Book it early, not in the last week
Most people book an inspection when a deadline is close, and that is the one moment when a failure is most inconvenient. A failed item that needs a part ordered, found three days before the deadline, turns a routine errand into a scramble.
Booking a few weeks early changes that. If the vehicle passes, nothing is lost. If it fails, there is time to have the fault put right without rushing, compare what it will cost, and come back for the re-check on a day that suits you.
What the inspection requires, which vehicles need one and how often are set by the state, and they change from time to time. Confirm the current requirement for your vehicle with the store when you book, or with the state directly. The store performs the inspection to whatever the state requires at the time.
The driveway check before you come
A handful of simple items account for many avoidable failures, and each one takes a minute:
- Every light, including brake lights and the plate light. Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you press the pedal.
- Wiper blades and washer fluid.
- Tires, for tread depth and obvious damage.
- The horn, the mirrors and the seat belts.
- Any warning lamp lit on the dash.
If something fails
You will be told what failed and why. Because this store also repairs vehicles, the correction usually does not mean finding another shop: brake repair, suspension repair and tires are all done here. Ask for the cost before work starts, so the decision stays yours.
For a business with several vehicles, inspections can be planned alongside other work on a fleet account. The national state inspections page has more on what to bring.
About this store
This is the Salt Lake City Commercial & Consumer store, managed by Brian Morris. The Salt Lake City page explains how it differs from the city's other listings.
See the national state inspections page for all 10 locations.