Reply With QuoteState inspection stations will usually have a sign on the building stating such, like quicky oil change places. There are a few folks on the forum who live up that way, they can probably recommend where to go (or not).
Where to get state inspection?
California doesn't require a state inspection, so I am not sure what to do or expect. I searched and didn't find anything that related to my particular questions:
I have an 04 Miata and a 2014 Prius that need inspections. I'll take the Prius to the dealer, but:
Where should I take the Miata? The TXDPS lists different types of businesses that will perform the inspection, but are they all created equally? Are there any that I should stay away from? Anything that I should be aware of prior?
Do all of the inspection stations charge the same amount or does it differ from dealer to fast lube joint?
Any help / insight / direction is appreciated.
State inspection stations will usually have a sign on the building stating such, like quicky oil change places. There are a few folks on the forum who live up that way, they can probably recommend where to go (or not).
Wow, you already in Big D! How was the looooong drive?Originally Posted by sammm
Most of us take it to the quick oil change places. You just drive up and don't need appointment. Best time of the day is when everybody is at work so that you don't have to wait. The charge is standard around $35 IIRC. They plug into your OBDII for emission test and do the brake test plus visual inspection of lights, tires (make sure they are not at wear bars) and wipers. They love to sell you the wipers. BTW, you have to bring along the proof of insurance.
I think you have a grace period of drving around with your Ca plates and not to have to hurry to get this done. Of course, you have to get this done before registering in Texas and get a Tx plate and sticker.
Gabriel
They all charge the same, and almost any place that does oil changes these days can do them. They will have the sign pictured below on the side of the building. If you are near a CarSpa, you can get a free car wash there with the inspection.
Some thoughts on Inspections- Some shops skip a lot of the checks and will pass you as long as you are don't have any codes (this is the only test they can't skip because their computer must connect to your car). These shops tend to be independents in lower population areas. Other shops really nit-pick. I have seen failures for bad taillight, leaking exhaust manifold, leaking power steering hose, tires at the wear bars, and parking brake engagement point to high.
There are three types of inspections in Texas. Some counties only require a safety inspection (type #1). Counties with pollution issues, and the counties surrounding them will also require either a pre-OBDII emissions inspection for cars newer than 25 years old, but not old enough to have an OBDII system (type #2) and if the vehicle is new enough it will get an OBDII inspection (type #3).
The pre-OBDII emissions inspection requires a set of rollers to run the car on while a sniffer is in the tailpipe. Fewer and fewer of the inspection stations have this equipment, making it harder to get the car inspected. I've found a number of stations that are supposed to have the equipment will claim it's broken so they don't have to do pre-OBDII inspections, which are a bit of a PITA for them.
Of course if you have a car with OBDII, it's easy. Just plug it into the inspection computer and perform the safety inspection and you're good to go. Lots of places will do this.
Jason McDaniel
Last edited by wrx74; 08-05-2015 at 02:33 PM.
1995 M Edition
Thank you, gents. The info is much appreciated. The inspection was super easy and painless - I was done in 10 mins for the Miata and three mins for the Prius. I don't know why I thought it was going to be a hassle. n00b move.
Yep, we arrived this past Saturday! The drive was really good; tiring but uneventful, by God's grace. Pertaining to the focus of this forum: the best feeling was, after four days driving the bob-tail, jumping into the Miata and cruising around with the wifey. The heat is, breathtaking...
Thanks! I checked that page before posting here - it didn't answer all of my questions though.
Your timing of the move wasn't the best! Welcome to the Heat!
For future reference, August is typically the hottest/driest month of the year. It will get much better starting mid-late September.
Your timing of the move wasn't the best! Welcome to the Heat!Hehe, yeah, we knew what we were in for. I figured that we would deal with the worst right away, and then it will be all downhill from here on.
Wait until it's 30 in the Winter. You get the best of both worlds.
That should be interesting. Never felt 30° at a 600-foot elevation.
Your Nitto tires will be fun to drive on around freezing with a light dust of white stuff!
Gabriel
Oh noes! Do most folks switch to winter shoes?
^No...'winter' usually only lasts for a day or two at a time. There's a saying in Texas...if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute.
Though we had winter conditions and on-and-off snow for about three months this year.
I either put the car up for the winter or switch to winter tires. I've got a 4x4 truck and a Subaru wagon for those days when I'm afraid someone will run into me.
Jason McDaniel
There are very few days with true winter precip in Dallas, but it tends to be mostly ice and very hard to drive on. You won't need true snow tires. Our idea of winter tires are performance all seasons.:) they don't salt the roads here, so rust isn't an issue.
Polished Turd Racing
Mick wrote: "I think Jerrett is the best autocrosser I have ever seen naked."
Not true anymore TXDOT and NTTA use that stupid brine stuff (AKA Salt)
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/02/24/b...-for-your-car/
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/12/31/n...ial-icy-roads/
Thanks again for the insight, everyone. I guess the Miata will stay at home on snowy days!
Last edited by Run_Amok; 08-07-2015 at 12:03 PM.
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