How to Prepare Your Old Mercedes for a DMV Inspection
Giancarlo Perlas November 23, 2014
Inspections are an important part of ensuring the safety of drivers, but they can also be nerve-wracking to everyone involved. If you’re anxious about the upcoming inspection of your old Mercedes, here are five tips to pass it with flying colors:
1. Have Your Mercedes Checked by a Mechanic
Before anything else, have your old Mercedes checked by a reliable mechanic. Ensure that its components, especially the engine, filters and exhausts, are clean. Most importantly, see to it that it is safe to drive and in good running condition before your scheduled inspection. You don’t want your car to break down on your way to DMV, or worse, screw up while the inspection is ongoing, do you?
2. Make Sure It is Well-Oiled and Gassed Up
The oil would likely be covered already if you paid a visit to the mechanic. However, if you missed your trip to the shop, check your tire pressure, make sure that your car has enough gas, engine oil, brake fluid, clean water for the wipers and radiator, etc.
3. Bring the Necessary Paperwork
You can save yourself hours of trouble by collecting your paperwork at home before even stepping foot into the DMV. You’ll need your license and registration for a certainty; some states will require proof of insurance, verification of your current address or copies of your out-of-state title as well.
4. Warm Your Engine
Drive your Mercedes around for a few minutes before undergoing inspection. Not only will it steady your nerves, but it will also grease the wheels, soothe those start-up clangs and ensure that your engine is purring like a kitten at peak efficiency.
5. Get Comfortable with Your Buttons
Even if you never use your fog lights, your inspector may ask to see them, so you’ll need to know where they are to project an air of confidence and competence. The same goes for all of your wipers, switches, levers and valves. Before going through inspection, make sure you know where everything is in your car.
6. Turn Off Your Extras
You don’t want your air conditioner to start making that funny noise when you’re in the middle of an inspection. You don’t want your radio to suddenly waver in and out thanks to signal interference. Keep your secondary systems silent until after you’ve passed evaluation.
7. Avoid the Lines
Save yourself hours at the inspection facility by going at the right time. Generally speaking, the crowds will be shorter in the morning before lunch and during the lull right after lunch. Avoid lunchtime itself and any hour near closing time. Avoid the first and last days of the week, too.
8. Free Up Your Schedule
Set aside a date, which you can dedicate solely for the inspection of your Mercedes. This is to guarantee that there will be no distractions and you will not be pressured about other activities during your inspection.
These are just five tips for impressing your vehicular judges and getting back on the road in no time. Whether you’re headed towards a quick McKeesport evaluation or a full-scale Pittsburgh state inspection, take these suggestions to heart for a fast and easy trip to the DMV with your good old Mercedes.
