PA State Auto Inspection
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
Stickers shall be kept where?
answer
Kept under lock and key in a safe place
question
What is done with any unused stickers?
answer
Keep them until the QAO comes around. You get a 75% refund on unused stickers.
question
First offense of faulty inspection and improper inspection?
answer
Category 1 violation. 2 months suspension.
question
When checking registration or VIN what do we look for, and what if there's a problem?
answer
VIN number and license plate must agree with registration card. Allowed to have one number off or two numbers transposed (out of order) if the owner proves forms have been sent to Penn DOT. VIN plate can't be loose, defaced, or missing. If there is a problem owner must get a corrected registration or show that proper forms have been sent to Penn DOT.
question
What do you check glazing for?
answer
Approved safety glass must be in every window and it must be permanently labeled. See Appendix C(f) Non transparent material or glass etchings may not obstructs the drivers view and may not be higher than 3-1/2 inches from the bottom of any side or rear window. Glass may not be shattered, broken or have sharp edges. No defects in the acute area or the critical area or the windshield. Louvers can't obstruct driver's vision. Dual side mirrors are required when using sunscreen or louvers.
question
What area of the windshield can there be no imperfections?
answer
The acute area. (8-1/2 X 5-1/2)
question
List all the ways to check the wipers.
answer
Speed at manufactures specs or at least 45 cycles per minute Blades can't be torn or smear or streak after 5 cycles. Must have all wipers Wipers must reset to rest position. Washer system working on cars/light trucks newer than 1968.
question
What do you check the doors and trunk lid for?
answer
Must be original equipment or same type. Must close securely.
question
List all the ways to check mirrors.
answer
Mirrors can't be cracked, discolored or broken., Mirrors must hold adjustment. Can't be loose. Cars with louvers and sunscreens must have 2 outside mirrors (19-1/2 square inches each). No junk hanging from rear view mirror.
question
What's the rule for fender flares?
answer
May not exceed 3 inches.
question
What do you check floor for?
answer
Must be able to support weight of people and cargo. No holes allowed.
question
What is the bumper height for a car and a truck.
answer
Must be as strong as and no longer than original bumper. Can't be broken or torn. Wood planks on service trucks (wreckers) only. Height- passenger vehicles 16-20 inches above ground MPVs, SUV's and light trucks 16-30 inches above ground.
question
Turn signals should have a frequency of flash between __________ flashes per minute.
answer
60 - 120 flashes per minute.
question
What are the guidelines for back up lights?
answer
Must turn off when not in reverse OR have a dash indicator light or audible warning.
question
What are the guidelines for broken lenses?
answer
Will not pass if white light shows through.
question
List three reasons for rejecting shocks.
answer
Missing shocks Mounts or mounting bolts broken Severe leakage. Slight dampness OK
question
What's the minimum steering wheel size?
answer
13 inches
question
The horn should be heard at least ________feet away.
answer
200 feet
question
What do we look for when checking the brake pedal?
answer
Can't go down more than 80% of total travel. Can't fade when vehicle is stopped. (bleed by in master cylinder) No excessive friction in linkage. Can't be missing the rubber pedal pad.
question
What's the min. brake specs for Bonded?_______Riveted?_________
answer
Bonded 2/32 Riveted 1/32
question
What do we check brake hoses for?
answer
Make sure they aren't disconnected, don't leak, flattened or Restricted, dry rot (cord showing)
question
List the items for interior inspection.
answer
Steering wheel free play Steering gear box Steering column Proper size steering wheel Proper turning Flexible steering coupler Indicator lamps for high beam, turn signals. Horn- must be stock type Brake pedal travel Brake pedal fade Brake pedal linkage Brake pedal pad Seats- DRIVERS seat and back must be firmly attached No springs sticking out of DRIVER'S seat Seat adjustment must work Seat belts in good condition ( if originally equipped) Rear view mirror- no cracks or discoloration Rear view mirror- must hold adjustment. No junk hanging on it.
question
Describe steering \"Lock to Lock\"
answer
Turning the front wheels as far as they go from one side to the other. \"Stop to Stop\"
question
Describe the \"1/4 inch Play Test\"
answer
Used to check tightness of steering linkage and gearbox. Raise front wheels off the ground. Have someone hold on the brakes to eliminate bearing play. Wiggle the front tires. No more than 1/4 play allowed measured at the outside of the tire.
question
What do we check motor mounts for?
answer
Reject if broken.
question
List all items for under hood inspection.
answer
Hood latch in good working order. Must be double latched. Check motor mounts No fuel leaks No loose fuel lines Fuel tanks and lines must be OEM or equal to. No fuels lines touching hot or moving surfaces. No fuel system parts inside the car. Alternate fuel systems (propane) must meet code standards. Throttle must work properly No holes or cracks in firewall No exhaust leaks No master cylinder leaks No brake lines, flattened, disconnected, restricted or leaking. Booster for power brakes must be working properly Battery must be securely fastened.
question
What are the minimum requirements for tire tread?
