Top 5 Houston Car Inspection Stations

Joe’s Garage & State Inspection is a family-owned automotive repair shop that has been a mainstay in the Aldine Bender community since 2005.

During our visit, we noticed that the company’s inspection facility is clutter-free. It’s wonderful how their tools are organized systematically and there were no stray car parts or trash littering the garage.

Most customers are also impressed with the way that the company inspects their vehicles. In case a vehicle fails the State inspection, the mechanics thoroughly explain what needs to be repaired so the car won’t fail the re-testing.

Note that the State inspection is a requirement for your vehicle’s registration renewal. With this, drivers need to fix the issues in their cars within 15 days if they failed the safety inspection to avoid incurring expensive fees.

On the other hand, we appreciate how transparent the shop was when explaining their prices. Even though their rates are a bit more expensive than other shops, the mechanics assured us that their parts are durable and sourced straight from the factory.

Although, we observed that some staff sometimes have difficulty in addressing the questions of their clients. If you’re the type of person that likes to know exactly what’s going on with your vehicle, then consider this a heads up.

Still, it’s great that Joe’s Garage & State Inspection is quick in posting the inspection results in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) databases. Because of this, the renewal process of the clients’ vehicles is smoother.

What we like about Christian Brothers Automotive West Galleria is that they provide their clients with a complementary car inspection. 

Clients praise this company for their hospitable holding area. To help clients pass time while waiting for the repairs, the staff provides them with complimentary drinks and snacks plus access to the company’s wifi.

As soon as the client parks their vehicle for repairs, the mechanics start inspecting the crucial parts of the car like its lights and breaks. After checking these, the mechanics focus their attention on the damages, taking note of all parts that need to be repaired.

This auto shop has the same process when performing other types of vehicle assessments like State inspections, pre-purchase inspections, and general inspections. We love that the client only needs to pay a few dollars to get the written reports.

It’s also wonderful that the inspections include photo documents. In our opinion, these photos are useful in instances like claiming insurance money or when showing clients the specific damage in the car.

Despite that, some clients have told us that it takes at least 3 hours before the company sends the report. It’s also unfortunate that they have shorter opening hours compared to others.

Nevertheless, Christian Brothers Automotive West Galleria also provides shuttle services to nearby areas in case you need a ride to your house or work while your car is being repaired.

Since 1991, Larry’s Auto Inspection has been a go-to place for many Houstonians for State safety inspections and emission testing.

When we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles from Larry and his crew. We love that the mechanics take the time to explain the State inspection process, making sure we understand their inspection process well. 

While watching their crew drive the vehicles for a road test, we observed that they always drive slowly to prevent accidents. They also make sure to be gentle when closing the car doors and the hood during the inspection.

During one of the inspections, there was an instance when the mechanics didn’t mention the emission test to one of the customers. While this is a required part of getting a vehicle sticker, it’s better if there is a heads-up so clients won’t be shocked.

We also noticed that they have a small parking lot, making it difficult for people to get a spot during peak hours. Some clients told us that even if each inspection only lasts for a maximum of 20 minutes, you may still need to wait for a while to get parking.

Nevertheless, we’re thankful for Larry’s Auto Inspection because they also give out some useful tips when it comes to the car registration process. We think this is useful for people that are unfamiliar with the rules of the DMV in this State.

Mr. Sticker shines with their quick and streamlined inspection process that could go as fast as 10 minutes.

From what we observed, the automotive inspection station works like a drive-thru. It’s stellar that all the client needs to do is drive their vehicle to their station and leave the keys to the mechanic for the inspections.

After the client leaves the car, the mechanics start to scan the required hardware for the State inspection. Then, the mechanic takes the car for a test drive, followed by emission testing.

Since the company mostly uses digital testing gadgets to check the vehicle, the inspection lasts a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes. It’s perfect if you’re in a hurry to get the papers for your vehicle sticker.

Even though the inspection itself is fast, there are times when the waiting time in this company is as long as 2 hours. This is because of the high customer volume during busy months.

It’s also unfortunate that the replacement parts that this auto inspection station sells are a little costly. 

Regardless, Mr. Sticker is located near the Spring Branch ISD Tax Office where one could get their post-inspection vehicle sticker. With this, clients won’t need to worry about driving too far to get a car sticker after the inspection.

Regular clients describe their car inspection at Goodman Auto State Inspections as hassle-free because of the short waiting time here.

Conveniently, the auto station has 3 inspection lanes where the mechanics work on assessing your car and its parts. Because of this, the shop could accommodate many clients at the same time.

This company inspects every type of vehicle, including electronic ones. They’re also experts in inspecting special vehicles like antique cars and motorcycles.

In addition, we like that the station’s waiting area is well-ventilated and has air conditioning. Although it’s a bit small, there are windows where one could see the inspection process, assuring clients that the mechanics are doing their jobs properly.

Besides, the station also sells some small parts like wipers at a discounted price. They don’t provide installation services so you might need to seek other car repair shops if you want to set up the parts you bought.

We also heard from some clients that there are times when there is only 1 inspector present in the shop. Despite that, these mechanics still work fast to quickly provide their clients with the inspection report.

Regardless, Goodman Auto State Inspections provides 10% discounts for veterans applicable on all of the company’s products and services.