Rather than come up with something else for today, I figured some commentary I have already given elsewhere on Virginia's favorite racket could be of interest. Note that the example given is not a case of business libel, since the truth is a defense to that tort :-) Also note that I am rather pleased at having recently passed my own inspection without any ill marks.
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Note on Virginia inspections:
1) Never let your inspector do your repairs. If you don't know him or his reputation, let him know that before the inspection. For many mechanics, the inspection process is their means of creating work. Don't give them the pleasure.
2) If you see someone whose car is in as bad a shape as yours, ask them where they had it inspected. You would be surprised how much room the law actually gives an inspector who isn't just out to find things to fix.
3) There is no "redo" on an inspection - once it is marked as needing repair, you have to get it to pass. However, if the item is not really broken, just find a new inspector for the re-inspection and tell him that you fixed it yourself. And warn your friends about the old inspector. There is an Exxon station on Van Dorn in Alexandria that did this to me ;-)
4) (For girls and men who look like office types) Unfortunately, it is a fair assumption that you will get better treatment by having a guy friend in grubbies (it is more effective if he looks like he is at home with grease under his fingernails) do all the talking and watch him as he does the inspection (feigning both interest in and understanding of the process if necessary).
5) *NEW ADVICE (not available on Em's post :-)* If you are going in for an emissions inspection, make sure your engine is hot - this can cut some emissions figures by up to two-thirds. Driving on a freeway for ten or twenty miles should get the engine warm enough. Also helpful are going to the inspector when there isn't a long line and not getting the safety inspection done first.
6) Bonus humorous note: ever wonder why the Blogspot spell check doesn't recognize the word "blog"?
2 comments:
Sounds like good advice. I'll have to keep it in mind when getting my car inspected up here in PA. Curse these ridiculous oppressive laws. How I miss rural Georgia...
Thanks for the advice.... I am finally through the inspection saga and then came home to find a letter from Loudoun County saying they are taxing my car. The town of Leesburg does too. I really don't like your state. :)
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