Posted on 12/13/2009 9:44:44 PM PST by Dubya
After five years of inspecting vehicles, Dallas mechanic Robert Garcia has seen cars with everything from whisper-thin tire treads to brakes ready to fall off.
Garcia – like many insurers, legislators and safety advocates – can't imagine how bad the disrepair would be without Texas' yearly required safety inspections. "It would cause a big dilemma on the road," said Garcia, who works at Adkison Tire and Service on Irving Boulevard.
But some states have dropped the basic safety review after driver complaints that they were annoying and unnecessary. And some automobile experts in Texas and across the country say more reliable cars and other safety improvements have rendered the inspections obsolete.
Texas is one of 19 states left that require a periodic safety review – down from a peak of 31 states in the 1970s. The District of Columbia recently disbanded its inspection program because of high costs and a lack of evidence that the inspections saved lives.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
You had your truck inspected...and they deemed your brakes failed the test. And you fully admit that your brakes failed on the way home...( a master cylinder problem )
But your defense is you think because you are a good driver...all is okay-dokie.
That's great....I'm glad you didn't wreck your truck...or hurt yourself or someone else.
FRegards,
Thank-you....
Thats probably true. I agree that happens
Those would from vehicles that were junked, scrapped due to collision damage etc...lol..but few no doubt fell off...Just not a big deal when ya don't tail gate.
Even night on a dark road, your generally going to see a bumper or piece of vehicle laying in the road.
The tail gate gets in trouble when, the vehicle in front sees the hazard, and moves out of the way fast, the tailgater behind generally runs straight over the debris, never having the time to react.... Sucks to be the tailgater.
Does not sound like you watch the inspections in Texas. They can go from just looking at the auto to actually driving it a couple of blocks (very rare). In any case, it does not actually mean an inspection. The most I have ever had is checking the lights and tires (no driving).
It’s all for the money... Actually, for the price they charge, I’m surprised that they do that much...a waste of time for the most part.
Registration is $60 or so per vehicle. Inspection is about $15 for emissions exempt (like Diesels or 25 year old cars) or in emissions exempt counties and about $45 for cars/counties requiring smog testing.
Texas doesn't have "personal Property tax" so there aren't any other real taxes on cars we own (other than toll roads). It's not as cheap as say South Dakota to have a car, but it's still cheaper than most states.
As for the inspections, I've failed twice for Autocross tires on a couple of my race cars. They told me that the tread wasn't deep enough though the tires were DOT approved and new. I maybe drove those cars 100 miles/year on the street on sunny days, but scrounged up a mixed set of wheels and tires to pass inspection, then put the racing tires back on five minutes after I got my sticker.
I might add that the last 5 years of inspections was someone coming out to check the auto registration number and looking at the tires. One did make me buy windshield wipers. That is the extent of my Texas inspections...
Mister, I watch them like a hawk when they’re doing my inspections.
They’re inspecting my Jaguars and my offroader - there is no way I’m going to trust them with those vehicles.
Heh...well, understand that! Down south, they don’t seem to care much about anything except tires and sometimes headlight alignment... Of course, we do not have those kind of cars!
Ask the auto insurers if they can show this cuts premiums... bet they can’t.
Ha...Don’t blame ya. Honda CRV’s pass under their radar.
Do have or feel any need to respond to my posts?
As I said....I'm just curious.
Thanks-
Maybe you just need to understand that many here see these inspections as just another way to get money for the state.
They rarely do any good and it would be an exception if they actually caught someone trying to drive a vehicle that was not reasonable on the streets.
You on the other hand seem like someone who would like more government control of all aspects of driving... There are some good things about these checks, but they are far and few in-between. In other words, for every 100 accident prone vehicles that they pass, they stop one. Not such a great record and in actual terms, not significant.
I’ve only lived in one state that required them. Colorado. Don’t know if they still do.
IIRC all they checked was brake pads, tire tread, window glass, and general stuff had to be secured. Like no coat hangers holding up exhuast, etc.
The stickers were easily counterfeited though and it did nothing to stop Illegals from driving around $50 boxes of crap.
Maybe you have no idea what I think? LOL!!
They rarely do any good and it would be an exception if they actually caught someone trying to drive a vehicle that was not reasonable on the streets.
I lived in SoCal...and now live in OK...and I totally understand what "good" inspections do.
That said...when an inspection "shows" I might have a failing braking system...I just MIGHT pay some attention,.....seeing how I have ALWAYS replaced my own brakes, rotors, master cylinders, etc....If nothing else I'd be trying to prove the bassturds wrong!
You on the other hand seem like someone who would like more government control of all aspects of driving... There are some good things about these checks, but they are far and few in-between.
On the other hand....you seem like someone who likes to bark up wrong trees...and not follow along real well...but I admit to maybe being wrong here. LOL!! You are cracking me up though....Thanks!
In other words, for every 100 accident prone vehicles that they pass, they stop one. Not such a great record and in actual terms, not significant.
IOW....I was JUST commenting on the poster's EXACT WORDS....I dunno...but that seem's relevant...to me. Does it to you...might be the question.
FRegards....
All good ideas.
Supposedly, my catalytic converter is need of replacement after 120,000 miles. It’s gonna cost $1500 used or $2000 new for a system that doesn’t propel the car or keep me, my passengers, nor other drivers safe. It just smells like a money grab.
Heh...Yeah, I tend to do that. But really, I have lived in Texas for over 20 years and have never had an actual auto inspection! You can take that for what it is worth...
And I lived in KS, CA, and OK....for years and years without these states telling me I needed my car inspected too.
I guess I was taught correctly and wanted to stop when I pressed the brakes...and wanted my headlights to light when I pulled the knob.
Who knew?
Nuff said....
I expect "invisible" to stay that way.......
I moved to L.A. back in the 90’s. Wife stood in line to “pay” for the smog device. She was told she could have the device installed or simply pay a fee. The natives in line were p.o.’d! They’re forced to actually have the smog device installed. Bottom line is the state simply wants the money.
W...I’ve never gotten out without paying around 30 bucks.
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