When was the last time you had your car inspected? If your car or truck is due for a NH state inspection, it’s better to have it done sooner rather than later. Not only will you get it out of the way so you don’t forget to have it done, but you’ll also find out if there’s anything you need to fix. Even if there’s nothing that will prevent your car from passing inspection, the technician doing the inspection often finds issues that you can get ahead of now to avoid major repairs in the future.
Ready to schedule an appointment? Here’s what you need to know about the NH state inspection.
When do I need an inspection?
To start, when do you need to get an inspection? We all know that you need an inspection once a year, but you have more time to get it done than you might think. To ensure that your car is roadworthy, you need to get an inspection during your birth month, but you have an extra 10 days to get it done. For example, if your birthday is in January, you actually have until February 10th. But you also don’t have to wait until your birth month. As long as you have a valid registration, you can get an inspection up to three months in advance.
What do they look for during an inspection?
There are two parts to the NH state inspection: the safety inspection and the emissions inspection.
Safety
The safety inspection is a comprehensive check that covers the important and essential parts of the vehicle. It ensures that both you and other drivers are safe when your car is on the road
- Exterior – During this part of the inspection, the inspector looks for cracks in the windshield and bumpers, and that the tires and wheels are in good condition.
- Interior – This part of the inspection concerns your car’s interior parts and safety features, including the rearview mirror, horn, steering wheel, and many others.
- Mechanical – And, of course, you need to ensure that all your essential systems are working. This part of the inspection covers the brakes, exhaust, suspension, and other systems.
Emissions
NH is one of 16 states that require a regular emissions inspection. The emissions test only adds a few minutes to the inspection and checks the levels of pollutants your car puts out. These pollutants include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. All cars gasoline cars emit these pollutants, but they must remain within acceptable limits.
