Question: I recently took my Lexus in for a safety check and failed because of my shocks/struts. I took it to my regular mechanic and another shop and was told they were OK. However, with the new iPad safety check system, supposedly I have to get all four struts replaced even though there’s nothing wrong. Who oversees the safety checks? Is there someone I can call about this?
Answer: You should be able to resolve this situation with little added expense, as long as your suspension system is in fact operating correctly, according to information provided by the state Department of Transportation. The Motor Vehicle Safety Office in DOT’s Highways Division oversees the safety-inspection program.
Shelly Kunishige, a DOT spokeswoman, explained that when a vehicle fails a safety-check inspection, the owner has 30 days to fix the problem identified by the inspector. Within that 30-day period, you can return for a re-inspection at the same station with no additional inspection fee.
You disagree with the inspector’s findings and dispute the need for extensive, expensive repair work — it’s not about the cost of the safety inspection itself.
So Kunishige said the Motor Vehicle Safety Office recommends that you start by checking the Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual for Inspectors of Passenger Cars and Light Trucks, which specifies criteria for all elements of the safety check. The guide is available on the DOT website at 1.usa.gov/1OUE2Ec.
The section about suspension systems says the vehicle should look level when it is parked on a level surface. The inspector should push down on a corner of the vehicle and observe whether the vehicle moves downward. The vehicle fails the safety inspection if:
>> The vehicle cannot be pushed down.
>> Coil springs are extended by spacers or blocks, or are shortened or insecurely mounted.
>> Shock absorbers are missing or are severely leaking fluid (slight dampness is OK) or have loose or broken mountings.
>> Any tire or other moving part rubs a stationary part of the vehicle.
If you are certain your car is free of any of those problems, you may choose to simply have your car inspected elsewhere. You also can lodge a complaint against the original inspector.
“Your reader mentioned that two other shops told him/her that the suspension system was OK. If either of those shops are motor vehicle inspection stations, your reader may pay for an inspection there,” said Kunishige.
To file a complaint against a safety inspector or station, call the Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection office for your region. The phone numbers are:
>> West Hawaii: 323-4811
>> East Hawaii: 961-2320
>> Maui County: 270-7363
>> Honolulu: 768-2542
>> Kauai County: 241-4197 (Note: No answering service available; you may be disconnected if no one is available at the time of your call.)
You’ll need to add the 808 area code to any of those numbers if you are calling from off the respective island.
Q: We are thinking of moving to Hawaii and hear so much about the cost of living. It’s hard to sort through all the information online. Any suggestions?
A: Numerous resources gauge the overall high cost of living in Hawaii, based on the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, food, education, etc. We’re sure readers have their favorite economic reports and online tools — perhaps they will weigh in on the comments section of this story. One website we like is the Living Wage Calculator, because it spells out necessary earnings in Hawaii and other states depending on family size and how many adults in the household are working. It’s easy to compare regions, as well. You can find it at livingwage.mit.edu. Values are reported in 2014 dollars.
Mahalo
Mahalo to the wonderful lady in the line to buy Santana tickets who helped my boyfriend when he had a low blood sugar episode. Who knew just standing in line for a while could have that result? Sorry for taking so long to send thanks. There are angels everywhere and you are one of them. Blessing to you and yours always.
P.S. We enjoyed your “good old days” stories also. —A reader
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
