Question: I have to get an inspection soon to renew my vehicle registration, so I need to pick a place to do it for me. Does Valvoline do inspections?
Answer:
Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) offers state inspections in various stores across the U.S. It is advisable to use their website to find a location near you and check the services provided to see if state inspections are on the list. Not all locations will be able to provide this service.
You are likely to find similar answers when looking at other service locations. For example, Jiffy Lube directs you to contact your local service center for details about state inspections and what services that specific service center can provide.
You might also locate a reputable local repair shop that can do the state inspection for you, especially if it is within walking or biking distance of your home or work. This could simplify the scheduling process, as you can drop it off and come back when the work is complete.
Car inspections vary by state
If you’ve moved, you’ll want to research what is required in your state. Vehicle registration inspection laws vary widely by state. For example, in Oregon, there are no mandatory inspections for vehicles. Conversely in New York, an annual inspection is required for safety purposes. This includes things like brakes, wipers and the horn.
Pricing for these state-mandated inspections can also vary. On one hand, there are states like Delaware where there is no cost for the inspection at DMV facilities. On the other end of the spectrum, in New Hampshire, prices generally range from $20-$50 depending on the location.
If you’re in a state that doesn’t have a fixed cost associated with state-required safety inspections, be sure to shop around for the best deal. Prices can vary depending on the specific requirements of your state and the comprehensiveness of the check. The more thorough the check, the longer it will take and the higher cost you are likely to incur.
Other things that can affect the pricing besides location are the type of vehicle and the age of your vehicle. Your state may have different pricing for standard cars versus specialty vehicles such as mopeds or RVs. Additionally, the age of the car can be a factor in pricing. In Texas, cars 25 years or older come at a lower price point.
It’s important to note that some states have emissions testing (smog check) guidelines separate from the vehicle safety inspections. You’ll potentially need to pay for and schedule that test separately from your state-required safety inspection, depending on the services offered at the specific shop you’re looking at and the laws of your state.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
