What is a common reason for a vehicle to fail the safety inspection?

Worn brake pads are a crucial component of a vehicle’s braking system, and their condition directly affects the vehicle's ability to stop safely. During a safety inspection, the inspector evaluates the effectiveness of the brakes, including the quality and thickness of the brake pads. If the pads are excessively worn, they can reduce braking performance, potentially leading to longer stopping distances or brake failure altogether. This presents a significant safety hazard, making it a common reason for a vehicle to fail inspection.

While broken headlights, excessive rust on the hood, and inaccurate paint color can also be reasons for failure, they do not directly impact the fundamental safety of the vehicle in the same critical way that worn brake pads do. Headlights are essential for nighttime and poor-weather visibility, and excessive rust can compromise structural integrity, but the immediate concern of brake functionality underscores why worn brake pads are a prevalent failure point in safety inspections.