State Inspection
STATE INSPECTION SERVICES IN CATONSVILLE, MD
Get Ready for State Inspections — Caton Auto Clinic
As each year rolls around, so does the state inspection for your vehicle. Our specialists at the Caton Auto Clinic can get you ready to pass the state inspection. Come by our shop in Catonsville for a comprehensive inspection and maintenance to have your vehicle in top condition. We understand what is included in the inspection and how to get your car in shape to pass it. We do it in a timely manner, so you don’t have to wait to get your inspection out of the way. We take pride in helping the people of our community stay on the road safely.
ONE-STOP SHOP
The Caton Auto Clinic is equipped and ready to help you get through inspections. When it gets that time of year, come to our shop in Catonsville located at 6013 Baltimore National Pike Catonsville, MD 21228. You can schedule an inspection through our website or call us at 410-788-3838. Inspection time doesn’t have to be a hassle. We are here to help.
INSPECTIONS EXPLAINED
Annual inspections are required for all vehicles in the state of Maryland. Additionally, if you are getting ready to sell your car and transfer the title, you will need to get an inspection. The state can withhold a title if it has not passed inspections. To have your tag renewed, you must have an inspection. You will get that notice in the mail weeks before your birthday. Our ASE-certified technicians are ready to get your car into shape.
There is a long list of points that are inspected on your vehicle. It includes the fuel and electric systems, tires, lights, mirrors, safety belts, and so much more. It can seem daunting and cause stress, and you might feel like it is too much on your car to get ready. There’s no need to worry, though; we are here to help. We will do a detailed inspection of your motor vehicle and note down any problems we find. Our technicians will discuss repair options with you and offer a detailed price list so there are no surprises. We are an authorized inspection station in the state of Maryland, so we can guarantee honest and efficient inspection service.
Our shop is also a Certified Emissions Repair Facility, so if your vehicle fails an emissions test we can help! The state requires bi-yearly emissions testing of all vehicles in Maryland. Any cars made after 1996 are required to get a test. If your car is made prior to 1996, you have to get an ASM test or something similar. Emissions testing gauges the number of pollutants your care is releasing into the air. It specifically tests for carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). If your car is putting out too high levels of these, your car will fail inspection. Our shop is ready to affordably and quickly repair the problems causing it to fail. Once your car passes, you are issued an inspection sticker.
FAQ’s
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR STATE INSPECTION
Is the Maryland state inspection the same as emissions?
No, the Maryland state inspection is only done when you are buying, selling, or moving your vehicle into the state of Maryland. Emissions in Maryland are required every 2 years.
How long does it take to perform a Maryland state inspection?
The Maryland state inspection is a comprehensive look at your vehicle. It takes around 2 hours to perform the Maryland state inspection and fill out all of the online paperwork.
Will my vehicle fail the Maryland State Inspection (MSI) if I have window tint?
A vehicle does not automatically fail the Maryland State Inspection (MSI) for window tint, but tinted windows mean we have to perform an additional tint test to measure the amount of light getting through the tint. This is done at an additional fee.
What if my car fails the Maryland state inspection?
If your car fails the Maryland State Inspection (MSI), you’ll have to make the required repairs. You can choose to repair it here or elsewhere. If you perform the work at another shop, you have 30 days or 1,000 miles (whichever elapses first) and you may be charged a re-inspection fee there. If the vehicle needed an alignment per our MSI, you must provide proof of the alignment being performed at another shop.
Why might a shop recommend repairs that passed the Maryland State inspection?
The Maryland State Inspection is a snapshot of how your vehicle is at that exact moment in time. During an inspection, a shop may see items that will need attention soon and give you the option to do those repairs now rather than have you come back later. These repair items are optional, and we can work with you to find a time that fits your schedule and budget.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR EMISSIONS TEST
Do you perform Maryland State Emissions Tests?
Only the Maryland State Vehicle Emission Inspection Program can perform state inspections. We are a licensed repair facility to work on your vehicle after it fails the emissions test. For hours and locations of the state-run tests click here.
What happens if I fail Emissions?
When you fail emissions they will give you a printout which specifies a generic reason for failure. We have to troubleshoot that reason and then fix the vehicle. Sometimes, you can qualify for a waiver if you spend $450 on emissions related repairs and they fail your vehicle. We know this program can be confusing so we welcome you to give us a call!