Hey when they safety a car what do think look at?? just the body? Do they start the engine ? Is it possible to get it safety with out a engine in it ? this may sound stupid but i heard you could and couldn't and don't know what one is the truth! I live in Canada and i aint sure if the rule are different in the states or not . Thx for any help .

 

Who is "they?" Your department of motor vehicles? Tech inspection at the autocross/drag strip? Is it in Canada or the US do you need the info?

Steve

 

In Hawaii, a "safety inspection" (done annually) covers...

-starting the engine
-headlights (must be aimed and minimum brightness)
-"parking" lights
-reverse lights
-horn
-brake lights
-under chassis inspection (looking for emissions and exhaust)
(Note, they do not go under the hood.)

This might apply to you.


-Ted

 

I brought my 7 into Quebec from Toronto, and let me tell you - there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that you'll even get them to look at it unless you drive it there. My inspection took over 45 minutes. They checked everything from ball-joints and wheel bearings, to tire tread depth, allignment, all electricals from h-lights to windows, body condition, water pump/rad, alternator, battery, brake rotor and pad thickness and how ell they functioned, and just about everything else. It was the most thorough check of my car ever. Even though there was no e-test, I failed the test the first time because my exhaust was leaking, and my battery wasn't tied down tight enough. They wanted me to tow it home! When I changed the exhaust, he said it was too loud. He said that it couldn't be louder than a stock Rx7. So, after a 15 min argument on his qualifications as a judge of stock sound of a rotary engine, and the consultation of other mechanics, he finally passed me.

Just last month, my Dad had to do the same certification, and they have a new toy at the shop. It's a Dyno type device that measures the braking force of the car, and it's rolling resistance. They can tell if a brake isn't working up to its potential. Damn bastards have gone high-tech!

All this to say that the only way to pass a safety check is to make sure that the car is perfectly ready for the road that day.

Nick