Vehicle Safety at Murphy’s Autocare

Vehicle Safety at Murphy's Autocare

A message from the owner, Dave Murphy:

Unsafe vehicles like the one in this video are around you every time you get behind the wheel. Not too comforting, right?

Maintaining your car or truck properly is the key to avoiding vehicles like this, and to keeping your family safe when a vehicle like this loses control and is headed at you. Here at Murphy's Autocare, we make sure a comprehensive inspection reveals any safety issues. We want to keep you safe on the road ahead.

Ohio doesn't inspect your car. Someone should.

Ohio does not require a yearly safety inspection for passenger vehicles. That means worn brakes, bald tires, and broken lights can stay on the road until something goes wrong. Regular inspections during routine maintenance are how most problems get caught.

A safety checklist

Tires

Look for uneven wear, bulges, cracks, and low pressure. Try the penny test: put a penny upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is down to about 2/32 of an inch and the tire should be replaced. See How often should you rotate your tires?

Brakes

Squealing, grinding, a pulsing pedal, a soft pedal, or pulling to one side all mean the brakes need a look. Read Why do my brakes squeak?

Lights and wipers

Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals once a month. Replace wiper blades that streak or chatter.

Steering and suspension

Wandering, clunks over bumps, and a bouncy ride point to worn steering or suspension parts. Worn shocks and struts lengthen stopping distances. See what are signs of bad shocks?

Fluids

Brake fluid, coolant, and oil all affect safety, not only engine life.

Recalls

Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to check for open safety recalls.

How our inspection works

Every vehicle at Murphy's Autocare gets a digital vehicle inspection. Technicians document what they find with photos and video and send the report to your phone or email. You see what needs attention now and what can wait, and no repair starts until you approve it. A courtesy vehicle inspection is one of our always-free services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ohio require a vehicle safety inspection?

Ohio does not require a yearly safety inspection for passenger vehicles, so regular inspections during maintenance are how most safety problems get caught.

How do I check my tire tread depth?

Use the penny test. Put a penny upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is about 2/32 of an inch and the tire should be replaced.

What does a Murphy's Autocare inspection include?

A digital vehicle inspection with photos and video of tires, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and fluids, sent to your phone or email. A courtesy vehicle inspection is free.

Questions or ready to book? Call Beavercreek at 937-426-2886 or Centerville at 937-433-0140, or schedule an appointment online. Both shops are open Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm.

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