So you just bought a new car in Missouri and you need to get it inspected. Here are the ins and outs of how to do it, why such a rule exists, and a few ways you can save time and money during the inspection process.
If you’re new to Missouri, you may not realize that the state government requires an annual or biannual safety inspection before you can register, or re-register, your vehicle. This can be a tricky, annoying, and sometimes expensive process, throwing a monkey wrench into whatever plans you’ve made to start cruising around in your new vehicle today. The frantic effort to buy a car in a single day is a common one in Missouri. Hopefully this guide clears things up a bit and makes your experience easier.
The Missouri state vehicle inspection is a complex, multi-system test of your entire car and its safety elements. Trained inspectors will check everything from brakes to power steering to lights to make sure your vehicle is safe. By law, the inspection cannot cost more than $12. In Missouri, you must get your vehicle inspected every time you register it. Missouri offers registration for one year, or two years, if you pay twice as much. (This makes one wonder how paying twice as much for the registration will keep the vehicle safe for another year, but we digress.)
Rather than build countless state-run inspection stations, Missouri trains qualified mechanics at existing, privately-owned garages, repair shops, and tire shops to perform their inspections. Large chain businesses are almost always inspection stations, and many locally-owned shops are, as well. But before you start Googling “tire shop near me,” there are a few things to consider. First, many businesses only keep their state inspectors on site on certain days. These shops typically make inspection appointments, so call first.
Second, some shops will charge you that $12 again if you decide to perform any needed repairs yourself and come back later. While the inspection has a price limit, any needed repairs the inspection might identify do not. So if the inspector finds that you need new brake pads, they can quote you their own price to replace those pads, and they won’t approve your car until the job is done.
Of course, you could replace the pads yourself, or hire someone to do it cheaper, but the inspector isn’t obligated to see you again in the same day. In fact, you may need to make another appointment, and pay another $12, to now pass the inspection.
While many shops are reputable and only want to get you on the road, this system obviously leaves room for some racket. So how do you avoid it? Well, you don’t have to become a master mechanic yourself, but there are some easy things you can check before you head to your inspection. Take care of these simple items before you go and avoid the need for repair in the shop.
Tires: It’s no surprise that we’ll start here, with your tires. All tires should be aired up to factory spec, according to the sticker on your door sill. Next, check the tread. You can pick up a cheap tread depth gauge at an auto parts store to measure this. To pass, your tires will need to have more than 2/32" of tread. If it’s any shallower, you’ll need to replace your tires. We can help with that. As a side note, studies have shown that tires with only 2/32" take twice as long to stop from 70 mph as new tires. So even if you’re at 3/32", it might be time for a refresh.
Inspect each tire for damage, including blisters on the sidewalls or slow leaks. If you do have a leak, we can help with that, too. Before you Google “tire repair near me,” just schedule a repair with us. We’re mobile tire repair technicians, and we’ll come to your place and patch that tire on the double. Unfortunately, sidewall blisters cannot be repaired, but we can help you find a replacement tire quickly and for a great price.
Brakes: While your tires are off, check the thickness of your brake pads and inspect your rotors for cracks or grooves. Any squeaking in your brakes usually means you need new pads.
Horn: This one is simple, and it’s one point every single inspector checks. Just honk your horn to make sure it works.
Lights: High beams, low beams, corner lights, turn signals, reverse lights, brake lights, tail lights, license plate lights. It’s not at all uncommon for a burned out bulb to fail a car, or for a shop to charge you $20 to replace that single bulb. Find the problem at home and replace it yourself for just a few dollars.
Wipers: Check each wiper blade, including rear wipers, for any tears. Shops love to fail you for torn wiper blades.
Exhaust: Missouri does not have tailpipe emissions tests, but most inspectors will make sure you have a catalytic converter installed. If you removed yours in a less restrictive state, you’ll need to replace it.
There are many other elements on the test, but these are the easiest parts to inspect and fix yourself, and many inspectors won’t follow the test to the letter anyway. We hope that clears up the Missouri inspection process and makes your new car purchase a little easier.
Or you could just move to the Kansas side, where safety inspections don’t exist.
How to Register a Car in Missouri | Zohr
