Northern Virginia: where to get vehicle safety inspection? (Alexandria: coupons, inspections)

[ssmssm]

Virginia State Police - Safety Division

Moving to VA: where to get the vehicle safety inspection done? The website (above link) does not provide a list of addresses.

Thanks.

[BOS2IAD]

There are lots of places that do the yearly safety inspections. Many gas stations do them as well as auto repair facilities. In order to be more specific, you would need to say where in NoVA you will be living. That way, you can get recommendations for nearby places.

[ssmssm]

Originally Posted by BOS2IAD

There are lots of places that do the yearly safety inspections. Many gas stations do them as well as auto repair facilities. In order to be more specific, you would need to say where in NoVA you will be living. That way, you can get recommendations for nearby places.

Alexandria VA. Oh, so there is no website showing a completed list of inspection station?

Thanks.

[ChristineVA]

I think just about every gas station does them. Some mail out coupons, even, for a few bucks off. Just find a place that is convenient for you.

I have used Exxon's, Sunoco's, the Toyota dealership, the Hyundai dealership. It really depends what works for me at any given time.

[ssmssm]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I think just about every gas station does them. Some mail out coupons, even, for a few bucks off. Just find a place that is convenient for you.

I have used Exxon's, Sunoco's, the Toyota dealership, the Hyundai dealership. It really depends what works for me at any given time.

Wow, there is very convenient. So I just stand by and wait for a moment? How long does it usually takes? It definitely can be done right away, correct? I cannot drop off my car and pick up another day, I have only one car.

Thanks.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by ssmssm

Wow, there is very convenient. So I just stand by and wait for a moment? How long does it usually takes? It definitely can be done right away, correct? I cannot drop off my car and pick up another day, I have only one car.

Thanks.

It normally takes about 20 minutes. You wait with the car. At the very beginning and end of the month, there may be a line of cars waiting to be inspected.

[ssmssm]

Originally Posted by spencgr

It normally takes about 20 minutes. You wait with the car. At the very beginning and end of the month, there may be a line of cars waiting to be inspected.

Thanks. Same for emission test, done right away?

[jb124]

Originally Posted by ssmssm

Thanks. Same for emission test, done right away?

Yep. Most places who do safety also do emissions. Some places will make you wait in both lines sequentially, others will do both tests once you've made it to the front of the line.

Prices are standardized so the only risk of going to one place over another is that some places have been accused of purposely finding things wrong over the years. Since the prices are standard, I tend to get mine done at the dealership, whom I believe have more to lose if they are accused of being shady.

[johnsonkk]

Gone to both dealerships and small gas stations. Just prepare yourself for when they come back wanting to fix or repair. Wiper blades? I'm not paying $25 each. Rear brakes? Those were done last summer and i showed the receipt. This has happened at both locations, dealers and others. Must be bad luck.

[ssmssm]

Originally Posted by jb124

Yep. Most places who do safety also do emissions. Some places will make you wait in both lines sequentially, others will do both tests once you've made it to the front of the line.

Prices are standardized so the only risk of going to one place over another is that some places have been accused of purposely finding things wrong over the years. Since the prices are standard, I tend to get mine done at the dealership, whom I believe have more to lose if they are accused of being shady.

Thanks for the information, does Ford dealer provide both safety and emission test? If yes, which ford dealer? How to find out if the dealer has both safety and emission?

Thanks.