Toyota of Bowie

I just moved to Maryland and need to get my cars inspected I took my 1985 Toyota Celica to the service department for the inspection. I read that Maryland's inspection process is pretty strict so I wasn't surprised when they failed it. I was surprised with some of the reasons that they failed it on.



They failed it for a few reasons, the ball joints, a brake hose that is cracked, steering rack boots that are torn, the front struts and rear shocks for excessive bounce and the interior rear view mirror.



I found a web site that gives all the steps for the Maryland Inspection with the explanation of when to fail a vehicle for categories. I learned years ago that the way you test shocks are to push down and let go at each wheel where the shocks are, the car should come back up and come down and stop. My rear shocks settle on t first bounce The law says: "Procedure: with vehicle on a level surface push-down on each corner of the vehicle and release: Reject vehicle if: vehicle continues free rocking motion for two cycles after release or shock absorbers are worn, damaged or leaking to the extent vehicle stability is affected.



The second red flag that was getting ripped off was the fact that they failed the car for the interior rear view mirror. My mirror shifts a little when you touch it, but it holds it position. This is what the law says: Procedure, from the driver's position, visually inspect interior mirror for proper mounting, location, cracks, sharp edges, ease of adjustment and ability to hold an adjustment. Reject if: Mounting is loose so that rear vision is impaired, Does not provide an unobstructed view to the rear, Cannot be adjusted or will not hold an adjustment.



The estimate to fix all these things to get it to pass inspection was $3,700.



I took my car to Coale's Automotive in Odenton. They said the shocks and struts are fine and the mirror isn't a problem. I do have a slight hole in the muffler, the brake hose does need to be replaced. There isn't excessive movement in the ball joint, the steering rack boots do need to be replaced. It will cost me $1,100 to fix and they are things that I would have fixed anyway.



Find a good honest mechanic like I did.