Vermont checks your vehicle once a year, but keeping it safe is your job every day. If your vehicle isn't running properly, you may be found at fault in a crash. Know what each part should do and the warning signs that it needs work.
Your vehicle must be inspected once a year. The sticker shows when the next inspection is due
Handbook p. 60 ↗Every motor vehicle must be inspected within 15 days of registration, unless it has a valid Vermont inspection sticker
Handbook p. 60 ↗What wears out or ruins brakes:
- Worn-out linings, which must be replaced
- Oil or grease leaking into the brakes, which makes them grab
- Water from driving in wet weather, so they won't stop the vehicle properly
- Dirt from dusty roads, which wears them out
- Heavy use on a long trip in hilly country, which overheats them
Know the rule
The most common cause of bad brakes is that they don't operate together: one grabs before the other and the vehicle swerves. Check by braking at slow speed on an empty road with a light grip on the wheel.
Handbook p. 60 ↗Know the rule
If the brake pedal goes down too far, have the brake fluid checked at once. There may be a leak.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Minimum tire tread depth. Tires worn to the wear bars are not safe or legal
Handbook p. 61 ↗Know the rule
Penny test: put Lincoln's head first into the deepest groove. If you can see all of his head, the tires are too worn. Don't drive on them; replace them.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Know the rule
Overinflated and underinflated tires both reduce traction, wear faster and affect steering. If the vehicle pulls to one side, check the tires and wheels. Wavy marks on front tires may mean the wheels are out of alignment.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Know the rule
Have your steering and "front end" checked by a mechanic two times a year, and any time steering is hard or the wheel feels loose.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Know the rule
Dim, dirty or low-aimed headlights shorten how far you see. Headlights aimed too high, or that won't switch to low beam, blind oncoming drivers. Replace burned-out bulbs right away.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Your rear license plate must be lighted so it can be seen and read from at least 50 feet behind the vehicle
Handbook p. 61 ↗Also required in working order:
- Windshield wipers that work properly, and a clean windshield
- Front and rear defrosters; don't drive until windows are free of moisture, ice and snow
- An exhaust system that doesn't leak
- A speedometer and odometer the driver can see
- A rearview mirror and a horn
- Tail lights, stop lights, directional lights and parking lights
Know the rule
A leaking exhaust can let carbon monoxide into the vehicle. You can't smell it. Becoming drowsy or nauseous could be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Handbook p. 61 ↗Know the rule
Nothing may hang from the rearview mirror or sun visors. Objects, passengers and pets must not block your view to the front and sides.
Handbook p. 62 ↗Know the rule
Federal law forbids altering odometer numbers. The seller and buyer must sign an odometer statement when a vehicle is sold.
Handbook p. 62 ↗Put it into practice
Your car pulls to the right and the front tires show wavy wear marks. A penny in the tread shows the top of Lincoln's head. Get the wheels checked for alignment and replace the tires, which are worn below safe tread depth.