Buying a used car---- something to think about

by Merrillville Auto Glass & Trim on 09/05/25

When buying a used car it is important to know what state the vehicle came from !  In  New York for instance all vehicle have to pass a safety inspection and environmental.  If not they have to either be fixed or sold and that is where Indiana Dealers love!   they get them cheap and bring them here to sell to you....Personally I have see some dussies - ALOT OF  rotting frames - rust  ect....  so do a carfax - know where the car came from and negotiate from their .

New York Vehicle Safety Inspections

Vehicle safety inspections in New York, similar to other states with car inspections, are comprehensive checks of multiple vehicle components to conclude if the vehicle is safe to operate. During a safety inspection, a certified technician will examine the following:

• Brakes: The condition of the brake pads, rotors, and other components are checked to help promote effective braking performance.
• Steering and Suspension: These systems are inspected for wear and damage to ensure the vehicle handles and drives correctly.
• Lights: All exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, are checked for proper operation.
• Windshield and Wipers: The windshield is inspected for cracks and chips, and the wipers are checked for effectiveness.
• Tires: The tires are examined for tread depth, wear, and proper inflation.
• Horn: The horn is tested to verify it functions correctly.
• Mirrors: The condition of rearview and side mirrors are checked for visibility.
• Seat Belts: All seat belts are inspected to verify they are present and in good working order.
• Exhaust System: The exhaust system is checked for leaks and proper operation.

If your vehicle passes the safety inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Inspection, which is valid for one year. This certificate is required to register your vehicle and must be displayed on the windshield.

New York Emissions Testing

In addition to safety inspections, New York requires emissions testing for most vehicles. Emissions testing is designed to verify vehicles are not releasing excessive environmental pollutants. The specific tests conducted depend on the vehicle's age, make/model, and fuel type.

• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Test: For vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later, an OBD-II test is conducted to check the vehicle's emissions control system. A technician connects a diagnostic device to the vehicle's computer to read data from the emissions control system.
• Tailpipe Test: For vehicles made before 1996, a technician may conduct a tailpipe test to measure the levels of pollutants emitted from the exhaust.
• Visual Inspection: The emissions control components are also visually inspected to ensure that all required components are present and functioning correctly.

Vehicles that fail the emissions test must be repaired and retested to comply with state regulations. Maintaining your vehicle's emissions system is crucial for environmental protection and compliance with state laws.