answer
No less then 2/32 on any two adjacent treads (side by side) No less than 4/32 on vehicles with 10,000 GW No wear down to the tread wear indicators on two adjacent treads No exposed cord No repairs with blow out patches or boots. No regrooving below original tread depth. No retreads on the front of a taxi.
question
29. Describe how to unload and check ball joints?
answer
conventional & modified McPherson strut Jack up tire under the A frame close as possible to the ball joint. McPherson Jack up under the frame or body. Lift wheel up and down with pry bar. check for movement in the ball joints. Use dial indicator for exact amount of play.
question
Studded snow tires are legal between what two dates?
answer
November 1st to April 15th
question
Describe the procedure for checking exhaust.
answer
Must have muffler with no external repairs. No loose or leaking joints or seams No holes or cracks in systems No cutouts No part of system in passenger compartment Must have proper clamps and hangers Original heats shields must be in place. must discharge to outside edge of vehicle. Loud exhaust must meet requirements of Chapter 157 Headers and side pipes OK. Fire equipment exempt from these regulations.
question
What is the most an unmarked drum can be machined?
answer
.090\" over original diameter.
question
What is the deepest a groove can be in a drum or rotor?
answer
.015\"
question
. Can a ply be broken on a leaf spring?
answer
Yes. MAIN leaf may not be broken.
question
What do we check inside the trunk for?
answer
No holes in floor bed or inner panels Floor strong enough to hold cargo.
question
How do we check the emergency brake?
answer
Brakes must set before pedal travels it's limit. Brakes must exhibit resistance when you try to move the car.
question
Acute area
answer
The part of the windshield 8-1/2 inches wide by 5-1/2 inches high directly in front of the driver's line of vision.
question
Critical area
answer
The part of the windshield that the wipers sweep.
question
Fleet inspection station
answer
A station certificate to inspect all types of vehicles leased or owned by the person that has the station certificate. Must have at least 15 vehicles.
question
GVWR
answer
The loaded weight of a single vehicle as specified on the Federal weight certification label attached to the vehicle. ( DIFFERENT THAN (GW) GROSS WEIGHT )
question
Light truck
answer
Registered gross weight of 11,000 lbs or less.
question
Medium truck .
answer
Registered gross weight from 11,001 to 17,000 lbs inclusive
question
Heavy truck
answer
Registered gross weight in excess of 17,000 lbs.
question
Safety insert tab
answer
The numbers applied to the inspection sticker (safety certificate of inspection) that show when the sticker expires.
question
Passenger vehicle
answer
Motor vehicle (except a motor cycle) designed to carry 15 passengers or less. Primarily used for transporting people. A bus is a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
question
Certificate of inspection
answer
Inspection sticker
question
MV 431
answer
Use MV-480 for motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers. Inspection report sheet for all motor vehicles EXCEPT motor cycles and motor driven cycles. (mopeds 5 H.P. or less)
question
Annually
answer
Once a year (12 months)
question
Semi annually
answer
Twice a year (6 months)
question
What must you or the station owner do when you start at a new place? of employment?
answer
Notification must be given to the quality assurance officer and the Vehicle Control Division. Your name must be placed on Form TS-443 (listing of mechanics)
question
Stipulation for fog lamps.
answer
May be used only with low beam headlights.
question
Stipulation for driving lamps
answer
May be used only with high beam headlights.
question
Foreign vehicle
answer
Any vehicle not registered in Pennsylvania.
question
How can we tell if a vehicle is from an emission inspection area?
answer
Look for the emissions insert on the inspection sticker or a emissions inspection sticker. Look for the IM on the registration card.
question
If a vehicle is from an emission area, what is our responsibility when inspecting the vehicle?
answer
When placing the inspection sticker on the vehicle we must use an emissions insert.
question
. Name the 3 types of vehicles we check \"scrub\" line on.
answer
Street Rods Specially Constructed Vehicles Reconstructed Vehicles.
question
List the types of hammers required for the inspection station.
answer
Ball-peen Plastic or Brass Rubber
question
An inspection station must be open for a minimum of ______ hours.
answer
40 hours per day unless you get a waiver from the Bureau.
question
If an inspection station is open on Saturday for fuel and service only must an inspection mechanic be on duty?
answer
NO- only during normal business hours (7:00 - 5:00 Mon-Fri)
question
Is the inspection fee for a vehicle that fails the same as for a vehicle that passes?
answer
Yes- Pass or Fail: Same price.
question
Is the price of the sticker included in the fee for inspection?
answer
NO- the price of the sticker is separate. Must have a sign listing them separately.
question
How many stations can a technician be registered at?
answer
As many as he/she wants to as long as they notify the inspection supervisor and the Vehicle Control Division of the Names and station numbers of the places they are working.
question
What is the minimum age of the inspection mechanic?
answer
18
question
What two documents must a mechanic carry when performing an inspection?
answer
Driver's License and Mechanic Card
question
Must the inspection technician be re certified and if so how often?
answer
Yes - Every 3 years.
question
How many days does a mechanic have to take his recertification test? after being notified it's due to expire?
answer
180 days.
question
What is the meaning of 20-20-12?
