10
Thursday, February 19. 1976
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University Daily Kansan
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Vehicle inspections find defects
By JOHN FULLER
Staff Writer
A substantial percentage of motor vehicles in Kansas were found to be defective during the first nine months of 1975, according to a report presented to the Kansas House Transportation Committee.
The report said 332,029 vehicles were inspected during the nine-month period. Of these, 70,747, or 21.3 per cent, were found to have faulty steering wheels and 2,122 defects, according to the report.
Lt. Bill Shanley of the Kansas Highway Patrol said yesterday that the patrol, in its own spot checks of vehicles during the same period, found an even higher percentage of defective vehicles. Of 3,489 vehicles they checked, 64.4 per cent were defective, he
The largest number of cars, 32,383, in both
inspections had defects in lighting equipment, the report said.
It also listed 20,927 defects in exhaust systems, 19,833 in brakes, 19,244 in tires and wheels, 19,119 in steering and suspension; all new device; and 6,250 in glass and glazing.
As of January, Kansans who register a vehicle must first have it inspected at a station authorized by the highway patrol. Personnel at authorized filling stations, garages and car dealerships can perform the inspections also.
THE INSPECTION costs $5, plus 50 cents for a sticker to certify the inspection. If the vehicle fails the inspection, the owner has 30 days to correct the defects.
Many vehicles are found to have dangerous defects, according to inspectors.
Jim Snell, a mechanic at Montgomery Ward, pointed to some worn wheel bearings on a Volkswagen he was inspecting.
"That guy could be going down the road and have a front wheel fall off any time if he were to ride up."
Snail said most defects were things drivers should, but often don't, check the window.
"You can always drive down the street at night and see someone driving around with one headlight, which is highly dangerous," he said.
Several mechanics said they thought the inspection system could be improved.
"YOU CAN take a car one place and it'llail the inspection and then take it to another place and pass," Dean Holladay, a mechanic, said.
Holliday said some people who inspected cars weren't really qualified to find defects in the vehicles, and others recommended unneeded repairs.
Shanley said complaints about inspections should be made to the highway patrol. He said 11 state inspectors investigated complaints.
"IF A CITIZEN thinks his car has been rejected unnecessarily, he can call the highway patrol," he said. "We will inspect it and if defects aren't found, we will investigate the inspector who recommended the repairs."
He said an inspector could be arrested or have his license revoked if irregularities were found.
Shanley said the ideal situation would be for the state to have its own inspection stations and inspectors. However, the state can't afford such a program now, he said.
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