Everything in your car is designed to keep every single thing in your vehicle, as well as other drivers on the road safe. One of the biggest ways to ensure your safety is making sure that your windshield and mirrors are aiding you properly. These are parts of your car that allow you to see other objects on the road so you can maneuver your vehicle safely. If your windshield or mirrors are cracked or broken, it could impact the effectiveness of safely driving your car. Vehicle inspections help officials make sure they keep the roads safe from preventable accidents.
What is a Car Inspection?
A car inspection is a procedure that is mandated by a form of government. This inspection ensures that the vehicle conforms with regulations set by the governing body to maintain safety for drivers and the environment. There are different regulations for different state governments. Kansas and Missouri have separate processes for car inspections.
Kansas Vehicle Inspection- The state of Kansas doesn’t mandate a periodic inspection for non-commercial vehicles. However, the state has a Motor Vehicle Enforcement (MVE) that demands a VIN inspection on certain vehicles before receiving a Kansas title and registration. The VIN inspection is required for all vehicles that are out-of-state, reconstructed, or when the proper vehicle identification is in doubt.
Missouri Vehicle Inspection- Missouri law requires all motor vehicles to pass a vehicle safety inspection performed by an authorized Missouri inspection station. The renewal notice you receive from the Department of Revenue will assist you in determining if your vehicle needs to have a safety inspection.
Inspection of Windshields
Windshields are imperative to make sure you can see the road safely. If you have cracks or chips in your windshield, it could prohibit you from driving safely. It’s pretty standard for a vehicle to fail inspection if there is any of the following:
- A crack in the windshield, beyond 3 inches in length within the driver’s vision area
- Unrepaired star breaks, bullseyes, half moons, stone nicks, or chips, larger than 2 inches in diameter and located in any area outside of the driver’s vision area
- Outright breakage at any location
If you’ve ever wondered, “will a chipped windshield pass inspection?”, now you know that it won’t. Many other things will prohibit you from having your windshield passed in an inspection.
Inspection of Vehicle Mirrors
Your rearview mirror and side mirrors allow you to see the sides of your car, as well as behind it, while still facing forward. This allows you to safely change lanes or see other vehicles that are wanting to pass you. It’s important to note that there are blindspots on all cars and that “objects in the mirror are closer than they appear”. Here are some things to know before going into your next car inspection:
- Outside mirrors on the passenger side are not inspected
- The vehicle is rejected if:
- Forward vision is unsafely obstructed by mirror assembly
- A mirror does not provide a clear view of the highway-to-rear because of cracks, discoloration, or improper mounting
- A mirror is broken or has sharp edges exposed
- A mirror is very difficult to adjust or will not maintain adjustment
If there is any damage to your car mirror glass, we can perform either side mirror replacement or rearview mirror replacement. Ensure your car mirrors are safe and ready to pass your next inspection.
Always Self Inspect Your Car Windows
It would be best if you didn’t wait until a vehicle inspection to fix your car. Every time you’re preparing to get behind the wheel, you should walk around your car to inspect it. Unfortunately, damages happen to a car. They experience a lot of forces that crack and chip away at mirrors and glass.
If you have a pre-existing crack or chip in your glass, it’s best to get it fixed as soon as possible. Cracks will expand with weather changes and when air is forced into it from driving. Then as it grows, it lessens the windshield’s effectiveness; keeping objects out and having a clear line of vision.
Contact Kryger Glass Today for All Your Auto Glass & Mirror Needs!
If you have glass or mirror issues, contact us today to get a quote and start the process. We specialize in all types of glass installation, from auto glass to home glass. If you have an inspection coming up or you just got a crack in your windshield or mirror, we can get any glass issues fixed for you. Your safety shouldn’t be delayed! Don’t wait for an inspection to tell you it’s time for a replacement. Get one today.