answer
A passenger vehicle going 20 MPH must stop within 20 feet without swerving outside of a 12 foot wide lane.
question
To inspect a motorcycle does the inspection mechanic need a motor cycle license?
answer
YES
question
. What 5 items must be marked on the back of the certificates of inspection?
answer
(stickers) Expiration date, VIN, Date of inspection, Brakes inspected, Signature
question
Is a new Certificate of Appointment needed if you move your business to a different building?
answer
YES - and you may not do any inspections until then.
question
What must be done if certificates of inspection are stolen?
answer
You must report it at once to the quality assurance officer.
question
If you replace any parts on a customer's vehicle what must you do with the old parts.
answer
Retain them until the vehicle is returned to the customer in case they want to see the old parts.
question
What could happen if you perform repairs on a vehicle without the owner's authorization?
answer
4 months suspension 1st violation, 6 months-2ed, 1 year- 3rd
question
If Bonded brakes measure 3/32 what is the inspection mechanic required to do?
answer
Pass them BUT inform the owner in writing on the work order that they may become dangerous.
question
Are utility trailers and recreational trailers recorded on the same report sheets?
answer
NO- use separate MV-480 forms
question
. May a motorcycle inspection certificate be placed on the left front fork?
answer
YES or left front fender or plate mounted on left side.
question
Should inspection stickers for trailers be placed on the left-front-side OR the left-front-nose of the trailer?
answer
Left-front- SIDE.
question
. How long is the first violation suspension for putting a sticker on a car without inspecting it?
answer
1 year
question
What should you do when removing inspection stickers from vehicles? with plastic inner liners?
answer
Use a stiff plastic scraper instead of a metal one or razor blade.
question
How long do we keep a copy of the MV-431 inspection records?
answer
2 years
question
Must work orders be retained for two years?
answer
Only if someone other than the mechanic fills out the inspection record. The mechanic must sign the work order.
question
. If a vehicle passes inspection can we affix the sticker outside of the inspection area?
answer
YES. Within 100 feet of the station as long as it's on station property and the same side of the street.
question
What must be 24\" high and 21\" wide?
answer
The inspection station sign outside the garage.
question
. How often do we inspect the following? 1. Antique vehicles 2. Trailers under 3,000 lbs. registered GVW 3. Fire trucks 4. Ambulances 5. Trailers over 10,000 lbs. registered GVW 6. School busses
answer
A. Antique vehicles -Not required B. Trailers under 3,000 lbs. registered GVW -Not required C. Fire trucks -Annually D. Ambulances -Annually E. Trailers over 10,000 lbs. registered GVW -Semi-annually F. School busses -Semi-annually
question
How often should a 12 passenger school van be inspected?
answer
Semi Annually for any school vehicle that carries students including cars.
question
If you were to purchase a new vehicle with an expired inspection sticker, how many days do you have to get it inspected?
answer
10
question
Can you inspect a vehicle registered in another state?
answer
Yes but not required. Sticker optional
question
What certificates must be displayed at the inspection station?
answer
Certificate of appointment A fee chart for inspections Form TS-443 listing the inspections mechanics. Your outside inspection station sign.
question
What are the minimum sizes of inspection areas for the following?
answer
A. Mechanical aimers - 12' wide by 22' long B. Approved headlamp aiming screen - 12' wide by 43' long
question
Can we use old discontinued head light aimers?
answer
Yes, as longs as they are in good working order and able to test all types of headlights.
question
. What is the maximum floor slope in the inspection area?
answer
1 percent.
question
How many vehicles can you inspect in one hour?
answer
2 ( motorcycles -3)
question
Is a hoist of lift permitted in the inspection area?
answer
Yes, as long as it doesn't interfere with the inspection.
question
What is the least amount of time and the most amount of time an inspection is good for?
answer
6 months to 15 months.
question
What determines when a vehicle is due for inspection?
answer
The month the vehicles registration renews.
question
Describe the procedure when a customer comes in to get a replacement sticker because the windshield was just replaced.
answer
Up to 5 days to come in for a new sticker. Customer must hand in the section of glass with old sticker on it. Old sticker must be saved for the inspection station supervisor. You don't have to re-inspect the vehicle. You may charge no more than $2.00 for the new sticker Record information from old sticker onto the MV-431. Mark \"replacement\" on the MV-431 & on the back of the new sticker. Refuse to issue a new sticker if the car is obviously unsafe.
question
How much is the wheel base allowed to differ from one side of the vehicle to the other?
answer
No more than 1 inch.
question
Is riveted brake lining measured from the shoe or the rivet head?
answer
From the rivet head.
question
Name two vehicles that do not have to have odometers.
answer
Vehicles at least 25 years old. Vehicles over 17,000 RGW.
question
Explain the difference between GVWR and RGW
answer
GVWR- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating- the limit set by the manufacturer and labeled on the vehicle. RGW- Registered Gross Weight - How much the vehicle is licensed to carry on the registration card.
question
May a vehicle pass inspection if it has no hazard warning lamps?
answer
Only if they were not included as original equipment.
