Dean's Automotive can perform your next auto inspection. Below are several commonly asked questions about the inspection process. If you have any questions that are not listed below, please feel free to contact us.

Light Duty State Inspections - Non-Commercial (Under 10k lbs.)

How does safety relate to an auto inspection?

What happens when I bring my vehicle for inspection?

What is done during an emissions test?

How long does a safety inspection take and what is checked?

What happens if my car passes inspection?

If my vehicle failed, what should I do?

Do inspection stations and inspectors need to be registered?

How do I know which stations can diagnose emission repair problems?

What vehicles need to be inspected?

Heavy Duty State Inspections - Commercial (Over 10k lbs.)

I have a commercial vehicle. Where are the commercial vehicle inspection regulations?

I've heard that the Massachusetts Commercial Inspection is the equivalent to the federal "DOT" inspection. Do I need to get both?

Trailer State Inspections

Do I need to get my trailer inspected?

I have a small utility trailer. Are there any special requirements?

More State Inspection Information that may apply

Check Engine Light Information

Your vehicle is equipped with an sophisticated On-Board Diagnostic (ORD) System. This is what has turned on your Check Engine Light or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp).

In most cases, we will be able to diagnose and repair the problem with your vehicle. However, there may be more than one problem present, even though only one "code" appears in your computer.

The OBD System performs a series of "self-tests" to determine whether all systems are working as designed. Once a failure occurs, many of these tests are temporarily turned off. This means that once we fix the problems that caused the original code to set, we may discover other problems that could not be detected until the first problem was solved. This is especially likely if you have been driving with the check engine (MIL) on for more than a few days.

Some of the self-tests require certain specific conditions to occur before they can be run. Some, for example, may require that the engine not be started for at least eight hours since the last trip, and that when it is started, the outside temperature must be warmer that 15 degrees F. Others require that the fuel tank be between one half and three-quarters full. Most require that the vehicle be driver for several minutes at a steady speed of more than 50 mph. There are many other requirements for each self-test, and all must be met before those tests can be run. Additionally, some tests must be run more than once before they will register a failure.

It would not be practical for us to have to keep your car and drive it so extensively. That's why we my rely on you to do your part. Each of the OBD self-tests will run eventually during normal driving. You will need to being your vehicle back for further repairs if the MIL illuminates.