in it.
low rear brake pads: either good or bad. no discretion unless there is cracking or contamination.
BB sized hole in a turn signal: Failure prone, as it allow moisture. yellow tape will fix it.
Safety inspections may seem like a racket, until you work at a garage and see the crap people try to get away with. I have seen several vehicles that I looked over leave the garage because they didn’t believe me (after showing them the issue) and that very issue prevented them from leaving the parking lot or making it to the first stop light.
Of the issues mentioned, the brake pads and ball joints are wear and tear items, the lights and holes are just circumstantial, but you should be able to see the importance, despite the simple solutions to all.
Just be thankful that they no longer require mandatory emission inspections!! 
What happens to the vehicles that fail the mandated inspection? They sell them to Used Car Dealers in states that do not have these standards in place.
depends on the state and the problem… most anything running properly wont have an issue. most of the failures are from the gas cap test, where the fumes can escape, but its a cheap solution for a wear and tear part.
regarding the remaining emissions problems, the age of the car is considered, and after that, it is most likely an exhaust issue that would probably be required to repair for a safety inspection anyway.
Years ago I had a 1974 Chevy pickup with a 454 that I loved. It had some inspection issues and I just drove into the illegal alien district and got it inspected on that side of town. They would pass a 2 legged donkey cart for the $:p