Top Causes for Car Inspection Failure
When drivers ask "what will fail a car inspection," they're often surprised by how many common issues can prevent passing Pennsylvania's annual safety inspection. At Peruzzi Collision Center, our I-CAR certified technicians see these inspection rejections daily and help drivers throughout the Levittown and Bensalem, PA, areas get back on the road quickly with professional repairs.
Auto Glass Issues That Cause Inspection Failures
Cracked windshields are among the most common car inspection rejections. Any crack or chip in the driver's direct line of sight will automatically fail inspection, as will large cracks anywhere on the windshield. Pennsylvania defines the direct line of sight as 8.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches high directly in front of the driver.
Side mirrors also pose problems. You need at least two of three mirrors (rearview, driver side, passenger side) in working condition without cracks. A broken or missing mirror results in immediate rejection.
Lighting and Electrical Problems
All vehicle lights must function properly to pass inspection. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights. Even one burned-out bulb causes automatic rejection. Cracked light housings also won't pass inspection if the crack is larger than a quarter.
The check engine light is another automatic failure point. Other common mechanical issues include worn tire treads (less than 2/32 inch depth), faulty windshield wipers, and suspension problems like worn ball joints.