How Often Should You Get a Safety Inspection for Your BMW?

Apr 14, 2023

In North Carolina, all vehicle owners must have their vehicles undergo an annual safety inspection. The good news is that this required inspection, done by your qualified BMW dealer, can actually save you some money along the way by flagging up little problems before they can turn into big, expensive ones.

Our service center at Valley Auto World BMW in Fayetteville, NC is here to help make your next annual safety inspection as convenient as possible. We offer outstanding technical expertise, genuine BMW parts, VIP service, service financing, and service and parts specials.

About the BMW Safety Inspection You’ll Get From Your BMW Dealer

There are two types of inspections required in North Carolina: safety and emissions. The safety check examines things like lights, brakes, and steering. Meanwhile, the emissions inspection checks the levels of harmful pollutants your vehicle is emitting. The latter inspection is required in 48 of North Carolina’s counties, while the safety check is required statewide

What Gets Inspected?

Brakes

It should go without saying that your brakes need to work well! The parking brake is often what cuases someone to fail inspection, but fortunately, parking brake issues often just need a little tweak.

Horn

The horn may seem like a simple component, but it is an essential safety feature. It must be firmly mounted, have no frayed or disconnected wires, and be audible for at least 200 feet.

Lights

All the lights should be proper working order, including the headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, license plate lights, and your vehicle’s parking lights.

Steering and Suspension

The suspension should not be too loose, the springs need to be in good order, and nothing should be sagging. The steering system should move freely and have no evidence of any damage that might make your car unsafe to drive.

Tires

Your tires should have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread left and be in good condition. The inspector will look for bulges, separation of the sidewall, and other structural issues that could indicate the tires are failing.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers must be in good working condition, operate freely, and have proper controls. They must be adequate to clear rain, snow, and other materials from the windshield and show no evidence of damage or missing parts.

Window Tinting

Window tinting must meet certain standards to ensure visibility and safety on the road. Your dealership will check to make sure you’re in compliance with all NC regulations about how dark and extensive your tinting can be.

Mirrors

Side and rearview mirrors must be in good condition, firmly mounted, and easy to adjust and set. There should be no cracks or damage that may hinder visibility.

Windshield

Not all windshield cracks necessitate replacing the windshield. However, if a crack obstructs the driver’s vision, affects the operation of the windshield wipers, or is big enough to catch the windshield wipers, your BMW will fail the inspection.

With regular maintenance, you can ensure that your vehicle is always in good condition and you’re always ready to pass. If you have any questions or concerns about your inspection, contact us today at Valley Auto World BMW!